Wine country for Non-Connoisseurs by C & R

Harvest season is quickly approaching in many wine growing regions around the world with festivals and events celebrating this time of year. If you’re a wine lover, now is a great time to take a holiday to one of these regions. Wondering where to go and how to plan your trip? This week we’ll share tips on visiting popular wine regions, including recommendations on where to stay.

Napa Valley
California’s Napa Valley is a favorite among food wine lovers, with big commercial and small boutique wineries nestled in a picturesque valley. Bed and breakfasts, award winning restaurants and luxurious spas help turn a day of wine tasting into a relaxing holiday. Just a short drive from San Francisco, Napa Valley is great for weekend getaways from the Bay Area or a great reason to extend your vacation to California.

Popular Spots
Some of the most popular wineries can be found just north of Napa, near the towns of Oakville, Rutherford and St. Helena. Many of the tasting rooms charge a fee and can often be crowded, but are worth a visit especially if this is your first time to the region.

RealTraveler Tracy recently visited the region during a family vacation and shared great tips on where to go, including a stop at V Sattui, a great place to stock up on picnic supplies:

“Next we visit V. Sattui Winery, more for the gourmet deli and grounds, than the wines. Six tastes for $5, but most of the wines are too sweet for my palate. The deli is awesome however, and we stock up on yummy gourmet goodies for a picnic lunch.

The only winery mom had on her must-see list was Sterling Vineyards for the tram ride to the top. The $15 weekday/$20 weekend tour includes the aerial tram ride, self-paced self guided tour and five wine tastings served while seated at your own table on a deck overlooking the valley.” (more…)

Realtravelers C&R visited Rutherford Hill Winery during their trip:

“With nearly 300 large and small wineries to choose from, selecting one to tour and taste wasn’t easy. What was interesting for us certainly may not be on the priority list for some one else. But if you really wanted to experience the wine-making process, the tasting as well as the most extensive cave system for cooling and ageing…then I think Rutherford Hill is your best bet.

As the name suggests, it is located on a hill, and commands spectacular views of the valley.The whole place has such an “italian” look and feel (and I have never visited Italy…but want to now). They run hour long tours 2 times a day and 4 times on the weekends. ” (more…)

Slightly Off the Beaten Path:
By traveling slightly off the beaten path you can find less crowds and even tasting rooms without a fee! You may even find the opportunity to relax in a mud bath.

North of Napa you can find the relaxing town of Calistoga, a popular place to soak in mud, mineral springs and to get a massage. Surrounding the main street of Calistoga you will find great wineries including Chateau Montelena and St. Clement. Chateau Montelena has great wines and a beautiful setting that you must see for yourself. At St. Clement you can take your wine on the porch while relaxing in the shade.

If champagne is in order, head to Korbel in Guerneville for a free taste. Located near the Russian River along river road, Korbel is surrounded by vineyards and rose gardens - you can even sip bubbly while having a picnic with treats from the deli.

Traveling along 101 up to Northern California and only have time for a quick stop or two? Stop in Geyserville. There are plenty of great wineries in this area, some with free tastings and gift shops to give you a taste of the region before continuing your trip north.

RealTravelers C&R also shared great insights for getting off the beaten path:

“If you want to loose the crowds, and get your complete fill of wine, tours and tasting, I would highly recommend taking the scenic and peaceful Silaverado Trail (it runs parallel to Hwy 29 all the way upto Calistoga).

Sonoma Valley is another quiet and commercial-free town to experience the vineyards and the culture.” (more…)

How to get there:
Depending on how much time you have, you can either rent a car from the airport, rent a limo to travel in style or take an all day bus tour from San Francisco. You can even rent bikes from many hotels and B&B’s. Make sure you take plenty of water while wine tasting - the temperatures tend to be hot this time of year, and wine can make you feel dehydrated in a jiffy.

Be sure to stop by a visitor center - they’ll have plenty of maps and brochures to get you going. Hotels and B&B’s may even have maps and free tasting coupons for nearby wineries.

Weekend Itineraries and ideas:
Napa Valley 2007 by Ashley & Justin L
Divine Weekend in Napa Valley by little haxby
Art & Wine by Tracy

For great tips, photos and more, be sure to visit:
Napa Guide
Sonoma Guide
Calender of Events in Napa

And to base your trip in San Francisco, visit:
San Francisco Hotels
San Francisco Travel Guide
San Francisco Attractions