Hello from wine country!

Planning a weekend getaway to wine country can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming, especially when there are so many incredible wineries and experiences to choose from.

Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned wine enthusiast, crafting the perfect wine-tasting trip requires some insider knowledge. Here are our top tips to help you plan an unforgettable weekend of sipping, savoring, and exploring.

1. Plan Ahead and Make Reservations

While the spontaneity of wandering through wine country can be romantic, planning ahead ensures you get the most out of your visit. Many wineries require reservations, especially at popular spots, and tasting rooms can book up quickly, particularly during peak seasons.

Make sure to book reservations online for each winery you plan to visit. This not only guarantees your spot but often unlocks access to special experiences like private tastings or vineyard tours that may not be available elsewhere.

2. Begin Early for a Relaxed Experience

Early birds get the best pours! Starting your wine tasting journey earlier in the day offers several advantages: tasting rooms are less crowded, winemakers are often more available for one-on-one interactions, and your palate is fresher for fully enjoying the wines.

Most wineries open around 10 AM, so aim for a leisurely morning visit to your first stop.

3. Map Out Your Route for Convenience

Wine regions can span miles, and driving between far-flung wineries can eat into your day. A well-planned route can save you valuable time and allow you to focus on the fun stuff—tasting wine!

For example, CellarPass allows you to easily view all the available wineries that can be booked by providing an interactive map of Napa Valley.

Group wineries by proximity and plan a logical route to avoid backtracking. If you're visiting Napa Valley, for example, consider exploring specific sub-regions like St. Helena or Yountville in one day, then venture to Calistoga or Rutherford on the next. Sonoma visitors can do the same with areas like Russian River Valley or Healdsburg.

4. Pair Your Wine with Food for the Ultimate Experience

Wine is best enjoyed with food, and many wineries offer delicious pairing experiences. Whether it's cheese, charcuterie, or full meals prepared by in-house chefs, these food pairings can elevate your tasting and bring out the nuances in the wine.

For a more immersive experience, seek out wineries that offer vineyard picnics or farm-to-table lunches. Some notable spots in California wine country offering fantastic food pairings include Chateau Montelena in Calistoga, known for its picnic lunches, and De La Montanya Winery in Healdsburg, which features a seasonal pairing menu designed to complement their wines.

5. Discover Hidden Gems

While it's tempting to focus on the famous wineries (and they’re worth visiting!), don’t overlook smaller, boutique producers. These hidden gems often provide more intimate and personalized tasting experiences, and you might discover a new favorite wine that isn’t widely available.

A few of our favorite hidden gems include:

Nichelini Family Winery in Napa's Backroads
Nichelini Family Winery is proud to be one of the pioneers of Napa Valley’s modern wine industry. In 1884, traveling on horseback, homesteaders Anton and Caterina Nichelini became the first Swiss settlers in Napa County’s Chiles Valley. 

Lasseter Family Winery, Sonoma
Lasseter is a picturesque hidden gem just outside of Glen Ellen. Savor a Cellar Tour & Salon Tasting, Estate Vineyard Tour, or Patio Tasting of stunning organically farmed Bordeaux and Rhône inspired white, rosé, and red wines, and old vine Zinfandel.

Law Estate Wines, Paso Robles
Visit this extraordinary estate and taste wines that are not only handcrafted but nurtured by nature. Experience Law Estate Wines; the perfect harmony of minimalist design, sustainable winemaking, and remarkable flavor in every glass.
 

6. Embrace the Local Vibe with Activities Beyond Wine

While wine is the main attraction, wine country offers plenty of other activities to round out your weekend. There's so many things to do in wine country!

Consider adding a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards, a scenic bike tour, or a visit to a local farmer's market.

For those who enjoy art, some wineries and tasting rooms, like Acumen Wines in downtown Napa, feature rotating art exhibits, blending wine with culture.

And don’t forget to book a spa treatment or dip into natural hot springs, especially if you’re visiting a quaint wine country town like Calistoga.

7. Take Home More than Just Memories

As your weekend winds down, don’t forget to bring some wine home!

Many wineries offer discounts on bottles when purchased on-site or provide shipping options so you don’t have to worry about transporting your wine back. Win, win, wine!

The perfect way to keep enjoying your visit to wine country is to sign up for a wine club where your favorite winery will shop you their best wines throughout the year.

Join us this harvest season in wine country

A well-planned wine tasting weekend is the perfect blend of relaxation, discovery, and delicious wine.

With these insider tips, you’ll be able to savor every moment and create lasting memories from your trip. So go ahead, book that reservation, explore the hidden gems, and cheers to an unforgettable wine country experience!

We hope to bump into you in St. Helena!

- The Silver Fox

Our Top Picks for Hidden Gems

Upcoming Events

With harvest here, we've got a fantastic line up events. So, get out and raise a glass with us in wine country!