What’s your pleasure today? A fun and flirty bubbly escape before the coming holidays? An outgoing white to perk up your late afternoon? An elegant red for a little relaxation? Whatever it is, pour your favorite, sit back, and relax while we talk a little Napa and Sonoma Valleys, a world-famous region in our own Northern California. Pour your pleasure, and follow me – See, Sniff, Swirl, Sniff, Sip, and imagine your first, or your next, trip to Napa and Sonoma.
“California Wine Country” commonly refers to the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, though wine in California extends as far South as Temecula and North up to the Oregon border. You’ll want to put some thought and planning into your trip, so you see, taste, and do everything you want, while accidentally discovering some hidden gems along the way!
First, choose your grape to choose your region. Napa Valley has over 300 wineries and Sonoma more than 200. Knowing the differences between the two is critical. Each is relevant and each has a very different foundation, feel, and experience. Knowing this will help you decide where to focus. Napa is considered very touristy, well-appointed, sophisticated, while Sonoma is more rustic and authentic – think SoHo vs. Spello, Italy. Read the websites of the wineries in both Regions and decide what kind of experience you want and what you must see and taste!
How long are you traveling? If Napa and/or Sonoma is just one day of a longer trip, your base is probably San Francisco. If so, know it’s two hours to Wine Country, so if you only have one day, consider a tour from San Francisco. The benefits are significant – no driving, planned stops at known lunch spots, winery tours in Napa and Sonoma, and historical insights all along the way. You’ll cover a lot of ground, won’t make any mistakes because it’s all meticulously planned out, and get back to San Francisco safe and sound for the rest of your trip
Do you have two days? More? Is your entire trip centered around touring wineries? You have options! Quaint inns, cozy B&Bs, and luxury camping. Airbnb is an obvious and popular choice, though I encourage you to really dig deep and investigate the many commercial options. You’ll meet and engage with locals who know more than any travel guide can tell you. You can choose all-out luxury, subdued elegance, or rustic, natural beauty. Hotels, inns, and B&Bs can often help you hire a wine guide (who may drive as a bonus!), maximizing your experience and possibly providing some VIP treatment at wineries. Locals will also know where the less touristy spots are, so if you’re looking for a more authentic experience whether it’s dining, winery-hopping, art galleries, or something else, if you stay at an inn, hotel, or B&B, you’ve got built-in resources and camaraderie.
No matter how many days you have, a good practice is to hit no more than three wineries a day. After three, they run together, you don’t clearly remember your tastings, and it leaves little time for other things. Like eating.
Sustainable, organic, fresh, local. Each of these words imbues California Wine Country and whatever your noshing and dining tastes are, be ready for exciting, creative, sustainable fare. World-class dining, local small-plate eateries, gourmet grocers, it’s all available on any budget and ready to quietly service you on white linen or pack your picnic to go. Menus and offerings change regularly, depending on what’s available and in season. Choose a picnic spot and put your lunch in the hands of a local grocer! Better yet, some wineries have delis and marketplaces, encouraging you to bring a blanket or sit at one of their picnic tables while your palate is delighted with chef-created treats and your eyes are soothed by some of the most beautiful landscape on the planet.
Wine Country, wherever it is, is always picturesque. Make sure your shoes are comfy and your camera is always ready. Winery architecture is a class of its own, think the stone beauty of Buena Vista and the cool glass of Hall and the acreage and grounds surrounding them demand you savor the view in every direction.
Lastly, plan something non-wine. There are countless quaint and laid-back towns like St. Helena, Healdsburg, and Calistoga, activities like air-ballooning and biking, romantic couples’ massages and so much more to ensure you don’t just eat and drink! It’s easy to do! Be sure to round out your time and soothe your soul. You don’t need to hit every single winery on one trip. You’ll be back soon enough!
Can’t get there from here? I’ll bring it to you! Boisset is a diverse collection of unique wineries with deep historical roots in many of the world’s most prestigious terroirs. Host a Boisset Wine Tasting Event in your home, join our Wine Society and receive regular, curated bottles delivered right to your home or business, order custom label or etched bottles, and more.
One of the key tenets of the Boisset family and its vineyards is a keen sense of responsibility for the land or terroir. Since 1994, Boisset Collection Proprietor Jean-Charles Boisset has worked tirelessly to incorporate sustainable, organic and Biodynamic standards and processes into the family’s more than 20 vineyards in France and California.
Contact me today and let’s start planning your event or enroll you in Wine Society!
Robyn T Chapman
I was introduced to wine via a gift subscription to a wine club about 25 years ago and never looked back! The excitement of receiving the delivery every quarter, along with interesting accompaniments, was just thrilling and I began to develop tastes and preferences. With my commitment to sustainability, reducing my carbon footprint, and striving to be an excellent steward of Mother Earth, the Boisset Family of Wines speaks to me very deeply and personally. Already familiar with the wineries in the Family, the non-negotiable sustainability practiced by Boisset globally throughout all of its distinctive wineries is what drew me in. It would be my pleasure to introduce you to Boisset and all we have to offer.
