(Contributed by Harriet Martin) If you’re a wine enthusiast who’s lucky enough to be visiting California, you’re in for a treat. Renowned for its world-class wines and stunning vineyard landscapes, the state is a dream for wine enthusiasts. With over 6,000 wineries, stunning national parks and 840 miles of pristine coastline to explore, there’s a dreamy wine tasting trip for everyone in this sunny paradise.
Here, we take a look at how to get the most out of your wine tasting trip to California.
Plan Your Tastings And Tours In Advance
It’s best to book your wine tours in advance, particularly if you’re visiting during the peak season. There are many different varieties to be found across the wine country, from the iconic Cabernet Sauvignon of Napa Valley to the fruity Zinfandel of Paso Robles. Sitting in the sun on a beautiful patio overlooking the vineyards is a brilliant way to unwind, and the lush wineries of California are nothing if not welcoming.
Wine tastings can be casual, gathering with good company and a few bottles on the patio, or more formal with selected wine served alongside dishes from expert chefs. No matter the kind of experience you’re looking for, booking ahead can save you stress, time and money.
You should aim for no more than three wine tasting sessions each day, as you’ll likely drink around two glasses at each winery. Be sure to stay hydrated with plenty of water and eat well to avoid adverse effects.
Likewise, you’ll want to plan your route so that you can effortlessly swoop from one winery to the next without spending too much time on the road. Don’t forget to appoint a designated driver (or use a hire service) so you can fully relax into the experience.
Bring A Notebook
Bringing your notebook is essential if you want to be able to look back on which wines you enjoyed the most for future purchases. It’s also nice to take the opportunity to engage with the winemakers and learn about the history of their vineyards – their passion and knowledge are a big part of what makes wine tasting in California great. Learning about what goes on behind the scenes is an important part of being a good food tourist.
Every vineyard has a story to tell, but you may not have time for a tour at every winery you visit. So, make sure to do your research ahead of time and book tours for those you most want to see. Prepare any questions you have in advance, so that you can then jot down useful notes during the experience.
Explore Beyond Wine
In between your wine tasting adventures, why not explore a little more of this stunning region? Death Valley in southern California is a mesmerizing, arid landscape that is well worth a visit. Or, head to the Channel Islands National Park to discover sea caves, seals and nesting seabirds amidst the rugged coastal landscape. We all know how refreshing and satisfying a glass of wine can be after a long day of exploring, so be sure to make the most of sites like these in the area, too.
With its green rolling hills and a vast array of volcanic, sedimentary, and marine soils, the diverse yet tiny wine region of Napa Valley is best seen from above. Take to the skies in a hot air balloon ride to truly appreciate the beauty of the valley, where grapes manage to thrive at elevations from sea level to 2,600 feet.
A wine tasting trip is a memorable experience that, with good planning and an open mind, can be a lot of fun. Whether you’re savoring a bold red or a refreshing white, the Golden State’s wine country offers something for every wine lover – and don’t forget to explore some of this picturesque region’s other attractions on your trip. Cheers!
About the Author: Harriet Martin is a self-proclaimed foodie with a passion for excellent wine. She enjoys sharing her wine tasting tips with like-minded people visiting the Napa Valley area.
