California is the top wine-producing state in the United States, and more than a quarter of the wine revenue is thanks to the prime growing conditions in Napa Valley, a region located an hour northwest of San Francisco. Known for its rolling hills and hundreds of wineries, Napa Valley is a prime tourist destination and with some simple planning, your visit will be memorable and stress-free.
Determine the time of year you wish to travel. If you want to be in the area for the grape harvest, then plan to visit in September or October. The winter months are often best for travel deals, and spring brings warm weather and budding trees. Visiting in the summer is a great way to enjoy fresh local food at one of the many restaurants.
Select your type of lodging. The Napa Valley region has a wide range of lodging options, depending on the type of vacation you want to have. For a more relaxing experience, you may choose to stay in a resort or spa, or for a more rustic trip, you can camp. There are also hotels, bed and breakfasts, and RV resorts. The type of accommodation you choose with help influence the feel of your trip.
Pick which region you wish to visit. Napa Valley is made up of five regions, and while the valley itself is only 150 square miles, choosing a home base will help narrow down the multitude of winery choices available.
Choose the vineyards you wish to visit. Napa Valley has more than 100 vineyards, each with unique vintages to sample. You can choose to visit only the more well-known vineyards, such as Mondavi and Trinchero, or mix it up by visiting established vineyards as well as newer up and coming places. Some vineyards offer special tastings, tours or events.
Decide on type of transportation. Visiting multiple wineries in one day is expected, and if you enjoy one of the many wine tastings, then you will need to plan for a designated driver or alternate form of transportation. There are shuttles that run from many of the hotels and resorts, or you can hire a car. Wine tours often provide transportation to a number of wineries, and can be customized for additional fees.
