Visiting Napa, Tuscany, or Bordeaux is on many people’s bucket list, and for good reason. Even if you don’t drink, the rolling vineyard hills are a beautiful view and can be a calming atmosphere. But just booking a flight to California, Italy, or France may not be the right move without a little planning.
In my planning process, I take into account who is visiting, how much they know about wine, what wine they prefer, timing, distance, and so much more.
What to Know Before Visit Wine Country
Take stock of what you know about wine, the region, and tasting in general. There are a few industry tips that will make your experience more enjoyable. Generally, winemakers and sommeliers are kind and enthusiastic teachers, but you should go to a smaller place early in the day to ensure they have the time to spend with you.
To people who haven’t been there, saying you just visited Epernay or the Loire Valley may sound like the most pretentious thing ever. But the beauty of wine is that what you like and dislike is really up to you. We all have unique palettes and while some may be snooty about it, you should come in with an open mind and respect that we all taste and enjoy differently.
I almost never taste what the tasting notes for each glass say I should experience. That’s perfectly fine. That doesn’t mean I’m wrong or that I don’t know much about wine. Try not to yuck others’ yum. Something I’m still working on myself.
Who Should Visit Wine Country
Everyone! Just kidding. Children can make the occasion not as relaxing for everyone and often aren’t permitted in some tasting rooms so be sure to check their policies before bringing the little ones along. Additionally, those grumps who are adamant that they don’t like wine (they just haven’t found the right wine yet) may bring the mood down. However, they do make excellent designated drivers if they have a good attitude about it.
How to Get Around Wine Country
We always assume we’ll pace ourselves and will be fine to drive, but know that police assume the opposite and will assume you don’t know where your limit is. They patrol those areas regularly in order to keep the roads as safe as possible. I recommend hiring a professional driver or having a designated driver who will stick to one or two tastes all day. Depending on the size of your group, you may hire a sprinter van or just jump in a friend’s Prius like we did so many times. There are tour busses who will coordinate your whole day if you are willing to give up control and the opportunity to visit smaller operations.
When to Visit Wineries
Some regions are open year round while others are open only during growing and harvest season. Depending on the hemisphere and region, that could mean summer/fall or winter/spring. For example, Napa is gorgeous in September since you’ll be just prior to most of the harvest season and this year’s grapes will still be on the vine.
Many wineries are only open on the weekends, but you may find that they are more crowded than weekdays. Make sure to confirm the days of the week for each location and don’t make any assumptions. I’ve also been to plenty of tasting rooms that are only open when the owners feel like it or have availability. Google Maps isn’t always the most reliable source. I double check their website, social media, and depending on how flexible my plans are, may even call.
Most wineries and tastings are open midday to dinner time. This can throw some people off who intend to rage after hours. I usually make it an all day affair arriving at our first stop right when they open and closing down our last stop. Therefore I, as the crazy researcher I am, make a list of the open hours for each of the wineries I’d like to visit and note which ones are open earliest and latest. There are some that are open later if they have restaurants attached to them. But be careful because the restaurant may be the only part that is open and you may have to purchase bottles or glasses instead of a tasting.
How to Choose Which Wineries to Visit
In addition to the opening hours, you’ll want to order your stops by distance as well. Advance planning can help prevent trekking from Geyserville to Helena to Healdsburg to Sonoma in one day. I like to choose a smaller region and drive just a few miles between stops. It keeps the energy up and we get to spend most of our time drinking instead of driving.
Based on what the group enjoys drinking, I also choose wineries that specialize in those varietals or that offer a wide range of varietals that will serve our group. For example, I may take my girlfriends to a sparkling wine specialist, my mom and mother-in-law to a sweet wine place, and my partner to a romantic red wine tasting room.
What to Wear Wine Tasting
Visiting a winery or tasting room usually merits garden or semi-formal attire. While some may get away with jeans or shorts, a sundress and a button-down are safe options. Plus you know you’ll be taking photos at these beautiful venues that are often the backdrop for weddings. I’d wear comfortable shoes knowing you may get a little tipsy, but if you insist on wearing heels, choose wedges since you may be wandering the rows of grapes.
How Much Does It Cost to Drink in Wine Country
Many wineries offer complimentary tastings. Some offer a flight with a small fee, but may waive that with the purchase of a bottle or two. Others do charge a fee for tastings. In all cases you should remember to tip your server.
How to Drink in Wine Country
First of all, pace yourself. You’ll be tasting all day and you may consume more than you think if you do dozens of half-ounce pours.
One fun thing I like to do is compare vintages (years) of the same varietal or blend. You’ll likely notice incredible differences between the two or even three tastings.
Be open-minded about what you taste. You’ll likely have the opportunity to try some varietals you haven’t heard of. Take the bartender’s recommendation but then be honest about what you thought so they can make a better recommendation next.
You’ll usually taste driest to sweetest. There is certainly a formal and proper way to taste, but taking note of the color by holding it up to a white background is a good first step for the casual drinker. Then swirl the glass and stick your whole nose in the glass to smell it. Then take a small sip to taste the wine in the front of your mouth. A second sip can be swooshed around in your mouth, and then enjoy as you please. Regardless, don’t feel judged or like you are doing anything wrong when you taste. Really, the only thing people will give you funny looks for is taking your tasting like a shot. Don’t do that.
If you have questions about visiting wine country in any part of the world, I’m happy to share what I know or how I research my own trips.