Google

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Tips for Planning a Pleasurable Napa Valley Wine Tour

Napa Valley is a great destination to plan a vacation where you are a wine connoisseur or you know absolutely nothing about wine but you would like to learn. There is a keen belief that you need to be a wine expert in order to enjoy a trip to Napa Valley; however, the truth of the mater is that you can still enjoy a great time in Napa Valley even if you are not very knowledgeable about wine. If you are considering starting a wine cellar at home, a trip to Napa Valley is a great way to educate yourself about different types of wine as well as stock up on quality wines at reduced prices.

First, be aware that when you plan a trip to Napa Valley it is a good idea to make your reservations in advance. Napa Valley has truly experienced a surge in popularity in recent years. More than five million people visit Napa Valley and take wine tours each year. As a result, it is a good idea to make reservations in advance.

Most of the wineries in Napa Valley are located on Highway 29. Napa Valley itself is just a mere 35 miles long. When traffic is not bad you can easily navigate the distance of Napa Valley in 30 minutes. That said; however, the immense popularity of Napa Valley has meant that there have been numerous construction projects; both in terms of building construction as well as road construction. This means that you should plan for road delays. The good news about this is that you will have plenty of time to read up about the many different wineries located in Napa Valley while you are waiting.

Due to the fact that you may get delayed on the road, it is a good idea to make sure that you start the day with a full tank of gas. You certainly will not find any gas stations at any of the wineries. In the event you run into construction or a road delay you do not want to find yourself without gas.

When packing for an outing or a day of taking wine tours it is a good idea to make sure that you bring along several items with you to make the day easier and more pleasurable. First, keep in mind that it is a good idea to bring along a pack lunch. While it is true that some wineries will offer food; there may not always be substantial amounts of food so it is a good idea to be prepared. Many wineries offer picnic areas that are absolutely stunning so you will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy a relaxing and breathtaking lunch.

In addition, it is a good idea to bring along some bottled water. In most cases, you will spend a lot of time walking around and traveling between wineries. Bringing along your own bottled water is a good way to make sure that you do not have to stop for water or go thirsty in between.

You will also want to make sure that you bring along a camera. Napa Valley is certainly well known for its fine wineries; however, the scenery and landscapes in Napa Valley are nothing short of spectacular.

Finally, make sure that you bring along plenty of dollar bills and five dollar bills. You will find that there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy wine tastings for just $5.

Google