| ou interested in planning a trip to California’s | | | | Many recommend visiting a combination of wineries |
| wine country? If you are and if this is your first time | | | | that are both large and small in size. When doing so, |
| looking to do so, you may be searching for some | | | | you often learn and see different things, as well as |
| guidance. After all, there is so much for you to do and | | | | taste wines that differ in both style and taste. |
| see in wine country. To get you started, some helpful | | | | Unfortunately, as convenient as guided wine country |
| tips are outlined below. | | | | tours are, you don’t have much freedom or |
| One of the best ways to have a fun and memorable | | | | say, if any, in the wineries you stop at along the way. |
| trip to California wine country is by examining all of | | | | Another great tip to help you enjoy your next trip to |
| your options. This is particularly true where wine tours | | | | wine country involves your stay time. Of course, you |
| are concerned. Do you want to visit wineries on your | | | | can enjoy a single day of touring and wine tasting in |
| own or would you like to take a guided tour? If you | | | | California wine country, but you may want to stay |
| would like to be a part of a guided tour, you will want | | | | longer. In fact, many wineries recommend spending at |
| to make your plans well in advance, especially if you | | | | least two days touring local wineries and participating in |
| will be visiting during peak tourism times. | | | | wine tasting events. The longer that you stay, the |
| Even if you would like to independently visit wineries in | | | | more you will be able to see, taste, and learn. |
| California’s wine country, you will still want to | | | | Since wine tours and wine in general has increased in |
| examine all of your options ahead of time. This is easy | | | | popularity, you may be concerned with the crowds. If |
| to do with the internet, as you can find many online | | | | you would like to enjoy calm and relaxing wine tours, |
| travel guides for wine country. Knowing which wineries | | | | you will want to avoid Saturdays, as they are the |
| you have the option of visiting can help you decide on | | | | busiest day of the week. Many wineries in California |
| a plan, which can allow you to develop a map yourself | | | | also report high visitor levels between the months of |
| to follow. With over 400 wineries and vineyards to | | | | May and October. For the best luck, mid-week tours |
| choose from in California, research enables you to | | | | are your best option. |
| prioritize. | | | | As previously stated, you have the option of touring |
| In terms of getting there, you will want to make your | | | | wineries in California wine country on your own. Should |
| travel arrangements well in advance of your trip date. | | | | you choose this option, be sure to have a designated |
| For starters, examine vacation packages. Vacation | | | | driver. Although you will likely only have a few sips |
| packages are offered for California wine country and | | | | here and there, it can add up quickly. And, it is always |
| many are not only convenient to purchase, but money | | | | better to be safe than sorry. As previously stated, |
| saving as well. You may be able to get standard | | | | many wineries recommend staying in the area at least |
| vacation packages, which include hotel | | | | two days. If you do so, you can work out an |
| accommodations, airline reservations, and a car rental. | | | | arrangement with someone in your traveling party. For |
| With that said, many local inns partner with wineries so | | | | example, you can be the designated driver one day |
| that they are able to offer packages and other | | | | and they can be the next. |
| discounts. | | | | When planning a trip to California wine country, the |
| As for touring wine country, if you decide to tour the | | | | above mentioned tips are just a few of the many that |
| area on your own, you may want to mix it up a little bit. | | | | you will want to keep in mind. |