Tap to Read ➤

Napa Valley: Fine Wine Lovers’ Paradise in California

Buzzle Staff
Napa Valley is a beautiful portion of California and is also where much of California’s wine is produced. Follow these tips to have a great Napa Valley vacation.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video.

If you like wine, you will like Napa Valley, California. Napa Valley is a great destination for wine lovers, a romantic getaway for couples who enjoy finer things in life.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video.

While it is not the best place for children, it is a fantastic place for couples, groups of adult friends, or even adult members of the family to get away and enjoy wine and great food.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video.

Where to Stay

Napa Valley is both a region and a town in northern California. While the region is beautiful, it also comprises several towns like St. Helena. The town of Napa Valley is beautiful, but it is at the southern end of the valley and not near many of the wineries.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video.

St. Helena, however, is further north in the valley and is home to several wineries within walking distance of many of the hotels. It is advisable to do some research before taking a trip to Napa Valley, because you want to be sure to stay at a place where you can easily visit wineries and restaurants without having to drive very far.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video.

There is also the neighboring Sonoma Valley, which is just over the mountains from Napa Valley. Sonoma Valley is just as beautiful and has numerous wineries as well, along with a slightly warmer climate.

Wine Train

The Napa Valley Wine Train is a great tourist attraction. There are several rides you can take, and all of them include a multi-course meal, as you make your way through beautiful vineyards and other scenic places. The food is, of course, extraordinary.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video.

Then, you end at a winery where you have an hour-long tour and are able to taste and buy different wines. It truly is an experience to remember. However, it is a good idea to visit other wineries before the Wine Train.
This is because you can practically see only one or two wineries in-depth on the train, but if you go on your own, you can visit many more in a shorter period of time. This will give you the taste of many wineries, as well as an in-depth tour of one of the wineries, and will ensure you have a well-rounded experience.

Visiting Wineries

Wineries will be crowded at times, especially the popular ones. However, most of them are worth the wait. If you visit during off-peak times, such as during the winter or on weekdays, you may have better luck, so plan your trip accordingly.
It is also essential to take notes on the wines you drink, because they may end up tasting very similar after a while, and if you find a wine you like a lot, you may want to purchase it. Notes can help you remember what you taste.

Purchasing Wine

If you want to purchase wine, it’s a good idea to collect your bottles and have them shipped from your hotel to your home. This can save you the grief of trying to fit wine bottles in suitcases, as well as worrying that they might break during the trip home.
If you are buying several bottles from one winery, many establishments will have a deal for you to ship them wherever you need. Not only will this save you some headache, but will save you a bit of money as well. When you run out of wine, you can always purchase more from the comfort of your own home via the winery websites or by making a simple phone call.