Here is an itinerary I recently put together with my girlfriends with some tips. The next time you plan your next girls-getaway weekend in Napa and Sonoma, these tips really worked out well for us.
It literally went without a hitch. Yes - really.
Communicate before the trip. If it’s more than four people who are going, send out an email with all the details of the trip to everyone who is going. This helps make sure everyone is not only on the same page but with scheduled tastings, reservations and events, (which we had all on this trip), make sure everyone knows what to expect.
For example, if the weather looks like it’s going to be a little chilly, hot, perfect - let everyone know. Wine country can be very unpredictable during any season. Warm in the winter and cold in the summer is not uncommon so just make sure everyone knows.
Small family wineries that treated us all like members.
If you’re a member of any winery, include it in your trip. Make sure this has been communicated beforehand to everyone to avoid an awkward moment if it’s more than four tastings (which is what usually comes with a wine membership).
Don’t forget your tablecloth to enjoy the scenery at wineries. Many wineries have picnic areas to eat while doing tastings. Just don’t forget to take a tablecloth. Lunch for 5 can be $100, (or $20 per person), which helps when you’re paying for hefty tastings and wine bottles.
Trays we picked up…
Order picnic trays in advance. You can order online and have your driver pick it up but order at least 3 days in advance. In Sonoma, Oliver’s has a great way to order easily online. If you have time and pick up picnic items yourself, Big Johns in Healdsbuurg is the way to go. Unfortunately, Big John’s in Healdsburg doesn't have an online service. The reason for ordering online is because with a day of tastings, you might have little time.
In Napa, Genova Delicatessen on Trancas is a great place to pick up sandwiches or salads.
Do your research on events and it will pay off. I’ve been to enough events that I can say can be a lot of fun but check with the winery beforehand. See if you can take a beach chair found at the Sonoma Wine Nest or at your Inn, hotel or vacation rental. Ask if you can take your own food although events typically offer small bites.
What a lot of people don’t know is that for less, sometimes wineries have smaller, more intimate events the day before. Check with your winery to see if they offer this.
One of the girls put this together as soon as I emailed the itinerary.
Make reservations. Above is an example of our schedule. Make sure you book solid reservations. For example, in Napa we tried adding just 2 more to lunch reservations and a tasting and they could no longer accommodate 2 weeks prior.
Here is the actual itinerary I emailed a few days before. Notice I have the costs and the descriptions of what we’re doing and even why. Hence, a beautiful itinerary was created (above).
Friday - Sonoma
8:40 My flight lands via Southwest
10:45am - Kim Smith (driver) picks us up at the Sonoma Wine Nest which is about 1.5 hours north of the airport
11:00 La Crema -- 4 tastings waived
12:30 Bacigalupi - Tasting and Picnic approx $35pp for tasting (not sure)
Kim will have food for us that she's picking up which I haven't factored the cost in
2:30 Flanagan - Sit-down tasting approx $35pp
4-6:00 Hanna Barrel tasting Event $25pp (PAID)
We will be tasting from amphora's and rare wines and there will also be small bites and music
Barrel tastings are happening this weekend and I thought it would be good to go to one
This is a smaller, intimate event compared to the weekend barrel tastings that are happening throughout the weekend
Kim Smith the Driver - $400 ($50/hour) + tip /5 = Approx $95pp
Saturday - Napa
If you want to eat a little something, we can go to Ana's Cafe where she has chorizo burritos, ham and cheese, pastries and smoothies.
She opens at 5am and anyone can go EARLY -- her Mexican mocha is amazing and worth it before we get picked up by Kim
9:00 Pick up
10:00 Frank Family $50 pp (PAID)
11:30 Prager $30 pp
12:30 lunch at Farmstead ($35-$50+pp)
2:15 Cakebread $85 (PAID) $70-$200 bottle to purchase
5:00 Drop off either in Healdsburg or the house - depending on how we feel.
If we get dropped off in Healdsburg, we can all just catch an Uber. This is where Stephen & Walker tasting room is and they're open until 7pm and I can get free tastings here for up to 4.
Kim the Driver $400 + tip / 6 = Approx $75 pp
Each person can pay me $160 for pre-paid tastings now through Zelle.
Phone: 310-265-3697
“We’re going to forget about disease and viruses and just focus on wine.”
Sunday - Sonoma
If we don't do Healdsburg on Saturday we can visit on Sunday. This town is why we bought in Windsor. It's the cutest town and Rich and I love it.
Brunch at either of these places I would recommend in town but we can play it by ear too:
Parish Cafe - New Orleans style with beignets, seafood
Mateos - French Latin
From there we can go to Francis Ford Coppola Winery
We can then drive into Sonoma or Napa for the late afternoon before heading back to the airport depending on how we feel.
Thanks to my great friend Adeline (ilovemydoublespartner.com) for the amazing vest she designed.
And that’s how you can enjoy wine country.
For more information on Sonoma Wine Nest, where you can rent a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, need help with your own vacation rental, or rather, need me to speak at your event, please feel free to just reach out.
To request an official Visitors Guide and Map of Sonoma County Click Here.