The Napa Valley is considered by many as the heart of America's wine country, and autumn brings the annual harvesting of grapes, with several California counties sponsoring wine festivals. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to find the larger award-winning estates coupled with smaller boutique wineries for a wine-enthusiast's dream.
Getting there from San Francisco: Napa Valley is a stone's throw from San Francisco, as well as a 90-minute drive from either the Sacramento or Oakland International airport.
On Route 101, the San Francisco skyline will become hidden in your rearview mirror by the imposing Golden Gate Bridge. Pass the Muir Woods exit; you will soon realize you are set for an amazing adventure.
For a fun and romantic day trip from San Francisco: Embark on a Bay cruise for Vallejo where an awaiting shuttle will deliver you directly to the Napa Valley Wine Train ( www.winetrain.com). Children in tow? Book your train passage on one of the family nights. The kids will be entertained in a separate car as you enjoy an evening of romance and fine dining.
Staying there: Spending a few days in Napa Valley? Wait until all the weekend warriors have cleared out: Fridays and Saturdays are extremely congested. Lodging rates drop considerably - and availability rises - the first part of the week.
To find a last-minute hotel deal, consider picking up a coupon book in San Francisco at Fisherman's Wharf. Complimentary coupon books offer generous walk-in rates equaling and often surpassing online discounts.
Transportation: Your accommodation may only be 10 miles from the vineyards, but after several wine tastings and bouncing from one winery to the next... intoxication may get the better of you. Consider taking a bus tour, taxi, wine train or limo.
Wine is like art: Every winemaker has his or her own formula in crafting each style of wine: No two batches are ever the same. Wine characteristics can recall apples, apricots, bananas, berries and even asparagus! Aroma, balance, and body will all differ to some degree depending on any number of variables.
Remember, it's not enough just to make a bee-line to the tasting room. Take a guided tour of the winery.
For an awesome photo opportunity, I highly recommend touring the impressive Robert Mondavi winery ( www.robertmon davi.com ). You will be ushered through underground caverns, come upon mighty wine presses and pass countless oak casks as you discover all that goes into creating a world-class wine. The tour guides are knowledgeable as well as insightful.
Keep in mind, the Napa Valley is more than 35 miles long and home to almost 300 wineries, so don't focus on only the largest estates. You can find that special off-the-beaten-path vineyard like the Cuvaison winery ( www.cuvaison.com), which crafts an unbelievably fine chardonnay. Their tasting bar is a pleasant respite and personal experience.