My relationship with wine has come a long way since my early 20s. In college, I couldn’t stand it, so I took an evening wine tasting class to be able to at least stomach it socially. That helped, but I still couldn’t tell you whether a bottle had an oak flavor, butter, fruity – anything! It all just tasted like wine to me. So, I was very curious about how my recent three days on Napa Valley and Sonoma wine tours was going to go. Luckily, a lot better than I guessed and I even walked away with new favorite wine makers. Take a look where we visited:
I really enjoyed traveling Sonoma with Platypus Tours for our first full day in wine country. This was Steve’s second time using them, and we liked having a designated tour driver who knows the area and can share fun tidbits about life in wine country. This tour group would be great if you’re in the area with a large group (such as a bachelorette party) and want a full bus to yourself or if you have a small group and want to make new friends. Steve’s family and I were on the tour with a couple from Texas, and I really enjoyed chatting with them and hearing their opinions about wine.
To explore Napa Valley on our second full day, Steve’s parents were our designated drivers. But, we spread out our tastings over several hours, so I didn’t really feel a buzz liked I had the first day. I liked having the ability to choose how many vineyards we went to on our own, because I didn’t realize the tastings would add up so fast. That was something that would happen with either a tour or your personal schedule, because you’re paying about $20 per an individual’s tasting, or more if you’re getting larger meals like we booked at Scribe Winery on our first day in the area.
People talk about the beauty of Napa Valley and Sonoma wine tours, but I didn’t really believe it until I saw it for myself. Sure, getting a little loose on wine probably helps, but it truly is a lovely place and so unlike the Midwest with the expansive, green hills and blue sky. I can’t wait to go back, and next I’ll hopefully be dragging along more friends to share a bus with!