Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WINE TASTING
The best way to discover the real Wine Country is to avoid factory wineries and visit
family-owned boutique houses (producing fewer than 20,000 annual cases) and mid-
sized houses (20,000 to 60,000 annual cases). Why does it matter? Think of it. If you
were to attend two dinner parties, one for 10 people, one for 1000, which would have the
better food? Small wineries maintain tighter control. Also, you won't easily find these
wines elsewhere.
Tastings are called 'flights' and include four to six different wines. Napa wineries charge
$10 to $50. In Sonoma Valley, tastings cost $5 to $20, often refundable with purchase. In
Sonoma County, tastings are free or $5 to $10. You must be 21 to taste.
Do not drink and drive. The curvy roads are dangerous, and police monitor traffic, espe-
cially on Napa's Hwy 29.
To avoid burnout, visit no more than three wineries per day. Most open daily 10am or
11am to 4pm or 5pm, but call ahead if your heart's set, or you absolutely want a tour, es-
pecially in Napa, where law requires that some wineries accept visitors only by appoint-
ment. If you're buying, ask if there's a wine club, which is free to join and provides dis-
counts, but you'll have to agree to buy a certain amount annually.
