Visiting Wineries
One of my favorite things to do is to visit wineries. I love every single thing about going…the drive to it, the people, usually the wine (hard to find bad wine in either Napa or Sonoma). Between the rolling vineyards and that perfect glass of wine in hand, it's easy to get swept up in the charm of these iconic wine regions. Let's be real for a moment—some frustrating realities can turn your ideal wine-tasting day into a mess or less than stellar experience.
Here's a list of a few things you might want to prepare for before venturing into wine country.
1. Crowds: Romantic Until They're Not
Sure, you envision yourself lazily sipping wine, surrounded by the beauty of vineyard-covered hills, but what happens when everyone else has the same idea? Napa and Sonoma are no longer quaint, hidden gems—they're global destinations, and the crowds prove it. The more popular the winery, the more likely you are to find yourself shoulder-to-shoulder with other visitors, which can take away from that serene experience you were hoping for. Sometimes, you're crammed into a tasting room, unable to ask questions or enjoy the moment, and by the time your turn comes, the magic has worn off a little.
If you can swing it, the best time to visit Napa and Sonoma is in the off-season…late December through March. The weather might not be great, but you'll have room to breathe, talk to the wine concierges, and learn about the winery, which is the whole objective.
2. Wine Tasting Fees: When Did That Happen?
Gone are the days of complimentary tastings or affordable flights. Nowadays, depending on where you go, you might be looking at $50, $75, $100, or even more per tasting. And here's the kicker: you don't always get that money back unless you commit to buying wine, often several bottles. That means it's easy to overspend quickly, especially if you bounce from one winery to the next. And don't forget those sneaky add-ons. Do you want a food pairing? That'll cost you. Looking for a special reserve pour? Get ready for an extra fee. It's easy to see how what was meant to be a fun afternoon can put a serious dent in your budget if you're not careful.
A workaround is to ask the wine concierges what wines you absolutely have to try and mention your budget. One thing is that the winery staff loves to talk about their wine. Most are happy to help you navigate their tasting menu and come up with something you might be happier tasting and a bit more economical.
3. Getting Around: Beautiful Drives, But Who's Driving?
One of the most underrated challenges is just navigating between wineries. Napa and Sonoma may look compact on a map, but those scenic drives can stretch between long, winding roads. If you've got back-to-back tastings lined up, figuring out transportation can get tricky. Uber and Lyft are not as reliable out here as in the city, and waiting for a ride can throw your schedule off. And if you're the designated driver, watching everyone else sip while you stick to sparkling water takes some of the fun out of the day.
Frankly, though, we don't see this as big an issue as some. We always recommend using a spit cup (I wish they'd come up with a better term for it) when visiting a winery. You can taste more wine and avoid tipsy purchases.
Those who have bigger budgets can rent a driver for a day. Uber is available in wine country as well.
4. No Spontaneity: Say Goodbye to Dropping In
This peeve is a mixed bag. The days of dropping in on a winery have largely disappeared. Most places now require reservations—often booked weeks in advance. That sense of whimsy, of stumbling upon a hidden gem, is harder to come by. If your plans shift or you decide to stay at one winery a little longer, you might miss your next appointment. There's less flexibility, making the whole day feel slightly more rigid than you might like. That's the bad news. The good news is that wineries have a better idea of how many will visit a particular day and can staff accordingly, which leads to a much better experience.
5. On-Line Appointment Apps
Tock, the ubiquitous booking app that all wineries seem to use, is my nemesis. It's prone to errors; it just made a huge error and booked us for a tasting appointment when the salon would be closed. When at all possible, call and make your appointment over the phone…it works so much better. My husband and I have visited hundreds of wineries worldwide, and I've never had an appointment made in person or over the phone go sideways. I have had some unfortunate experiences with Tock or other booking apps. Sometimes, you pay a price for the convenience of using an app.
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