Ten Tips for a Napa Valley Wine Tasting Trip

My husband and I recently went wine tasting in Northern California's Napa Valley. Before we left I read the requisite guide books and websites and I thought I had our trip planned out before we even stepped on the plane.

But once we arrived, I realized the intense schedule I had made was not going to work. Luckily, we were able to adjust our original plan and even enjoyed the trip more as we let the region dictate our days.

Here are a few tips I wish I had known about Napa Valley wine tasting before our trip:

1. Limit the amount of wine you drink.

I know this sounds strange, after all, that's what you came to the area to do! But partaking in too many drinks can cause confusion as to which wines/wineries you want to remember.

Plus, your body probably isn't used to drinking all day long. You don't want to end up with an alcohol induced headache or impairment to ruin the day. Take a bottle of water with you to refresh and re-hydrate between tastings.

The dump buckets are there for a reason. You don't need to finish each pour, especially if the wine isn't to your taste.

Something that will naturally limit the amount you drink is the cost of the tastings.

Many wineries charge for tastings and at an average of $10 per person per tasting, so things can add up quickly. Six tastings a day for a couple can easily cost over $100.

2. Take the time to enjoy the scenery of the winery.

I liken the grounds of the wineries to Vegas casinos -- there are so many in such a small vicinity that they need to do something unique to attract visitors. Vineyards do this by offering distinct grounds. Enjoy the beautiful gardens and settings. Wander about the area and soak in the essence of the vineyard.

3. Take a break from tasting to learn; go on a tour.

Larger vineyards tend to offer tours that explain the process of wine making plus much more. Walk among the growing grapes, hear about the harvest process, and see how grape juice becomes wine. Tour fees typically include a tasting at the session's conclusion.

Maryvale has a wonderful tour that teaches you about the different components of the taste of wine and helps you develop a more refined palette - my overall favorite experience of the trip.

4. Enjoy a leisurely morning.

If you are staying at a bed and breakfast, now's the time to enjoy the 'breakfast' part. Sleep in a bit and linger over the delicious meal. Most wineries do not open until after 10 am, so there's no reason to rush.

5. Make dinner an event.

What pairs naturally? Wine and food. I have a feeling that if you appreciate good wine, you probably also appreciate good food.

Second only to the wines of the region are the gourmet restaurants in the area. Savor the creative cuisine that the local renowned chefs come up with. If there is somewhere you have your heart set on dining, it is wise to make reservations before you leave home.

6. Enjoy all your bed and breakfast has to offer.

Many places offer appetizers and complimentary tastings in the early evenings. Take advantage! Accommodations often have refreshments available throughout the day, such as water, iced tea, cookies and fruit.

This is also a great opportunity to ask other guests and staff for their dinner recommendations for the evening.

7. Ship your purchases from Napa to your home.

You don't want to worry about wrapping your investments and the best way to get them on your plane. There are plenty of local shipping stores that specialize in getting the wine to your house safely.

8. Use the lack of night life for relaxation and anticipating your tomorrow.

The wineries close before dinner time. After dinner, use the down time for recharging your batteries for the next day. Did you pass a winery today that you've heard great things about, but you didn't have a chance to stop there? Take time to look up its hours and offerings.

Many accommodations also have wine related magazines and area guides in the rooms for your use. You may spot something you want to do that you hadn't seen in the guide books you read before leaving home.

9. Keep a wine journal - vintages, wineries, varietals, etc.

With all wines you will be tasting throughout the day, unless you have a photographic memory you probably won't remember what you tasted. After a day of tastings, you likely won't remember if that wine you loved was 2003 or 2004 vintage.

Be sure to carry a small notebook and keep track of vineyards, varietals, and vintages that you particularly enjoyed. If this sounds too daunting to you, at minimum note what you like on the tasting handout many wineries provide (which usually is also an order form).

10. Ask your bed and breakfast employees for their recommendations.

They often know the best places to tour and taste. Also, they may have contacts at a winery and have coupons for free tastings to offer you -- but you have to get engaged in a conversation with them first to find this out, because they won't give them away to just anyone.

If you take note of these tips before your trip, you will be certain to have a wonderful time wine tasting in Napa Valley.