Ralph & Lahni de Amicis, Napa, Sonoma, San Francisco
Touring Tips
When to Visit? The Napa and Sonoma Wine Country are stunning no matter what time of year you visit. In the summer it looks like Tuscany, gold and green, and in the winter it looks like Ireland, misty and verdant. Then there is the lovely climate (about ten to fifteen degrees warmer than San Francisco), the great architecture and gardens, the fantastic food and the friendly people.
Where to Stay? We have wonderful hotels throughout both counties, but we have really wonderful B&B's and small hotels. We have a directory of them based on region. Click to check them out here. If you need a listing of the bigger hotels in the area by region click here.
Why to Visit? All of these would be reason enough to visit, but on top of that there are the wineries and of course, the wine, some of the finest in the world, and you walk in the vineyards where those wines come from and meet the folks who make them! Our books and tours help you enjoy your visit to the fullest while learning about this wonderful area!
Navigation? Wine Country can be tricky though, with lots of country roads, not a lot of road signs or street lights, hundreds of wineries, lots of hotels and restaurants and a wide variety of wines spread over two large, agricultural counties, bisected by a mountain range. That's why having us as your guides and drivers is a smart investment in your enjoyment and safety. That can make all the difference in the memories that you bring home. By the way, remember to bring a camera and sunglasses because there is lots of beautiful scenery and very bright sun!
Touring Hints: Choose a comfortable car. For instance, we tour in a very comfortable Lincoln Navigator that seats up to six passengers, or a GMC Envoy that seats four passengers, although we often drive couples. We also provide passenger vans when necessary. While limousines are flashy, they are hard to get in and out of, and the visibility stinks. That's one of the reasons that we don't use them. A good winery day trip starts at 9 or 10 in the morning. Wineries close between 4 and 6 pm, so don't sit around all morning thinking they stay open like a bar.
Timing: A good wine tour runs from 4 to 10 hours depending on starting point, meals and interests, and whether you are driving yourself or have a professional driver. An average tour is 6 hours. From San Francisco to Napa or Sonoma takes 45 minutes. Allow one hour per winery (including travel between them), and an hour to picnic. Private tastings with the owner or winemaker take longer as do lunch in restaurants.
Pacing: Most people tour the wineries for one day, that's why the expense of a guide makes sense. Even if you are visiting for several days, touring with us on the first day will give you the insider information, contacts and referrals that will make the rest of the trip equally special. It makes a big difference when you have friends in wine country who know their way around.
Guide Books: If you’re exploring wine country for yourself buy our book "Dream Tours of Napa & Sonoma" which is filled with tours, maps, wine tasting tips and a directory of many of the best restaurants and wineries. For more information about visiting Wine County read our articles excepted from our books.
Call 707-235-2648 for Tours, Books & Seminars Copyright Ralph & Lahni de Amicis 2011 All tasting fees, hours, wine lists, etc are subject to change.