Some Tips on Planning for a Jaunt in Wine Country

People ask me all the time: What wineries should I visit when I'm in (Napa/Sonoma/Long Island name a region)? I really struggle with the answer. It's kind of like people asking what the best pizza or bagel is in New York or the best barbeque in North Carolina. I could tell you my picks, but the truth is that everyone has a favorite and a strong opinion about why that is.

Although I always offer suggestions, I think there are some fundamental keys to planning to visit a wine region that will help you stay organized and have a great experience. So here are a few things to think about when you're heading to make a visit to vineyards -- whether they be in California or Croatia...

1. Plan...or plan to explore.
   
   Ok, so it's very romantic to think about hopping in the car and just stopping by places you happen upon in wine country. But there are some problems with this approach. First, vineyards are pretty big and wineries are spread out. Without a map to orient you and an idea of where you want to go ahead of time, you could waste precious time driving aimlessly around. Most tasting rooms, in the US at least, are only open from 10 AM to 5 PM. That's not a whole lot of time to mess around. Second, if you get lost and wind up away from the wineries you're going to be irritated. Plotting a trail for yourself will save you time, stress, and maximize your fun.
   
   On the other hand, if you're not a planner and wish to explore (something I do when I go to Sonoma, for instance), make sure you pick a discreet geographic area to troll. If you're in South Africa, for instance, decide that you're going to Franschoek and explore within that area or if you're going to Napa, stick on the Silverado Trail. Again, trying to tackle a whole county or region in a day or so is going to waste time, so confine your inner Magellan.
   
   
2. If it's your first time in an area, you may want to hit the big names. They are usually pretty cool, albeit commercial. There's no shame in wanting to see the gorgeous vineyards of Robert Mondavi or the caves of Veuve Cliquot in Champagne. There's a reason why these places are visited often...they are gorgeous and are worth the time, if you take them for the marketing showpieces they are.
   
   Conversely, if you've been to an area multiple times, you may want to hit the little guys to branch out and learn more about the boutique side of things. That's a different experience (often requiring appointments, BTW), and very cool but it will give you a different flavor for the area...not necessarily the one that everyone talks about.
   
   
3. Research wineries in the area and call ahead to schedule appointments if that's what's required. Don't assume that every tasting room is open for walk-ins. Especially in Europe, you will need to set appointments to taste before you head out into wine areas. What a shame it would be to go to Germany or Italy and not get to taste because you didn't look into pre-scheduling appointments. An hour on the computer and the phone will ensure you have the trip you want to have! And please...if you schedule and appointment don't be late. Sometimes the proprietors are coming just to meet with you and to be late is kind of rude. Call if you get lost.
   
   
4. Plan to visit 5 wineries but don't be surprised if it's fewer. Again, 10 AM - 5 PM isn't that much time once you factor in driving time and lunch. Make sure to visit your favorite wineries or the "must hit" ones first, so you don't miss them if your time runs out. Four to five wineries is a great day and trying to cram in much more will leave you tired, drunk, and not appreciating what you're tasting.
   
   
5. EAT. Yes, my inner Jewish grandmother comes out here. You have to eat. Whether you stop at the grocery store ahead of time and bring snacks and water or plan a nice big lunch at a chi chi place, you've got to refuel. To the point above, this will spare you from feeling drunk and exhausted. Most major commercial wine areas have excellent options for food -- since wine and food go hand in hand -- but it makes sense to research this as well and, to point 1 above, plan it into your day so you ensure you get replenished.
   
   
6. We did a podcast where we talked about tasting room etiquette, so I'll just mention some high level tips that may be of interest and you can listen for the rest...
   
   
   • My number one rule: PLEASE don't "big time" the tasting room staff. Many of them are learning about wine and aren't 100% up on their stuff. Many of them are, but showing you know more than they do benefits no one. Be courteous, ask questions you genuinely want to know about (not ones you answer yourself after they give you an answer you don't like), and if you don't like the wines, keep it to yourself.
     
     
   • Guess what: It's ok and even cool to spit. As you're going through your day, you may want to think about only drinking the stuff you really are in love with and spitting the rest. Those spittoons aren't there for nothing. That said, it's completely fine to drink too...
     
     
   • And to that end, it's not ok to be hammered, loud, and obnoxious in a tasting room. Even if you went to Sonoma to drink yourself silly, remember there are other people who are there for different reasons (celebrating an anniversary, dorking out about wine, taking notes for a blog...see right: )
     
     
   • Finally, if you don't love the wine you taste, don't feel obligated to buy it. Why spend your money on a bottle you don't like or that you can get at home when you could purchase something unique that you love from another winery that only sells out of its tasting room? I try hard only to buy what I like and what I can't get locally.
     
     
7. Do I need to say this one? Don't drink and drive. From Long Island to Virginia to Washington to California, all places that have a concentration of wineries also have good wine tour buses or car services. Use them or designate a driver who will spit the whole time. If you're abroad, be extra careful, and just hire someone to take you around.
   'Nough said.

So that's a loose framework for visiting wine country. Hopefully it helps! Please post your comments below and let me know if you have other questions on wine country tips and travel! *This post came at the request of my absolutely fabulous, supportive and amazing sister. JWS, you rock.