Saturday, February 2, 2008

California surfing - where are the best places to catch wave?

The Beach Boys made California synonymous with surfing on the world stage but it with the ocean and beautiful shores; it was already “the” place to surf! If you feel like some fun hitting the waves, you'll want to head to one of the following beaches in California; with the good weather and great waves, they're some of the most popular surfing areas in the world!

Huntington Beach: Home to the Huntington Beach Surf Series, many pro surfers call this their home. Located in Orange County (the real OC!) this is probably one of the most popular places to surf in the world. They even have a church in the area just for surfers. Now that’s bringing spiritual to the people!

San Diego: Warm weather and great waves is what you'll find at San Diego. A large surfing community has sprung up in the San Diego area, and you'll find many locals are hitting the waves along with the tourists!

Santa Cruz: You'll have nothing but fun at the beaches of Santa Cruz! For an avid surfer, Santa Cruz is a favorite area to find the best waves.

A lot of surfers, especially those who are more experienced, have preferred conditions in which to surf and so a lot of the more popular beaches have webcams (surf cams) set up facing the waves so that a surfer can go to a website and check out the conditions before they head to the beach. There are also dedicated phone numbers you can call to find out the weather conditions, if you prefer to get your information that way.

If you're looking to learn how to surf but don't know where to start, you'll find that there are many surfing schools all along the beaches of California. The varied selection makes it easy to find one that fits your level of experience and learning style, and your pocketbook. Alternatively you could always just head for the beach and hang out with the surfers to pick up tips!

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Despite being such a small island, there are things to do here on the days when you feel like doing something a little more energetic than watching the sun move around, and when you first arrive on Catalina Island you should visit the local Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau which will give you all the information you need about what’s on, where to find it, and of course ideas of where to stay and eat if you haven’t already made reservations. In the peak months however, you should always at least reserve your room before venturing across to the island. Although you may be lucky to arrive and find a room free, it’s not likely during high season because of the limited amount of accommodation available.

Two of the most popular places to visit on Catalina Island are the Catalina Island Museum which charts the history of the island through it’s various stages from the more recent history through the Hollywood era (the island was one of the first main Hollywood film sets) right back to the Native Americans. Just about 2 miles out of Avalon you’ll find the Wrigley Botanical Gardens which will delight anyone who has an interest in flora and fauna. William Wrigley (as in the chewing gum empire) once owned the island and you could even stay in his mansion which is now converted into a bed and breakfast establishment.

Catalina Island may not sound very exciting when compared with the attractions of Los Angeles and San Francisco, but for anyone needing to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, it’s a perfect beach oasis.

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One of the many reasons why wine country gift baskets make great gifts is because they are perfect for a wide range of occasions. As previously stated, wine themed gift baskets make great gifts for birthday, Christmas, and other special occasions. They also make great “just because,” gifts for close friends and family members. One occasion in particular that wine country gift baskets are perfect for is that of weddings. Wine country gift baskets are also the perfect gift for wine drinkers or at least those who are known to consume alcohol.

Your buying options are another one of the many reasons why you should consider giving the gift of a wine country gift basket. In terms of the gift basket itself, you will find that you have so many options to choose from. For starters, there are many wine country gift baskets available for sale with themes. These themes may be congratulations, get well, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or just a simple miss you theme. It is also important to remember that many wine gift baskets have much more than just wine in them. Often times, the wine is paired with other great items, such as California cheese or even wine jelly.

In keeping with buying options, there are a number of ways that you can go about buying wine country gift baskets. One of the easiest ways is to place an order online. With a standard internet search, with a phrase like “wine country gift baskets,” you are sure to find many sellers. Many of these individuals are actually winery owners themselves! When shopping online, be on the lookout for deals and discounts, including free shipping. This is ideal as it can sometimes get expensive to ship full gift baskets, especially those that are large in size.

In addition to ordering wine country gift baskets online, you can also do so in person. If you have the opportunity to visit a wine country, whether you do so in California, New York, or Washington, you will want to. For many wine enthusiasts it is worth the travel time. When there, be sure to examine wine country baskets. In fact, wine country gift baskets not only make great gifts for close friends and family, but for yourself as well. If you ever choose to visit wine country, a wine basket can be a nice souvenir of your trip.

As you can see, from being highlighted above, there are a number of reasons why wine country gift baskets make for great gifts. No matter who the gift is for, as long as your intended recipient is twenty-one years or older, and no matter what the occasion, a wine basket may be the perfect choice. If you need your gift soon, be sure to place your order online as soon as possible or use the internet to plan a trip to wine country.

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As nice as it is to hear that you should visit wine country and take a wine country tour, you may be wondering why. After all, depending on where you live, you may need to travel quite far to visit an area that is referred to as wine country. After a close exanimation, you will see that there are a number of reasons why you should not only visit wine country, but also take a wine country tour.

One of the many reasons why you should arrange to take a wine country tour is because of the options you have. For starters, wine country is a phrase that is used to describe an area that is known for their production of wine. When many of us think of wine country, California, namely Northern California, is often what first comes to mind. With that said, there are other areas in the United States that are commonly referred to as wine country as well, such as part of New York State and Washington State. Many of these other areas and their wineries also offer tours for wine enthusiasts.

As previously stated, depending on where you live, you may have to travel quite a distance to arrive at California’s wine country or another state’s wine country. Even so, you are still urged to examine your options. This is because wine tours make for great vacations. Depending on where you visit, you can spend a few hours touring local vineyards and wineries or you can spend a few days doing so. Also, in terms of being a great purpose for being a vacation, many of the communities surrounding well known vineyards and wineries have an unlimited number of fun activities, such as hiking and dancing, as well as affordable overnight accommodations.

Returning back to the options that you have, it is important to know that wine tours come in a number of different formats. Guided wine tours are perfect for tourists who want to see the “best parts,” of wine country, as well as those who are unfamiliar with the area or may not have their own mode of transportation. Although you will find some variations, many guided wine tours have tourists meet in a public place and then travel is provided, often by van or bus.

Although guided wine tours are popular with tourists, there are many more individuals, including both tourists and locals, who are interested in taking independent wine country tours. Independent wine tours are ideal for wine enthusiasts who want to enjoy wine and its history without feeling rushed or pressured by other tourists and tour guides. Most wineries and vineyards in California, as well as Washington and New York, have open doors. If not, information on ideal times for visiting should be readily available online. This information is typically posted to prevent conflict with planned events, such as weddings.

For the most part, tourists find that taking wine tours are affordable. Many wineries and vineyards provide free access to visitors, but there are no guarantees. For most part, the costs associated with wine tours comes from wine tasting, which is a must do. However, you still shouldn’t have to be worried with the costs. Most wine country wineries and vineyards have affordable wine tasting rates, which are typically between five and fifteen dollars per person. As for taking a guided wine tour, you will likely be charged a fee, but your fee may include wine tasting at a number of wineries along the way.

Perhaps, the greatest reason why you should take a wine country tour is because it is an experience that you will never forget. Not only are wine tours fun for wine drinkers, but they are also enlightening and educational in nature.

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When looking to understand what wine country is, you will find some variations. This is because wine country is a phrase that is used to describe areas in the United States that are well known for their production of wine and their large assortment of wineries and vineyards, many of which are open to the general public. The general gist of wine country is that it is the perfect destination for those who enjoy drinking wine and learning about how it is made.

As previously stated, there are a number of areas in the United States that are commonly referred to as wine country. Generally speaking, when you hear someone talking about wine country or when you use the internet to research wine country, you will find that most are talking about California. California wine country is an area in Northern California, which includes both the Napa Valley and the Sonoma Valley. With that said, two other areas also commonly referred to as wine country are the Finger Lakes Region of New York and Woodinville Washington.

As nice as it is to know what wine country is and where some wine country areas are located, you may be curious as to what makes wine country a great vacation destination. One of the many allures of wine country is all that you can do and see, as there is so much. Popular activities that you can enjoy in wine country include wine country tours, wine tasting, private winery tours, and so much more. It is also important to mention that many wineries host their own private events, such as courses that focus on paring wine with food, the history of wine, and so forth.

Speaking of events, wine country is not only a great place to vacation, but it is also a great place to get married. In fact, wine country weddings are popular and they come highly rated and recommend. Many public wineries and vineyards have spaces on their properties that can be rented for wedding receptions, wedding ceremonies, or both. If you or someone that you know would like to get married in wine country, be sure to make your plans to do so as soon as possible.

Another question commonly asked by those new to wine country is where they can stay. When vacationing in wine country, tourists usually have a number of different options, in terms of lodging. Unfortunately, many individuals believe wine country is solely filled with wineries and vineyards, but this isn’t the case. Scattered throughout many wine country areas, namely California’s wine country, you will find a number of lodging options, including inns, bed and breakfasts, RV parks, and public campgrounds.

Now that you know more about wine country and a few of the things that you can do and see while visiting it, you may be interested in planning a trip. As a reminder, California wine country comes highly rated and recommend, but if you are unable to travel that far, you may have a number of options locally or at least a little bit closer to home.

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When looking to plan a wine country tour, you will find that you have a number of different options. For example, some wine countries have guided tours available. Even with guided tours, you have the option of driving yourself around. For many tourists, this option is nice, as they have more freedom to do and see what they want.

As previously stated, there is a lot that a wine country tour can do for you. One of those things is that you get to taste and sample a large selection of fine wines. Wine tasting is one of the many reasons why wine country tours are so popular. For a small fee, most wineries will give you a number of wines to sample. Chances are, you won’t leave most wineries without purchasing a full size bottle of wine for yourself.

In addition to wine tasting, many wineries in wine country will offer tours of their establishments. These tours should not be confused with a traditional wine country tour. A wine country tour is technically defined as touring the region in general and stopping at a number of wineries and vineyards along the way. As for private tours offered by wineries and vineyards, you may be surprised with what you see. You, essentially, can get a behind the scenes look at how wine is made or how wineries operate.

By taking a wine country tour, you also get opportunity to learn about the history of wine making or the history of wine country. This is done a number of different ways. It is not uncommon for some wineries to have special activities and events planned. One of the activities you may find is a small course on the history of wine being offered. You may also find educational resources available for free and others for a small fee located along many wine country trails. These resources and guides may be able to provide you with insight into the history of wine county, as well as wine in general.

Perhaps, the greatest thing that you can get out of taking a wine country tour is a good time. Wine country tours are both educational and exciting. Whether you use visiting wine country for a romantic getaway or a trip with friends, there is so much fun waiting for you. As an added tip, it may be a good idea to first examine wineries and vineyards before leaving for your wine country trip. If you plan to do your own traveling, as opposed to taking a guided tour, you will want to know which wineries are the best to stop at, as well as what activities, events, and festivals may be going on during your dates of travel.

As you can see, there are a number of reasons why you should take a wine country tour, as there is so much that you can get out of doing so. As a reminder, wine country is a phrase that is commonly used to describe Northern California; however, there are other areas in the United States that are also commonly referred to as wine country as well.


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When it comes to buying wine country gift baskets, many vacationers, especially those who must travel long distances are concerned about doing so. Yes, it may be inconvenient to fly back home with bags full of wine baskets, but it is important to remember that doing so is not your only option. If you flew to wine country, instead of drove, you can often arrange to have your purchases, which should include gift baskets, shipped directly to your home or even to your gift recipient. This is something that most wineries shops will do for a small fee or you can handle the shipping arrangements yourself.

Since you do have a number of options, when looking to buy wine country gift baskets and other souvenirs, you are encouraged to do so. In fact, five reasons why you should are outlined below.

1 – Wine Country Gift Baskets Make Great Gifts

Wine country gifts baskets make great gifts, especially for those who are back home. If you have any close friends or family members who either love wine or who would have loved to visited wine country with you, a wine country gift baskets may be the perfect gift.

It is also important to mention the options that you have. When many of us think of wine country gift baskets, wine is often the first thing that comes to mind. While almost all specialty made wine country gift baskets do contain wine, many also have so much more. Other popular items include California cheese, wine jelly, and so forth.

2 – Wine Country Gift Baskets Make Great Souvenirs

Although gift baskets are often associated with Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, and gifts for other special occasions, a wine country gift basket can also be the perfect souvenir for yourself. What is nice about this option is that you can choose the perfect gift baskets, such as one that comes with wine and chocolate or one that comes with wine and California cheese. Whether you choose to drink the wine in your basket or save it as a memento of your trip, you should purchase a wine country themed gift basket for yourself.

3 – Wine Country Gift Baskets Are Easy to Buy

Ease of buying is another one of the many reasons why all wine country visitors are encouraged to buy wine gift baskets, either for themselves or those that they know. In most wine countries, you will find a number of gift shops and specialty stores. These locations likely sell wine country gift baskets, along with other specialty California items. In fact, most public vineyards and wineries have gift shops right onsite and many make their own gift baskets. In these instances, you can save time by making your purchases when you are on a wine tour.

4 – You Can Buy Wine Country Gift Baskets Straight from the Source

As previously stated, most public vineyards and wineries have onsite gift shops that sell wine country gift baskets, as well as assortments of other wine related or themed gifts. By making your purchases through onsite gift stores and shops, you are going straight to the source. Although you may not think about it at the time, by buying a gift basket from a local wine country winery or vineyard, you are helping to support the local economy. Even if you are not originally from the area, you should be proud with this.

5 – Why Not?

Finally, the greatest reason why you should buy wine country gift baskets on your next trip to a wine country is because why not? Honestly, you are there and if you traveled a long distance to get to wine country, you may not ever have the opportunity to return again. Therefore, if you can, spend a few dollars to buy a small wine country gift basket. Whether you keep that gift basket for yourself or give it to someone that you know, you will likely not regret your purchase.

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As previously mentioned, the Woodinville area of Washington state is commonly known as and referred to as wine country. For some individuals, this may cause some confusion. When many of us hear of wine country, Northern California is the first destination that comes to mind. Yes, Northern California is the destination most commonly referred to as wine country, but that is slowly changing. There are many more areas in the United States, including Woodinville, that are being noticed for their production of fine wine. For many, it is a better option to visit Washington than to travel to California.

Before you make travel arrangements to visit the Woodinville area of Washington, there are a number of important points that you will first want to take into consideration. The weather should be one of those points. The weather in Washington state can sometimes be unpredictable, especially in late fall to winter. For that reason, you will want to carefully plan your travel dates. Yes, you will find that some wineries are open all year round and some may even have fun activities and events planned in winter, but you may have the best luck traveling to the Woodinville wine country area during the summertime.

Once you have decided that you would like to visit the Woodinville wine country area of Washington, you will want to start doing a little bit of research. This research is easy to do online. When examining Woodinville wine country, you will see that you have a number of wineries to choose from; however, not all are open to the public and many more have limited hours. Examining a few of the local wineries will allow you to map out your intended location, which is ideal for prioritizing your time and making the most out of your trip.

Although taking a Woodinville wine country tour is a great activity, it is important to note that there are many more wine related activities and events that the area has to offer. For example, you may be able to go behind the scenes and see how wine is made, wine taste, as well as learn about the history of wine in a small educational class or seminar. If you are planning your wine country trip well in advance, you may want to request free vacation guides, namely those that have a focus on local wineries and wine themed events, festivals, and activities.

Although the Woodinville wine country isn’t as large as California’s wine country, there is still plenty for you to and see in the area. That is just one of the many reasons why Woodinville is a big tourism draw. Since it is emerging as a popular destination for tourists, you will want to try to make your travel plans, including your overnight accommodation reservations, well in advance of your trip. When doing so, you will have hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts to choose from.


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As previously stated, the Finger Lakes Region of New York State is commonly referred to as wine country. When many hear this, some are confused. This is mostly due in part to the fact that many associate wine country with Northern California, namely Napa Valley. Yes, many consider this area to be the “true,” wine country, but other areas that are known for their wine production are slowly emerging as “wine countries,” too.

As for why you should consider visiting the Finger Lakes Region of New York State, you will want to keep location in mind. If you live in the northeast or even along the east coast in general, traveling to California wine country may not be possible, either because of costs or travel time. With that said, just because you cannot make it California wine country doesn’t mean that you still don’t want to take a wine themed trip or vacation. It does, however, mean that you should examine your other options, like the Finger Lakes Region of New York State.

Before planning a trip to the Finger Lakes wine country, there are a number of important factors that you will first want to take into consideration. One of those factors is the weather. Unlike California, where the weather is almost always bright, sunny, and attractive, New York State is known for its sometimes wild weather. Typically, you will find that the best times to visit the Finger Lakes wine country area is in late spring, summer, or early fall. Winter is one of the worst times to visit the area. Although many activities, like wine tasting are still available in the winter, many more activities, like ground tours, are available in the peak wine months.

Should you decide to visit the Finger Lakes wine country area of New York State, you may want to do a little bit of research first. This is particularly true if you are limited on time. In this area, you will have a number wine trails to choose from. These trails include the Seneca, Keuka Lake, Cayuga wine trails. With over one hundred wineries to choose from, you may want to first prioritize. This will enable you to see all of wineries that you wanted to visit, as well as maximize your time to its fullest potential.

In addition to touring local wineries in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State, there is so much more than this wine country area has to offer. As previously stated, you will want to do a little bit of research when planning your trip. This will allow you to examine events, activities, and festivals that you may want to attend. Many wineries offer wine tasting and ground tours, many times on a daily basis, there are other events, such an educational segment on the history of wine, that take place throughout the year. In terms of wine related events, the Finger Lakes Wine Festival, which takes place every year in July, is a big draw.

Should you decide to visit the Finger Lakes wine country, be sure to make your overnight accommodation reservations as soon as possible. Along many wine trails, you will find a number of small inns and bed and breakfasts which are perfect for many tourists. With that being said, their small size often limits the number of reservations accepted. Although a little bit off the beaten path, many nearby cities have hotels and vacation rentals are popular along the lakes.

As previously stated, visiting the Finger Lakes wine country area of New York State is a nice alterative for many who are unable to visit California wine country.


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As previously stated, there is an area in California is that commonly referred to as wine country. This area is located in the northern part of California and it includes the Sonoma Valley and the Napa Valley. When examining your travel options, you will see that there are other areas in the United States that are also commonly referred to as wine country. One of these areas is in the Finger Lakes Region of New York Sate. With that said, most professionals and online travel guides are speaking of California when they speak of wine country.

If and when you decide to visit the California wine country area, you will want to take the time to do a little bit of research first. This is particularly true if you are limited on time. With over four hundred wineries and vineyards in California wine country, your options, are literally, unlimited. First examining which vineyards are open to the public and when and then deciding which vineyards and wineries you want to see the most, you can make the most out of your trip. Prioritizing and coming up with a plan are two important keys to a successful trip to California’s wine country.

In addition to touring wineries in the California wine country region, there are many other wine related activities that you can enjoy. As previously stated, you will want to do a little bit of research before planning your trip. This research will allow you to examine planned events, activities, and festivals that the area may be offering. For example, did you know that some wineries have courses on how to properly match up food and wine, as well as short educational classes on the history of wine making? They do. In addition to simply touring the grounds of a California winery and tasting wine, you may want to participate in some of these activities.

If you decide to visit California’s wine country on the weekend or during the summer, you will want to make your travel arrangements, namely your overnight accommodation reservations, well in advance of your trip. Wine country is a big draw and tourist attraction for California. Along many of the trails, you may find some bed and breakfasts and inns, as well as vacation rentals. These overnight accommodations are easy, in terms of convenience. In keeping with your options, wine country is also home to a number of RV parks, public campgrounds, hotels, and vacation resorts.

As previously stated, there are many others areas in the United States that are starting to popup on the map as “wine countries.” Although these areas, like Woodinville Washington or the Finger Lakes Region of New York may be well known for their production of fine wines, most are talking about California when they speak of wine country.

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Should you decide to take a last minute trip to California’s wine country, the first thing that you will want to do is make your travel arrangements. Even if you simply just have to get in car and drive an hour, it is still nice to have a plan. On the other hand, long distance travelers will need to make important travel arrangements, such as those for airline reservations or a car rental. If your last minute trip to California’s wine country requires a drive of more than two hours, be sure to map out your intended route before you leave.

If you need to stay overnight, when visiting wine country, be sure to make your overnight accommodation reservations right away. This is important for all last minute travelers, as their options may be limited. With that said, it is vital that you make your reservations at a local hotel or inn in advance if you are visiting wine country during peak travel season. Many California wineries report that their peak seasons are May through October and that Saturdays are the busiest days.

Next, it is important to decide which type of wine country tour you would like to take. As a visitor to California’s wine country, you should know that you have a number of options. Guided California wine country tours are popular options. Even when taking a last minute trip, you should still have a number of guided wine country tour companies to choose from. You can easily research your options online before you even leave for your trip. When doing so, be sure to pick those with affordable rates. With that said, also be sure to get the most value for your money. Generally speaking, the more wineries you are able to visit for the lowest price is the best deal.

Even if you would like to take your own independent California wine country tours, it is still important that you do the proper amount of research before you leave. This is important as you have over four hundred options when visiting California’s wine country. Even if you have a week to spend, you still likely will not be able to visit them all. Since many last minute trips are short, you should decide which wineries you want to visit first. You can get a good idea of which ones are rated must sees by other tourists online, with a standard internet search. Once you have an idea, make sure you map out your intended stops. Try and create a path that works in a way that you can maximize your time.

The above mentioned steps are just a few of the many that you will want to take, should you decide to take a last minute trip to California’s wine country. As a reminder, it is important to do even a little bit of preparation for last minute trips, especially if your travel distance is quite long.

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When it comes to deciding how you should tour wine country, you may be unsure which option is best for you and the rest of your traveling party. To help assist you in the decision making process, a few pros and cons to guided wine tours are outlined below. By examining these pros and cons and then applying them to your own personal wants and needs, you can determine if a guided wine tour is the right choice for you and your next wine country trip.

As for the pros or plus sides to making reservations for a guided wine tour, you will find that there are a number of them. Perhaps, the most influential one is that you automatically have a designated driver. This is an important factor that many do not take into consideration right away. For many individuals, a few sips of wine here and there can quickly add up. This is not an issue that you will have to worry about with a guided wine tour, as most companies will provide travel arrangements for you, like in a small bus or van.

Another one of the many pros or plus sides to seeing wine country with a guided tour is the discounts that you may receive. Did you know that some companies include admission and wine tasting fees in their prices? Many do so because it is not uncommon for local wineries to work with wine tour companies to offer discounts and other savings, which can benefit tourists just like you. If a wine country tour company provides you with discounts or other special savings, they will likely outline so on their online websites.

Another pro or plus side to guided wine tours is the options that you have. As wine tours continue to increase in popularity, so do the number of tours that are offered in the area. This means that you should have a number of wine tour companies to choose from, especially if you travel to California wine country. When examining all of your options, which is easy to do online, be sure to examine rates, stops, length, and company reputation.

Although there are a number of benefits to booking reservations for a guided wine tour, there are also a number of cons or downsides to doing so as well. One of those is the added expense. Should you choose a guided wine tour company that doesn’t provide you with any deals or discounts for wine tasting, the cost should be looked at from an added expense. If you are on a budget, this is an important factor that needs to be taken into consideration.

Another drawback to guided wine tours is that you don’t have much freedom. Many wine tour companies and their winery stops are predetermined. This, however, does allow you to do research online, as many companies will outline specific tours that they have available on their websites. You will want to research and compare wine companies to ensure that are able to visit at least a couple of popular and well known wineries. You will also want to take quality into consideration; make sure that you are getting a good value for your money.

The above mentioned pros and cons are just a few of the many that you will want to take into consideration, when trying to determine how you should tour wine country. As a reminder, examine your own personal wants and needs. For example, does everyone in your traveling party want to drink and enjoy wine tasting? If so, a guided tour may be in your best interest.

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If you are already going to be in the Northern California area, you will not need to make any additional travel arrangements. However, if you are interested in spending a day or two in wine country, namely Napa Valley, you may want to checkout a few of the inns and bed and breakfasts in the area. Many come highly rated and recommended and most are also conveniently located for those on wine tours.

Should you wish to take a Napa Valley wine tour, you will find that you have a number of different options. For example, you can drive yourself in your own vehicle or in a car rental or you can make reservations for a guided wine tour. Guided wines are popular in wine county, but you don’t have as much freedom as you would traveling through the area touring local wineries on your own.

If you are interested in stopping by local wineries and vineyards for tours and wine tasting on your own, without a guided tour group, you will want to start examining all of your options as soon as possible. Wine country is filled with hundreds of wineries and vineyards and most of them are open to the public. Since you will not be able to visit all of the wineries in the area, you will want to handpick the ones that you do stop at. When doing so, examine admission fees, wine tasting costs, hours, and events that may be occurring, such as an educational class on the history of wine making.

As it was previously stated, you will want examine cost when deciding which wineries and vineyards you should visit in the area. Not all charge an admission fee, but some do. That is why you will want to try and research local wineries online first. There are a number of online travel guides that can help you do so. As for wine tasting, you should be prepared to pay a small fee. While you will find some variances, average wine tasting fees are typically between ten and twenty dollars. As for any special events, like an hour long educational class, rates will vary significantly.

As mentioned above, you can use the internet to learn more about local wineries and vineyards in the Napa Valley area. What you may also want to do is search for printable wine country maps. Once you have a printed map, you can then circle each winery you would like to stop at along the way. Printable wine California country maps can easily be found with a standard internet search. You may also be able to find similar maps available for pickup at wineries and other establishments throughout Napa Valley.

In conclusion, you have a number of different options when looking to take a Napa Valley wine tour. As reminder, if you will be drinking, be sure to display caution. Many large groups make the decision to choose a designated driver and your traveling party may want to do the same as well.


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The first step in making your long distance California wine country travel arrangements involves examining all of your options. You will need to decide how you want to get to wine country before you make all of your travel arrangements. For that reason, a few of your options are highlighted below.

Air travel is one of the most common ways to get to California’s wine country. As previously stated, California wine country is popular, but it is somewhat considered isolated for many parts of the United States. For many individuals, they prefer hopping on a flight that may last six hours as opposed to spending four or more days in the car.

If you are interested flying to California wine country, you will find that you have a number of different options. There are many airports in California for you to choose from, but be sure to choose one that is located close to wine country or at least your intended vacation destination. Also, be sure to examine vacation packages, as many enable you to receive a discount for airline reservations and hotel accommodations. You will also want to make arrangements to get a car rental, once you arrive in the area.

As previously stated, you also have the option of driving to wine country yourself. This is an ideal option if you live only a few hours away. With that said, since most of wine country cannot be explored in just a day, you are encouraged to make a weekend trip out of it. If so, you will also need to make your overnight accommodation reservations as well. For many who do not need vacation packages, inns and bed and breakfasts come highly rated and recommended.

Even if you live a relatively long distance away form California wine country, you may still be interested in driving yourself, especially if you are a motor home owner. Even if you are not a motor home owner, you may still have rental options. For many individuals visiting wine country, traveling by RV is a great option for those on extended trips or large families. Depending on your own personal situation, you may be able to save yourself a considerable amount of money when traveling to wine country by RV.

Speaking of traveling by RV, you may be pleased to know that the wine country area of California has a number of RV parks and public campgrounds with motor home accommodations to choose from. Anyone traveling by RV is encouraged to examine these overnight accommodation options, as they are affordable. In wine country, you can camp at public campgrounds, as well as many national or state parks.

As you can see, there are a number of different ways that you can get to California wine country, no matter where you are coming from, as well as a number of different places to stay. As a recap, vacation resorts, vacation rentals, hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, public campgrounds and RV parks all come highly rated and recommended.


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The first step in planning a wine country vacation involves choosing a destination. When we often think of wine country, California is often the first thing that comes to mind. With that being said, more areas in the United States are being called and referred to as wine country, such as the Finger Lakes area of New York State. For that reason, your first step in planning a wine country vacation should involve choosing a specific destination. As nice as all of your options are, if you are truly looking to learn about the history of wine and its future, Northern California’s wine country should be examined.

Once you have decided on a destination, for your next wine country trip, you will want to decide how you will get there. Making all of your travel arrangements and well in advance of your intended travel dates is important. You may need to make airline reservations, car rental reservations, or map out a road trip with your own car. As a reminder, be sure to plan ahead. Planning ahead is particularly important for long distance travelers, as the biggest cost of taking a wine country vacation is often associated with travel.

In keeping with making wine country travel arrangements, it is also important to examine your overnight accommodation options. You will want to remember that you do have a number of different options. These options include vacation resorts, hotels, and bed and breakfast inns. Many of your options, in terms of overnight accommodations, are located a reasonable distance away from the heart of wine country. For a nice home like and hassle-free stay, bed and breakfast inns should be examined. In fact, many large wineries and vineyards may have onsite overnight options for travelers.

It is also important to decide what you want to do and see on your next wine country vacation. Wine tours and wine tasting are a must. Typically, you will find that wine tasting and wine tours are combined activities, especially if you are on a guided tour. Speaking of guided tours, be sure to research your options ahead of time, as many are limited in the number of reservations they can accept. On the other hand, if you would like to visit wineries and vineyards independently, you will want to examine your options online. Which locations have open doors for tourists and what are their admission costs or wine tasting prices?

Speaking of cost, you will want to make sure that you set aside money for your next wine country trip. This is important if you are on a budget; try to set aside a few dollars a week before your trip. Be sure that you have enough money to enjoy your next trip to wine country to its fullest extent. As previously stated, wine tours are an important part of taking a wine vacation; therefore, ensure that you can afford them. Also, many wineries and vineyards are known for their amazing gift shops, many of which are right onsite. Having extra money will allow you to buy gifts, like wine country gift baskets, for those back home or souvenirs for yourself.

As highlighted above, there are a number of important steps that you will want to take, should you be interested in visiting wine country. By making all of your travel arrangements well in advance of your trip, by researching guided tours, as well as vineyards and wineries that you can visit independently, your next visit to wine country can be a dream vacation.

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The best way to make the most and get the most out of your next trip to California wine country is to plan ahead. You will want to know what each and every one of your options are. This should include everything from guided wine tours to overnight accommodations. Proper planning and preparation are key to having the vacation or trip of your dreams.

In terms of overnight accommodations, you will find a large number of options. Popular options in wine country for tourists include hotels, vacation resorts, vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, as well as inns. For starters, you will want to ensure that you make your reservations well in advance, to help ensure that your first choices, like a vacation home rental, aren’t all filled up with reservations. Secondly, it is important to stay at a place that is conveniently located. This can help you get most out of your wine country trip by eliminating unnecessary travel.

A big staple of visiting wine country is taking a wine country tour. When looking to do so, you will find that you have a number of options. If you are looking to take your own independent tour, be sure to arrange for a designated driver. You will want to stay safe. If you everyone in your traveling party wants to drink, a guided wine tour may be in your best interest. Yes, a guided wine tour will cost extra money, but you are usually provided with travel, either by small bus or van. This makes is so that you don’t have to worry about ruining your fun or the fun of someone else in your group by requiring that just one person doesn’t get the opportunity to wine taste.

As previously stated, wine tours are a good idea for those who all want to be able to wine taste and without worry. Before choosing a guided wine tour company, be sure to examine all of your options first. Many will outline on their online websites which wineries and vineyards their tours stops at, for how long, and the costs of doing so. The best way to make the most out of your next wine country trip is to get the most value for your money.

If you would like to tour local wineries independently and have arrangements for a designated driver, be sure to examine all of your options, in terms of wineries and vineyards in the area. Since you have hundreds to choose from, you will want to prioritize. Which are must sees for you? Most vineyards have open doors, tours of their grounds, and wine tasting available on a daily basis; however, you may also want to examine other planned events. For example, if a winery is having an educational class on the making of wine during your trip dates, it may be worth making plans to attend.

In keeping with independent wine tours, you will want to create a map for yourself. Once you have an idea of which wineries and vineyards you would like to visit, mark them on a map. Then, what you will want to do is decide on a method of travel. Try to visit all of the wineries you checked off on your map in an order that allows you to maximize your time. The best way to do this is to create a set path to follow, namely one that does not result in you backtracking.

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When looking to plan a wine country trip, you will see that you have a number of different options. For that reason, there are a number of important factors that you will first want to take into consideration, before making your travel plans. These factors, when taken into consideration, can help to ensure that your next wine country trip is perfect.

Perhaps, the biggest factor to take into consideration, when looking to plan a wine country trip, is your intended destination. Did you know that there are a number of areas in the United States that are commonly referred to as wine country? These areas include parts of Northern California, Woodinville Washington, and the Finger Lakes Region of New York. Typically, when you examine wine country online, like when looking for lodging information or maps, you will find that wine country is used to describe the Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley regions of Northern California.

Your intended dates of travel should also be another factor to take into consideration. Did you know that wine country tours are increasing in popularity all across the country? They are. For that reason, you may want to carefully choose your travel dates. To see wine country in full swing, most recommend coming in late spring and summer; however, it is also important to remember that these months are peak seasons for wine country tourism. One of the easiest ways to avoid the crowds is to avoid Saturday tours.

Weather is another factor that you should take into consideration, when looking to plan a trip to wine country. As previously stated, wine country is often used to describe a number of locations that are known for their production of fine wine. While most wineries are open for visitors all year round, California is the best for tours. You may find limited activities during the wintertime when visiting the Finger Lakes Region of New York, Woodinville Washington, as well as other smaller wine country areas.

How you plan to get around is another one of the many factors that you will want to take into consideration. Since most wineries have wines for visitors to sample, you may end up with quite a bit of wine in your system at the end of the day. For that reason, you will want to seriously examine your method of travel. In California, there are a number of guided wine tours that provide you with transportation and some other areas have these tours as well. Another option is to have a member of your traveling party be the designated driver. This may not be fun, but it is safe.

The above mentioned factors are just a few of the many that you will want to take into consideration, when looking to plan a trip to wine country. Another one involves deciding which activities you would like to participate in, as well as which wineries you would like to visit. In wine country, especially in California, there are so many wine activities, events, and festivals for you to choose from.

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Since Northern California’s wine country area is relatively large in size, you will find a large number of options, in terms of your overnight accommodations. With that being said, you are still encouraged to make your reservations well in advance of your trip. This is particularly true on the weekends. For that reason, you will want to take the time, now, to review all of your options.

Hotels are one of the most popular ways to stay in wine country. They are ideal because most are affordably priced. When renting a hotel room, you get the basics, such as beds, a television, and a bathroom. Although you may find an onsite restaurant, you will typically have to buy or prepare your own meals elsewhere. For those interested in spending every minute of the day outdoors, a hotel room is a nice accommodation.

If you like the convenience that is associated with most traditional hotels, but want something more, you will want to examine vacation resorts. Vacation resorts come in a number of different formats. In California, they are commonly referred to as spa resorts, as many have onsite spas. What is nice about staying at a vacation resort is that you often gain access to great features, services, and other amenities. For example, you may gain access to an onsite spa, restaurant, laundry service, and so forth. Generally, vacation resorts are more elegant in nature than traditional hotels.

Inns are another one of your overnight accommodation options when visiting California wine country. Inns are defined as lodging that serves both food and drinks to visitors. Typically, you will find that most inns are known for their food and drinks, but they also happen to offer overnight accommodations above the bar or restaurant. For many, inns are a great option when hotels or vacation resorts are filled up with reservations.

Similar to inns, are bed and breakfasts. Bed and breakfasts are overnight accommodations that are popular in wine country. This is because many bed and breakfast establishments are scattered all throughout wine country, making them conveniently located. In fact, many bed and breakfasts are located right on the property of some wineries. One of the many appeals of bed and breakfasts is the small home like feel. The only downside to staying at a bed and breakfast is their popularity, as they are typically small in size.

Vacation rentals are another option that you have when looking to visit California wine country. Vacation rentals are one of your most expensive options, but many recommend vacation rentals. Vacation rentals come in a number of different formats, including homes, cottages, and villas. What draws many tourists to vacation rentals in the wine county area is their privacy. Due to having the ultimate level of privacy with most vacation rentals, like homes and cottages, they are ideal for those traveling to wine country with the purpose of achieving romance.

RV park and public campgrounds are another one of the many options that you have when looking to visit California wine country. RV parks are ideal for motor home owners or renters who must travel a long distance or for those who plan to stay in the area long. Public campgrounds are nice, as they accommodate to both RV owners and traditional tent campers. For many, camping is another fun activity all on its own. Camping is also one of the cheapest ways to stay overnight in California wine country.

As outlined above, you have a number of different options, when looking to travel and stay in wine country. If you are on a budget, you may want to examine all of the above mentioned options and compare the cost of each.

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