Planning a girls' weekend in wine country can be fun. Loving wine goes beyond the bottle -- all the way back to where it starts in the vineyard. Long rows of vines cut through mountain valleys and coastal hillsides to set the scene. Throw in a cast of seasoned confidantes and trusted sisters and you’ve got the makings of a weekend to remember.
Reasons to get out of town (as if you need an excuse), range from a bachelorette party to a mom’s getaway to an outing with your closest circle. Whatever the occasion, preparing ahead pays off.
Address two main logistics before you build the itinerary: group size and budget. A rowdy bachelorette party requires different planning than an intimate group of three. Likewise, a weekend on the cheap demands more resourcefulness than a weekend of high rollin’.
Once you have determined who is going and what they’re prepared to spend comes the fun part: making a game plan. Why plan ahead? Because if you choose wineries on impulse you’re likely to end up with a dud, which sours the mood. That said, the absolute best way to find a new spot is to get recommendations from a winery you like. No one is better connected to what’s in the industry than those working in it.
Where to drink
Ultimately, you are getting away to drink great wine. Research a few
familiar names and work your way to more obscure producers. If your party is greater than six people, call ahead to ensure the tasting room is fully staffed.
Variety: Instead of lining up a string of similar tasting rooms in one area, vary your destinations. While you still have your wits about you, start with a smaller producer that features nuanced selections, a place you want to take the wine seriously. For midday, choose a vineyard with on-site experience where you can walk through the vines or picnic under an old oak tree or tour the winemaking facility. Next, move on to tasting rooms that offer fun amenities.
Audience: Consider your party’s interests -- are they design-minded? Prefer organic and biodynamic wines? Looking for adventure with their alcohol? Create a lineup with a common theme.
Amenities: Wine is the star of this weekend, but it doesn’t have to be the only player. Many tasting rooms and wineries differentiate themselves with a bonus attraction. Bold wineries feature excursions like zip lining over vineyards or off-roading through them; some cater to food lovers with playful cupcake or cheese pairings; others have subtle additions like a bocce ball court or a table with a beautiful view.
Wine Country Activities
This is a weekend away so you’ve got more to do than get lit. What exceptional outings can you add to your girls' weekend to round it out?
Pamper: There’s no better way to flush out toxins than sipping fancy cucumber water. Treat yourselves to massages or mani-pedis at a boutique or resort. Some regions even offer hot springs -- check your area and book a long soak with your besties.
Explore: Are there beaches or trails at your destination? The best way to enjoy the scenery is to dive right in -- look for nearby hikes, horseback riding, or rent bicycles for an immersive look at the wine country.
Collect: Depending on whether you’re in a rustic or high-end region, there’s always shopping to be done. If you’re in a rural area look for antique stores where you can pick up vintage enamelware and quirky jewelry. If you’re in a wealthier place (like Napa or Sonoma) you’ll have access to some unique designers.
Burn the midnight oil: Most wineries end their tastings at 5 p.m. so be sure to have an idea of how to keep the party going. Look for live music, bars, or dancing -- when else are you going to nail your line dancing game than after your fourth tasting?
Here are a few wine country itineraries to get you started: Napa Top 10, Napa Wineries for Insiders, Santa Barbara Funk Zone, Temecula wine country, Paso Robles weekend, Santa Ynez wineries, Best Paso Wineries, 11 Best Tasting Experiences in Sonoma, Discount Napa Tasting Plan
Logistics
Getting around wine country safely should be the first priority of the trip. Unless you have a teetotaler friend who is dying to drive your boozy butts around, you need to get a car service or stay in a walkable area. If you have a big group, hire a van or limo -- that way you can kick up your heels and throw back a glass of bubbly between stops.
Lodging: Resorts and high-end hotels accommodate a luxury experience, and while mid-range and budget hotels are available sometimes they’re in the next town over. You can often find the best values at great boutique hotels. For a more engaging experience, look into home shares through VRBO and Airbnb that feature stays on ranches, farms and small vineyards.
Dining: Restaurants run the gamut so decide where you are going and if you need a reservation. Plan one nice meal, perhaps on the first night before you’re beat, then look for killer burgers and old-school delis to keep you going between wine tastings.
Strategies for a BUDGET girls' weekend in wine country
Haven’t finished that novel, made a killing in coding or blown up your Etsy shop? You can live paycheck to paycheck and still have a girls' weekend in wine country to remember.
Meals: Picnicking is not only a more affordable way to dine in wine country, it can also be more fun. If you have kitchen access prepare a few dishes and tote them along, or just swing by a grocery store for an impromptu charcuterie platter.
Join a tasting club: Clubs like the Priority Wine Pass negotiate deals with the wineries in advance. You can use the pass to receive 2 -1 tastings at many of the most popular wineries in Napa, Sonoma and the central coast.
Share tastings: No one will begrudge you sharing a tasting with a friend. Especially if you’re working your way through a winery’s reserve listings or are on your third stop. Also, a good strategy if you’re into reds and she’s into whites.
Hosted stays: If you’re looking into home share rentals consider one where the host is on-site. These can be less expensive than renting an entire home, and local residents are a great source for recommendations. Let them know that you’re there to celebrate if you anticipate a wild gaggle of gals.
Deals: Once you’re at a tasting room you like, ask the attendant if they offer any two-for-one tasting discounts at other wineries. If you like a wine -- buy the bottle! Most places waive their tasting fee with bottle purchases. If your whole party is buying, go in for a case and get a discount. There is no better souvenir from a weekend away than good wine to enjoy later.
Great tools to help you plan
There are some amazing resources to help you plan your weekend. Here are some of our favorites:
Time-saving ideas - Wander the Vines can put together the whole girls' wine country weekend for you. They ask you a series of questions and customize your "wander" based on your answers. This is a great option if you don't have the time or patience to organize the weekend yourself. They can even save you some money by using their contacts at various wine country businesses.
Get educated - Wine Turtle has great resources for learning or re-learning the basics of wine. A quick crash course will make your weekend that much more enjoyable. You can even show off a little!
Keep track - Quini is a beautifully designed app. for wine tasting. You can track the wines you taste through their intuitive interface. In the days and weeks following your girls' weekend, you can refer back to the wines you loved when it's time to restock.
Can't get to wine country - Taste wine at home. Sometimes it's just to hard to get away. That shouldn't stop you from enjoying wine your girlfriends. Try some of our wine tasting party ideas.
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