Insider Tips for a Perfect Wine Country Getaway (2024)

Cheers to safety first, wine second! Both Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley offer various transportation options to suit every visitor's needs. This boils down to these few factors: where you stay, whether you rent a car, and whether you have any interests other than wine tasting.

• Renting A Car: This is the option we chose primarily for the flexibility, but ultimately, the decision to rent a car depends on your preferences, itinerary, and budget. Here are a few pros & cons if you choose to rent a car, that you should consider: 

 Pros:

1. Flexibility: Having your own vehicle allows you to explore Napa Valley at your own pace, making spontaneous stops at wineries, scenic viewpoints, and attractions. For instance, we started our morning here at the beach in Bodega Bay, then popped up to Viansa Winery for a few hours & drove around to a few other wineries, too!
2. Convenience: Renting a car provides convenience for traveling between wineries, mainly if they are located in remote or rural areas with limited public transportation options. Not to mention, you can take your time at each location you discover or like better!
3. Accessibility: With a car, you can easily access off-the-beaten-path wineries and lesser-known gems that may not be reachable by public transit or organized tours.

Cons:

1. Parking Challenges: Some wineries and popular tourist areas may have limited parking, especially during peak seasons (June - September) and planned events (weddings, celebrations, festivals, etc.), which can make finding a parking spot challenging.
2. Drinking and Driving: If you plan on wine tasting, driving yourself may limit your ability to indulge in the experience fully (where's the fun in that?!). This did happen to us, and fortunately, Nate was the designated driver, so we bought a few bottles of wine & took them back to our hotel to enjoy together. This was a damper, but we made the best of it & will hop on a tour or hire a driver next time instead!
3. Cost: Renting a car adds to the overall cost of your trip, including rental fees, gas, parking fees, and potential insurance expenses, which may not be ideal for travelers on a tight budget.

• Hire a driver or book a tour: To be honest, this is what we should have done, so Nate and I could have indulged in the wine tasting without any worries about who would drive! If this is something you're looking to do, I suggest looking at either Viator or Groupon for multiple choices and discounted pricing! 

• Explore on Foot: As I mentioned before, Napa and Sonoma Valley are fairly spread out in terms of the different vineyards. If you don't plan on renting a car, we suggest you stay in or near downtown Napa, closer to 1st Street. We noticed most of the 'hype' was on 1st Street between Silverado Trail (main highway) and Seminary Street. You will find multiple shops, eateries, entertainment & wine tasting rooms all within walking distance!

• Rideshare Apps: Uber and Lyft are widely available and convenient, especially late at night when public transport is less frequent.

** On a side note, Napa Valley and Sonoma County roads are one-lane each direction, with a few tight curves here and there. Be prepared to be in traffic if you visit on weekends and major holidays! We frequent Wine Country and San Francisco regularly and have experienced all extremes of traffic and its flow. So, if you don't like traffic, don't visit wine country during a weekend or major holiday!