Northern California Wineries

Northern California is known for many things from San Francisco to the excellent wine vineyards. Northern California winery escapes are some of the best around given the close proximity of so many great wineries.

California is one of the richest wine producing states in the US. The Napa Valley, located in the northern region of California, is home to miles of vineyards and many different wineries ? all of which produce different wine varietals and blends. The climate of northern California makes this area a perfect spot for wine lovers to take a vacation. Enjoying the beautiful surroundings and the many excursions available make this California destination a special place for couples and other groups of wine enthusiasts.

One company that offers to make your stay complete in Northern California is California Wine Tours and Transportation (800-294-6386), located in Sonoma, California. This company offers tourists in the Northern California (and San Francisco) areas many different types of vineyard experiences. With shuttles and other vehicles available (including limos and specialty vehicles), tourists can choose to see whichever vineyards of the Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley that they are interested in. Private trips (or small group excursions) can be tailored to your individual interests, and can include stops at specific wineries or stops for specific types of wine (for example, visits to champagne cellars).

The California Wine Tours company also offers ?public excursions?, which are an economical way to see many of the great vineyards without having to pay for a custom trip. The public excursion to Napa Valley includes transportation by limousine, and departs daily from two popular hotels in Napa. The Napa Valley version offers visitors a trip to several different wineries: the Cosetino Winery, Miner Family Winery, V. Sattui, Maryvale and Andretti Wineries. Be prepared to spend an entire day in Napa Valley, as the limo departs from the hotels at 10:30 and does not return until 4:30 in the afternoon.

If you would prefer to see some of the wineries in Sonoma Valley, a public excursion explores this area via bus. It departs from two local hotels in Sonoma at 10:30 in the morning, and includes several winery stops as well as lunch at one of the winery's gourmet eateries. If you choose this trip, you will be able to stop at the following vineyards: Kunde Estate Winery (includes a cave tour), Ledson Winery, St. Francis Winery, VJB Vineyards and Cellars and Valley of the Moon Winery. Many different vintages and varietals will be available for you to enjoy, ranging from full bodied red wines to lighter chardonnays.

Whether you prefer the wineries of Sonoma or Napa, it is easy to see why northern California is a mecca of wineries. There are many different places to explore, along with many different ways to see this beautiful wine country.