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#Sonoma Valley tours
gaytravelinfo · 1 month
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Gay Wine Weekend 2024 - Sonoma, CA
Out In The Vinyard – Gay Wine Weekend 3 DAYS OF LGBTQ+ CELEBRATION IN SONOMA WINE COUNTRY JULY 19-21, 2024 3 DAYS OF LGBTQ+ CELEBRATION IN SONOMA WINE COUNTRY Gay Wine Weekend makes a move to the Russian River Valley & Healdsburg wine region of Sonoma County, with all-new venues, wineries, restaurants, and more! Join us for a weekend of wine and celebration, benefiting Face to Face, Sonoma…
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napawineries · 5 months
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ariamarks · 7 months
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Indulge in the ultimate wine experience with our Napa and Sonoma wine tours. Explore the picturesque Napa Valley vineyards and charming Sonoma wineries. Book your wine tour today! www.tournapasonomawines.com
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napaprivatedriver · 10 months
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Napa Valley Private Driver at Best Price
Contact Napa private driver for Napa valley private driver service at reasonable prices. We are one of renowned designated driver and VIP concierge service provider in Napa and Sonoma Wine County. Our team members are experienced restaurateurs, wine experts and VIP hospitality people. Call us for tour and transportation 415-521-4695.
Website: https://www.napaprivatedriver.com
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jerryjacobs18 · 2 years
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Napa Driver : At Best Price
Napa Private Driver provides expert drivers to induce your journey notable. They are experienced and provide VIP concierge service in Napa, CA. Our local Napa drivers are perfectly wine experts in their field. Therefore connect with us to make your wine trip impressive.
Website: https://www.napaprivatedriver.com/
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zeldahime · 4 months
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Highway to Pail Bonus #2
[Day 1] [Prev] [Next] @do-it-with-style-events
Bonus prompt 2: You had me at Merlot.
Keanu Hawke Harrison-Montoya, known to his friends as Halcón or Hal and to his coworkers and customers as Harry, hadn't exactly dreamed of giving wine tours in Sonoma Valley when he was a kid, but it paid okay and you met interesting people. Once some actor from like Ireland or something had been on one of his tours with his wife and oldest kid, and his sister had called him a couple days later to ask if he'd seen them, because the kid was her favorite character on the new Game of Thrones. Not exactly Johnny Depp levels of fame, but they'd been pretty nice and Brit was impressed.
Unfortunately, interesting does not always mean nice. Two of the customers on today's tour were both interesting and irritating as hell. He could tell already that by the time he got home to Pancho, he just was not going to have it in him to do date night, Wednesday or not. Maybe he'd be cool with just cuddling on the couch and watching some dumb reality TV.
The two guys were both middle-age and English and obviously loaded, but otherwise they physically were the opposite of each other in every way, like they'd been designed to be The Odd Couple in a kid's show. One looked like if the Easter Bunny was a gay professor, and the other like the former frontman in a broken-up Clash cover band who hadn't gotten a new personality yet. They argued with each other at the back of the pack like they were either: a) about to get divorced, or b) had never believed in marriage philosophically but nevertheless intended to be in one another's pockets for the next fifty years and die within five minutes of each other so they could continue arguing at the pearly gates. He would not have been surprised if one of them was an anarchist, although based on the boyfriends and girlfriends Pancho's cousins usually brought home, he figured it'd be Easter Bunny rather than Rocker. Every tight-laced looking one talked about the fine points of German philosophy and schemes they had to redistribute wealth to third-world countries and every punk-looking one introduced him to a new "Viking" rune he'd google later and find out was a Nazi symbol. (Desirée was not very good at picking boyfriends.)
It had been more than half an hour since Hal had begun this tour, and despite Easter Bunny saying several times "do be quiet, Crowley" and Rocker saying "shut up and listen, angel" just as often, neither of them had actually stopped talking that entire time. They were quiet, was the worst part, clearly trying to be polite to the other guests by keeping their conversation down, but the whispers were much more distracting than if they'd just talked at a normal conversational level and harder for Hal to call them out on.
His smile was starting to become plastic as they finally hit the first wine break and, hopefully, a break from the English couple's half-heard conversation. He poured the wine for his dozen guests and explained how wine-tasting worked for any newbies. Like he always did, he asked for the guests to first sniff the wine, see if it reminded them of anything. All but one obediently copied him, and most had the look of people who didn't smell anything in particular but didn't want to say so and look stupid; totally normal. Rocker, however, stuck his tongue into the glass, prompting Easter Bunny to nudge him and whisper "do try to act like a human, my dear," and Rocker, at a normal conversational volume, said "Merlot with notes of tea, angel, you'll like it for sure."
"Notes of tea! Very keen nose! That'll be the tannins," Hal said cheerfully, hoping to remind them that there were ten other guests plus him on this tour. "Anyone else smell anything?"
Easter Bunny at least had the grace to look a bit embarrassed. "Thank you, er," he squinted at his nametag, "Harry," presumably on behalf of Rocker, who just smirked and whispered something in what Hal thought was French. Hal assumed it was a Harry Potter joke, because it always was. He ignored them and smiled at the rest of the group.
A round of silent, politely confused faces stared back at him. "Time to taste!" he announced, modeling taking just one sip from his glass. The Englishmen, he noticed, drank their whole sample.
Christ alive. If these two were this annoying sober, he was not going to have fun dealing with them drunk.
Author's note:
I don't know a damn thing about wine, but I do know a bit about being an underpaid tour guide, and Air Conditioning would be the absolute worst. At least they'd tip well. All knowledge of wine comes from the Wikipedia article about Merlot.
Shout out to David, Georgia, and Ty Tennant in paragraph 1. Johnny Depp is mentioned because I read once that the studio had wanted to cast him as Crowley in the never-made movie, and also because he's the most famous person I didn't quite meet while living in a tourist town.
Hal is named after Keanu Reeves and Tony Hawke, and I figured he's probably about my age. Halcón is just Spanish for Hawk. I did Google to make sure it's not accidentally offensive or funny in some dialect like how Concha* can be, and some Mexican reality TV star is being called that because he's got an aquiline nose, so I think we're solid for California at the very least. If it is accidentally funny please let me know! I also liked how you could arguably get Hal from Harrison, via Harrison -> Harry -> misattribution of Harry to Henry -> Hal. Why does Hal come from Henry? Because English is weird.
*Concha means seashell and is a regular woman's name in Spain, a pastry in Mexico, and slang for vagina in Argentina.
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jonfarreporter · 1 year
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Little-known “Sidekick” Vivian Vance takes center stage in one-woman play
Not to be confused with a book and a movie by the same title, the one-woman play “Sidekicked” is an unexpected tour de force of actress Vivian Vance of “I Love Lucy” TV show fame.
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The Sonoma Arts Live production at the Sonoma Community Center on Sunday, February 12 was well-received by an almost full-house audience, as noted by The Sonoma Valley Sun. Very few people know much of Vance outside of the beloved classic TV show that initially aired from 1951 to 1957.
The 90-minute play was written entirely by imagination. Playwright Kim Powers utilized facts known about Vance who was born in 1909 in a small town in Kansas and died at age 70 in 1979 in Belvedere, (Marin County) California.
After the show, when asked where he got the material for such an intensely personal story, Powers responded saying. “I remember years ago reading about Vivian being in analysis, and immediately got the idea for the play,” he said.
Yet, he admitted. “I Just sat on it for years without doing anything, and then I finally began doing a ton of research that turned into the play.”
Powers had to search extensively. Because, there is no direct memoir from Vance or the psychoanalyst she saw for years while portraying Ethel Mertz, Lucy’s landlady/neighbor, friend and of course, “sidekick.”
While it is known that Vance and actor William Frawley didn’t get along, little else is known about the overall TV show production. The play opens in Vance’s dressing room as she is preparing for the very last episode of the subsequent “Lucy & Desi Comedy Hour” is scheduled to air/be taped in 1960.
Vance speaks to the audience as if her psychoanalyst is in the room and she ponders as to whether or not she should take up the offer to portray Ethel in a spin-off called “Fred & Ethel.”
As Powers noted. “Vivian wrote a memoir, but it never got published. I’ve read that there are copies of the manuscript floating around, but I’ve never been able to track it down,” he added. “And the shrink has never revealed anything about their work together.”
Despite a few moments when it’s not exactly clear what Vance’s show business career history was before “I Love Lucy,” the play does spotlight pivotal moments. It was while she was in a play called “The Voice of The Turtle” that her life unraveled.
As Powers explained. “Out of the all the research, I invented the framing device of her calling the psychoanalyst to this last night of filming the last episode.”
“All the details Vivian reveals within are true — the spinoff, the other pilot she did, her early family life and her relationship with Lucy, and especially the breakdown,” said Powers.
“But, he insisted, I put them in the form of a sort of therapy situation. (It always nagged at me that naturally the shrink would already know most of this from prior sessions, and I didn’t want her to keep saying ‘Remember when I told you about…’ etc. — so…) Vivian really is just talking to the audience — and it still works really well,” said Powers.
The entire monologue is about Vance’s inner-struggle. Her early life, her strained relationship with her disapproving mother, her failed marriages and the nervous breakdown.
Vance had a nervous breakdown apparently caused by her overseas experience on a USO tour in 1944–45. There is no reference to it on Wikipedia. And, exact details are not entirely clear in the play. But as noted in the play and other sources like Television Haven, her breakdown was a turning point.
Each subject in monologue is riveting and the audience at the SCC auditorium that afternoon we’re genuinely interested and impacted by Libby Oberlin’s portrayal of Vance.
“Libby owned the part” said longtime Sonoma resident and realtor Nada Rathbart. “I could relate to the play, even though I wasn’t as familiar with the TV show, because I am originally from Yugoslavia, (Eastern Europe). “Yet, I could understand her strained relationship with her mother and her mother’s lack of understanding and support for what Vivian Vance wanted to do and be.”
“My mother’s generation was from a different time and expectations for women then were very different than what women today can aim for and achieve,” Rathbart said.
And as for references to the impact a nervous breakdown had upon Vance’s life, “I can relate to that too,” said Rathbart. “I’m a survivor of war,” added Rathbart. “So, I can understand that, especially as Vivian was inadvertently exposed to combat and conflict while on tour with the USO in WWII.”
Rathbart experienced directly the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe, which then led to the breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, resulting in the Yugoslav Wars. “It was horrible said Rathbart. And, it’s taken me considerable time and effort to recover.”
Reflecting a bit more Rathbart said. “So, I can understand why Vivian became vulnerable after her USO tour. War and experiencing violence is devastating.”
“Add in the stress of relationships and her ambition to establish a life for herself on her own, takes up a lot of work and energy. I can relate to that very well,” said Rathbart.
This is another element in the play that Powers does reflect upon in his writing. The choices Vance made to live the life she wanted to live. Vance’s choices were unconventional for the time. If women of more than a century ago stepped outside of conventional roles, it was a cause for alarm if not scandal. Especially someone like Vance born in Cherryvale, Kansas. It’s a quiet town of less than 3,000 people. Her strict and very religious mother couldn’t imagine Vance being anything more than a wife and mother.
“It’s always the rejection by a mother or father that causes a lot of pain and frustration for someone eager to live an independent and interesting life on their own,” said Jude Cameron.
Like Rathbart and many other Sonoma residents, Cameron enjoys and takes an interest in the arts; especially locally-like the experience she had helping with Studio 35. Cameron wanted to know more about Vance because as she said. “‘I Love Lucy’ was a show that everyone watched when I was growing up.” And besides, added Cameron, “Vivian came from a small town like I did.”
(Cameron is from a small town in upstate New York and like Vance, Cameron noted that there wasn’t many opportunities there, especially for women who wanted more out of life than marriage and children).
Pleased with the production and the positive response it has received thus far Sonoma Arts Live creative director Jamie Love said. “Far, far beyond what lovers of the ‘I Love Lucy’ TV Show knew I was intrigued and wanted to know more about Vivian beyond the halo of curls and apron.”
“I wanted to find out the real story about this little-known and multifaceted Vivian,” said Love.
Amid the laughs there’s many subtle poignant moments in the play, which Oberlin does well as the audience’s reaction indicated frequently.
“It was really the breakdown that fascinated me, said Powers, and in some ways I wrote the play just to get to that moment of reliving it.”
Even though Powers had difficulties in finding Vance’s alleged memoir, he succeeded in getting to the heart of a determined and talented woman. The play’s culmination is a testament to that fact.
“Vivian is coming to a decision in her own head (about the future) said Powers, and just saying the words aloud.”
Directed by Michael Ross, “Sidekicked” continues at the Sonoma Community Center auditorium until February 19.
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For tickets and more information visit the Sonoma Arts Live website.
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demospectator · 1 year
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Vineyard workers.  Watercolor by Jake Lee (from the collection of the Chinese Historical Society of America). 
Chinese Pioneers in California’s Wine Industry
The work by the Chinese is excavating the wine caves for what would become the Buena Vista winery has been well known and researched by the original deans of Chinese American historiography, the late Phil Choy and Him Mark Lai.  The story of Chinese participation in building this industry of Sonoma County and California continues to attract the interest of local historians.    
In 2018, I toured the BV winery again last year with the executive director of the Chinese Historical Society of America. With a couple exceptions, most of the guides were aware of the provenance of BV’s wine caves. The then-new ownership appears more committed to recounting the substantial contributions made by Chinese labor and engineering staff into the larger history of this landmark winery.  Photos of Chinese men working in the fields and bottling wine are displayed in Buena Vista’s tasting room.  
“We feel it’s more important than ever to talk about the reason we exist and the people who contributed to it − Chinese, Hungarian, French,” says Jean-Charles Boisset, whose family company, Boisset Collection, a US subsidiary of Boisset, La Famille des Grands Vins (France’s third largest wine holding company and Burgundy’s largest producer), bought BV in 2011.
An 2017 article by NPR food reporter, Grace Hwang Lynch, summarized the labor and the ultimate fate of the Chinese workers whose involvement in virtually all phases of the production literally built a multi-billion dollar industry for Northern California and the US.  “In 1857,” Hwang wrote, “a wealthy Hungarian named Agoston Haraszthy purchased a ranch in Sonoma Valley and named it Buena Vista, with the vision of introducing winemaking techniques from his homeland. . . . Haraszthy turned to Ho Po, a Chinese labor contractor from San Francisco, who sent 150 of his countrymen to build Buena Vista, Sonoma's oldest commercial winery.“
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Ho Po, a Chinese labor contractor from San Francisco, sent 150 of his countrymen to build Buena Vista. Photographer unknown (courtesy of Buena Vista winery).
The Chinese workers dug a cave network for the BV winery which is actually more extensive than what a causal tour will disclose.  However, a couple of the 19th century excavations have collapsed due to past seismic activity.  
Chinese labor also dug the caves for other wineries.  In 1870, Jacob Schram found new employment for the Chinese laborers who had recently finished constructing tunnels and grades over the Sierra Nevada Mountains for the Union Pacific Transcontinental Railroad.Schram hired them to dig a network of caves through the soft Sonoma Volcanics Formation rock underlying his vineyard. To its credit, the Schramsberg website also acknowledges the Chinese laborers who dug Napa’s first hillside caves for wine-aging and storage.  
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Chinese and other men bottle sparkling and other wine products at the Buena Vista winery, c. 1880.  Photograph by Eadweard Muybridge(from the collection of the Buena Vista winery).
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Chinese workers transport wine in front of the main building (which still stands today) at Buena Vista, the oldest winery in California's Sonoma County.  Photographer unknown (from the collection of the Buena Vista winery)
In the late 1870′s Hwang recounts, the locals began to drive out the Chinese from Sonoma County’s vineyards through economic boycott or worse.
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“1106 -- Buena Vista Vineyard, Sonoma -- Bottling Wine,” no date. Photographer unknown (from the collection of Buena Vista Winery and George Webber).
The experience of the Sonoma County Chinese demonstrates that the aggregate, private violence continued even after the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.  Local law enforcement either turned a blind eye or aided such violence, and the decades that straddled 1882 produced an internal migration of nonwhite Americans in the western US that had not been seen since the Trail of Tears (which was essentially done at gunpoint in a military operation), and would not be seen again until the Great Migration of African-Americans from the rural South between 1916 and 1970. 
The Chinese would remain in vintners’ workforces into the next century, local conditions permitting.  However, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 would continue to exact a toll on the population of laborers, and growers would gravitate toward other groups of agricultural workers.  
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“Chinese farm workers pruning a vineyard,” c. 1900.  Photographer unknown (from the Title Insurance and Trust Collection of the California Historical Society).  CHS wrote about this photo in its Spring 1978 quarterly as follows:  “Under the watchful eyes of Yankee overseers, Chinese laborers built California’s railroad, reclaimed the Delta, and nursed the state’s infant agriculture, including its vineyards.  .
The Chinese pioneers left as their legacy the foundation of a multi-billion dollar industry upon which the economy of California prospers in the 21st century.  Even today, researchers and writers continue to coax from the historical record more stories of a vibrant presence in the state’s earliest vineyards.
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“The Vintage In California -- At Work At the Wine Presses.”  Drawing by Paul Frenzeny (from the Robert B. Honeyman, Jr. Collection of Early Californian and Western American Pictorial Material at the Bancroft Library)
Note about the artist (by Theresa Salazar of the Bancroft Library):
French artist Paul Frenzeny came to North America in the 1860s to serve under Marshal Achille Bazaine, commander of the French expeditionary corps in Mexico, sent to support Napoleon Ill's abortive effort to establish an empire there under Archduke Maximilian of Austria. Sometime before 1868 Frenzeny went to New York City, for between that year and 1873 Harpers Weekly published some twenty of his sketches, showing New York views as well as events in the Mexican war and the Pennsylvania coal fields (Samuels, p. 178).
Harpers commissioned Frenzeny and Jules Tavernier, another Frenchman, to travel across the country and record the landscape in remote, unexplored areas, telling its readers that "these gentle-men will not restrict themselves to the ordinary routes of travel. They will make long excursions on horseback into regions where railroads have not penetrated, where even the hardy squatter, the pioneer of civilization, has not yet erected his rude log-cabin" (Harpers Weekly, November 8, 1873, p. 994). The men left New York in the fall of 1873 and reached San Francisco the following summer, riding horseback from Denver.
Frenzeny apparently stayed on in San Francisco for at least six years and became known for his illustrations and sketches of Chinatown (Hughes, p. 400). He participated in the artistic life of the city and became a member of the new Bohemian Club. His partnership with Tavernier may have ended shortly after the men arrived in San Francisco, for Harper's illustrations of California and Nevada subjects between 1876 and 1878 and in the early eighties were signed by Frenzeny alone. In 1879 Harper's published Central American drawings executed on his journey back to New York. Between 1882 and 1887 Frenzeny's work appeared in Leslie's Weekly. Frenzeny later provided 150 illustrations for Harrington O'Reilly's Fifty Years on the Trail, Frenzeny’s last known publication (1889). The last decade or so of his life is undocumented, but he is believed to have died in London in 1902 (Karolik, 1:163-164; and Hughes, p. 192).
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edlehming · 2 years
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"Above Saint Helena"
“Above Saint Helena”
“There are times when the beauty and wonder of what lies before us brings an unspeakable joy and peace. Savour those moments so that they can sustain you in times of trial.” – Ed Lehming The image I chose for today was made above Reverie II Winery in California’s Napa Vally. It was our first stop of a day of wine tasting and touring both Napa and Sonoma Valleys and our first full day of a two…
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winedriver · 3 days
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Designated driver napa sonoma
Thomas is the most trusted designated driver for private wine country tasting tour in Napa valley and Sonoma County. He will come to your location and the tour will be done in your vehicle. Tom knows this wine producing region just like back of his hand.
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naples-limousine123 · 1 month
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Wine, Dine, and Ride: Transportation Options for Wine Tours
Exploring the beautiful vineyards and wineries of a wine region is a delightful experience, especially when you have reliable transportation to enhance your journey. Southwest Florida offers unique wine tour experiences, and selecting the right transportation option can make your wine adventure memorable and stress-free. This guide presents essential tips and insights into transportation choices for wine tours in Southwest Florida.
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The Charm of Southwest Florida Wine Tours
Southwest Florida may not be as famous as Napa Valley or Sonoma, but it boasts picturesque vineyards and wineries producing unique wines in a tropical setting. Here are some reasons why wine enthusiasts should consider exploring Southwest Florida's wine country:
Scenic Vineyards: Enjoy stunning views of vine-covered landscapes surrounded by lush greenery and swaying palm trees.
Unique Wine Varietals: Discover wines made from tropical fruits like mango, guava, and lychee, in addition to traditional grape varietals.
Educational Tours: Learn about the winemaking process and the unique challenges and techniques of viticulture in a subtropical climate.
Culinary Experiences: Many wineries offer food pairings, tastings, and gourmet experiences that highlight local flavors and ingredients.
Transportation Options for Wine Tours
Choosing the right transportation is crucial for enjoying a wine tour safely and comfortably:
Guided Tours with Transportation: Opt for organized wine tours that include transportation. These tours often provide a knowledgeable guide, visits to multiple wineries, and convenient pick-up and drop-off.
Private Car Services: Hire a private car or limousine service for a personalized wine tour experience. This option allows flexibility in choosing wineries and setting your own schedule.
Rental Cars: Renting a car provides flexibility for self-guided wine tours. You can explore wineries at your own pace and customize your itinerary.
Designated Driver Services: If you prefer driving yourself but want to enjoy wine tastings without worry, consider using designated driver services where a professional driver accompanies you in your own vehicle.
Tips for a Successful Wine Tour
To make the most of your wine tour experience, consider the following tips:
Research Wineries: Explore the offerings of different wineries and select those that match your preferences in terms of wine styles and ambiance.
Make Reservations: Many wineries require reservations, especially during peak seasons or weekends. Plan ahead and book tastings and tours in advance.
Consider Group Size: Choose a transportation option that accommodates your group size comfortably. Some wineries may have restrictions on large groups.
Pack Essentials: Bring along essentials such as water, snacks, sunscreen, and a camera to capture memorable moments.
Plan for Safety: If tasting multiple wines, designate a sober driver or use professional Wine Tour transportation services to ensure safety.
Local Resources for Wine Tours
Explore local resources to enhance your wine tour experience in Southwest Florida:
Winery Websites: Visit winery websites for information on tastings, tours, and events.
Tourist Information Centers: Seek recommendations from tourist information centers for reputable wine tour operators and transportation services.
Hotel Concierge Services: Consult hotel concierges for personalized recommendations and assistance in arranging transportation for wine tours.
Conclusion
Embarking on a wine tour in Southwest Florida offers a delightful opportunity to savor unique wines amidst scenic vineyards and tropical landscapes. By selecting the right transportation option, whether it's a guided tour, private car service, or self-driving adventure, you can make your wine tour experience enjoyable and hassle-free.
Explore the diverse offerings of Southwest Florida's wineries, from tropical fruit wines to classic grape varietals, and indulge in culinary delights paired with exquisite wines. Remember to plan ahead, prioritize safety, and embrace the laid-back ambiance of wine country in this captivating region. With the right transportation and a spirit of exploration, you're set to wine, dine, and ride through Southwest Florida's hidden wine gems. Cheers to unforgettable wine tours filled with flavor, relaxation, and scenic beauty!
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ariamarks · 7 months
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Indulge in exceptional wine tour experiences in Napa Valley and Sonoma with our guided winery tours. Discover the beauty of Napa vineyards and the charm of Sonoma wineries. Book your wine adventure today! www.napasonomavalleywinetoursdriver.com
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napaprivatedriver · 1 year
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Best Wine Tours in Napa
We have 30+ Yrs. of experience in Best Wine Tours in Napa Valley and Sonoma. Napa Driver is a reliable car rental and wine tour company where you can find almost everything what you need. We have Designated wine tour drivers, who will drive your car. All the vehicles and drivers are insured. For more details Call: 415-521-4695
Website: https://www.napaprivatedriver.com
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thefinewinecompany · 3 months
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Sparkling Wine Travel: Exploring the Vineyards and Regions of Renowned Bubbles
Sparkling wine holds a special place in the hearts of wine enthusiasts worldwide. Its effervescence, celebratory nature, and versatility make it a beloved choice for various occasions. Beyond its delightful taste, sparkling wine also offers a unique opportunity for travelers to explore the regions where it's produced. In this article, we'll embark on a journey to discover the vineyards and regions of renowned bubbles, delving into the essence of sparkling wine travel.
Champagne: The Iconic Birthplace of Sparkling Wine
Champagne, synonymous with luxury and celebration, stands as the iconic birthplace of sparkling wine. Located in the northeast of France, the Champagne region boasts a rich history dating back centuries. Its unique terroir, characterized by chalky soils and cool climate, contributes to the distinctiveness of Champagne wines. Visitors can immerse themselves in the allure of Champagne by exploring its picturesque vineyards, visiting prestigious Champagne houses, and indulging in guided tours and tastings. From the legendary cellars of Moët & Chandon to the historic grounds of Dom Pérignon, Champagne offers an unforgettable experience for sparkling wine enthusiasts.
Prosecco: Italy's Beloved Bubbly
In the lush hills of northeastern Italy lies the enchanting Prosecco region, home to Italy's beloved bubbly. Prosecco, known for its crispness and fruitiness, has gained international acclaim in recent years. Travelers flock to the Prosecco hills to witness breathtaking landscapes adorned with vineyards and charming villages. Guided tours of Prosecco wineries provide insight into the production process, from vine to bottle, while tastings offer a sensory journey through Italy's sparkling gem. Whether sipping Prosecco on a terrace overlooking the vineyards or exploring the ancient cellars of Conegliano, visitors are sure to be captivated by the magic of Prosecco.
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Cava: Spain's Sparkling Gem
Spain's contribution to the world of sparkling wine comes in the form of Cava, a vibrant and versatile bubbly. Produced primarily in the Catalonia region, Cava offers a delightful alternative to its French and Italian counterparts. Travelers venturing into the heart of Catalonia will discover a land steeped in tradition, where Cava production is both an art and a passion. Visits to renowned Cava cellars, such as Codorníu and Freixenet, provide insights into the méthode traditionnelle and offer tastings of exquisite Cava varietals. With its lively ambiance and warm hospitality, Catalonia invites visitors to experience the essence of Spanish sparkling wine culture.
Sparkling Wine Tourism Beyond Europe
While Europe reigns supreme in the realm of sparkling wine, other regions around the world have also made their mark. From the sun-kissed vineyards of California's Napa Valley to the pristine landscapes of Tasmania, sparkling wine producers are thriving on a global scale. Travelers can embark on wine trails and tours, exploring diverse terroirs and tasting unique expressions of sparkling wine. In South Africa, the Cape Winelands beckon with their scenic beauty and award-winning Méthode Cap Classique wines. Whether traversing the rolling hills of Sonoma or savoring sparkling Shiraz in the Barossa Valley, sparkling wine enthusiasts can embark on a truly global adventure.
Planning Your Sparkling Wine Travel Experience
Embarking on a sparkling wine-themed journey requires careful planning and consideration. As you prepare for your adventure, keep in mind the following tips:
Research your destination: Familiarize yourself with the regions you plan to visit, including notable wineries and attractions.
Book accommodations in advance: Secure lodging near vineyards or in nearby towns to maximize your time in wine country.
Arrange transportation: Whether by car, guided tour, or public transportation, ensure you have a reliable means of getting around.
Embrace guided experiences: Guided tours and tastings offer valuable insights into sparkling wine production and culture.
Drink responsibly: Enjoy the pleasures of sparkling wine in moderation and always designate a sober driver or utilize transportation services.
Conclusion
Sparkling wine travel offers a unique blend of exploration, indulgence, and discovery. From the hallowed vineyards of Champagne to the sun-drenched hills of Prosecco, each region invites travelers on a journey of sensory delight. Whether you're a seasoned wine aficionado or a curious novice, embarking on a sparkling wine adventure promises unforgettable experiences and cherished memories. So pack your bags, raise a glass, and toast to the magic of sparkling wine travel. The world of renowned bubbles awaits your exploration. Cheers!
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napawineries · 4 months
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napsacwinetours · 5 months
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