Day 1Friday, May 2, 2008:
Welcome to California! Upon arrival at the San Francisco International Airport, meet your Wine Tours of the World representative in the baggage claim area after you have collected your luggage. Get ready for an action packed weekend in San Francisco and Wine Country! Your private guide will transfer you to your trendy hotel, located in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco’s most popular destination. Known for its historic waterfront, delicious seafood, spectacular sights and unique shopping, Fisherman’s Wharf offers a wide array of things to do for everyone. The fabulous location in the 'City by the Bay,' puts you within minutes of the Maritime Museum, Alcatraz, Coit Tower and everyone’s favorite, the world famous San Francisco Cable Car lines. Fisherman’s Wharf offers some of the most incredible views of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge and the cityscape.
Check into your hotel, and freshen up for an evening in the city. There are many attractions, restaurants and sights within walking distance of your hotel. Have a delicious dinner while overlooking the beautiful bay from one of the Wharf's many restaurants. Spend a night full of entertainment at Turbo Ride or the Wax Museum. Or sip on a cocktail at one of the Wharf's many bars and pubs such as Knuckles Sports Bar, Fiddler's Green, and Jacks Cannery Bar. Experience an evening of comedy at Cobb's Comedy Club near Crooked Street (Lombard). If you're looking for live music, Lou's on Pier 47 is a haven for Blues musicians and jazz is featured at Bimbo's 365 Club on Columbus. Fisherman's Wharf has just as much to do after sunset, as it does in the during the daylight hours. But don’t stay out too late; you have a big day in Wine Country tomorrow! Day 2Saturday, May 3, 2008:
After a wonderful night in San Francisco, enjoy a relaxing morning at your hotel. You may choose to walk to one of the delicious sidewalk cafés to get a bite to eat before heading to Wine Country. Consider taking a short walk to the famous Buena Vista restaurant. The original building where the Buena Vista sits today was a boardinghouse until 1916, when the landlord converted the first floor into a saloon. That saloon was named the Buena Vista, which means ‘Good View’ in Spanish. The view was good indeed and it served as a warm meeting place for hundreds of fishermen and handlers who worked for the nearby Sardine Cannery. There, they could take in a whiskey while scouting the bay for incoming fishing boats which would mean, "Quick! Finish your drink and back to meet the boats!" In 1952, with the help of a Pulitzer-Prize winning writer, the Buena Vista introduced to the world it's now famous Irish Coffee. The recipe has never changed and the view is still quite good.
After a hearty brunch and check out of your hotel in San Francisco, you will be whisked away into the enchanted Wine Country as another adventure begins! Relax and enjoy the scenery as you approach beautiful Napa Valley. The first stop of your amazing California Wine Adventure will be at one of Napa Valley's most distinguished wineries. This vineyard skillfully produces rich, complex blends and world class varietals from only the finest, self-maintained vineyards in Napa Valley. Born from a family tradition of winemaking with a passion for quality, the wines are hand-crafted in small lots to ensure unsurpassed excellence in every bottle. Their award-winning vintages display varietally correct balance paired with handcrafted passion. This library of wine includes: Cabernet Franc; Syrah; Zinfandel; Harmony; and Chardonnay.
After your first winery visit, the group will be transferred to a destination winery located in the Carneros grape-growing region. This winery was created as a way to share a love of good food, wine and Italian heritage with visitors from around the world. Dedicated to the marriage of wine and food, it truly offers visitors a taste of Tuscany in Sonoma Valley. Today, the winery is proud to be the premier producer of Italian varietals in the United States, and boasts a line-up that includes wines made from well-known grapes such as Sangiovese and Pinot Grigio along with lesser known varietals such as Arneis, Aleatico and Primitivo. They also offer an array of award-winning California varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, as well as their own proprietary blends. Enjoy a delicious snack at the Italian Marketplace located within the winery, where you may find delicious treats that will make you feel like you are in Tuscany!
When you are ready, your guide will escort you to your 4-star hotel that is located in the heart of the California wine country. The hotel offers many amenities such as golf, tennis, a fitness center, bicycle rentals, a driving range, swimming pool and much more. This evening after you have had time to relax and unpack, enjoy dinner on your own at one of the nearby restaurants. | Day 3Sunday, May 4, 2008:
After breakfast, meet your guide in the lobby for another full day of tasting the amazing wines of the Napa Valley. You will visit three prestigious wineries, where you will listen and learn how world-class wines are made.
During your first stop of the day, you will visit one of Napa’s best-kept secrets. With unparalleled scenic beauty, outstanding architecture, world-class wines, and a magical mountainous setting reminiscent of the Tuscan countryside, this is a winery visit that will linger in your memory. Here, guests are invited to taste the exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Rosato, and Chardonnay, along with a selection of fine cheeses, fruits, and nuts all while relaxing on the patio to enjoy the spectacular setting.
Enjoy lunch at a beautiful stone winery building, where you will find delightful treats at the large gourmet cheese shop and deli, which is surrounded by two and a half acres of shaded picnic grounds. Don’t forget to purchase your favorite glass of wine to enjoy with your included box lunch.
Finish your wine tasting for the day at the first winery built in the Napa Valley following the repeal of Prohibition. Graced with a European fountain and formal grounds, this historic winery is ideally located just south of downtown St. Helena, Napa Valley. In this celebrated home, the spirit of great winemaking thrives under the care of the owner and his family. It has earned international acclaim for wines of outstanding quality, and offers four classic varietal wines that reflect the exuberant fruit of their Napa Valley heritage: Starmont Sauvignon Blanc; Starmont Chardonnay; Starmont Merlot; and Starmont Cabernet Sauvignon. After your last stop, your driver will drop you off at your hotel. Dinner reservations can be made upon request. Day 4Monday, May 5, 2008:
Enjoy the morning at your hotel before leaving the majestic Wine Country. Meet your guide in the lobby for your transfer back to the airport, where you will begin your journey home.
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