Wine Connoisseurs Delight in San Francisco's Napa Valley Tours by:Barbara Wade
The city of San Francisco, nestled on the hills overlooking San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean
, is near some of the finest wineries the West Coast - and the world - has to offer. The city lies within easy driving distance of both the Sonoma and Napa Valleys, and offers wine lovers the opportunity to discover delightful vintages they might not find outside San Francisco. Luxury hotel accommodations in the heart of the city provide a sensual respite where you can relax and recharge at the end of the day. The City by the Bay is a truly the perfect vacation spot for wine aficionados.Wine Country Tours
Sonoma Valley is the largest and oldest of the area's wine-producing counties. In 1823, Father Jose Altimira planted mission grapes in his church's vineyard, and there began the world-class winemaking that continues today. A tour of the area yields a feast for the senses, with stunning views of miles of vineyards, a sampling of the most popular wine varieties, and a spectacular climate that rivals that of the south of France.
Perhaps better known, if smaller, is Napa Valley. This 40-mile stretch of paradise follows the meandering Napa River from the town of Napa to the San Pablo Bay. The river wanders among the rolling hills and mountains of one of the most breathtaking landscapes found anywhere in the world. This fertile river valley is home to some of the finest wine grapes ever grown, with 45,000 acres devoted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
For a different view of the wine country, you might choose to tour the valley via boat. Two-hour tours aboard luxurious, environmentally friendly electric boats are a delightful way to spend the afternoon. Limousine-style, wrap-around seating ensures spectacular views of the countryside from every seat. In addition to sightseeing, you'll be entertained with tales of the area's history while drifting leisurely through Napa and past the hills for which this area is famous.
Food and Wine Go Hand in Hand
If you prefer food with your wine, you can book a 48-hour City and Wine Country Tour. You'll get to sample all the tasty delights this city has to offer as well as enjoy a guided tour of nearby Sonoma Valley.
You'll spend the morning casually wandering among the neighborhoods of San Francisco, nibbling on gourmet chocolate in Ghirardelli Square or feasting on authentic Asian cuisine in Chinatown. After lunch, a climate-controlled coach will whisk you off for a wine tour and tasting you won't soon forget. This relaxed, do-it-yourself tour affords you the opportunity to see the sights you wish, while skipping those you don't.
Lodging in San Francisco is as delightful as the wine. Luxurious hotels catering to discerning travelers feature all the amenities you desire and make your vacation a memory you'll treasure. Choose a Moscone Center hotel and you'll be right in the middle of all this fantastic city offers, from wine bars to restaurants to theater and shopping.
By Barbara Wade 2010, All Rights Reserved
About the author
Barbara Wade writes for the Hotel Monaco, a San Francisco luxury hotel offering exquisite retreats in the heart of the city. Visit them online at http://www.monaco-sf.com. Explore the Local Favorites of the Emerald City by:Barbara Wade Four Ideas for Weekend Trips When You Study Spanish in Argentina by:Ken Ingraham New York City's Midtown West: History, Culture, and Big Business by:Barbara Wade Oxnard Ideal Base Of Operations For Ventura County Visit by:Cary Ordway The 10 Best Hikes In The Smokies by:Bob Foster Traditions Throughout Spain by:Louis M De Jesus Perfect Holiday with Car Hire in Gold Coast by:Dev Mishra Take a Walk in Dolly's Stilettos by:Bob Foster How to Spend a Weekend with Your Church Group in Gatlinburg, Tennessee by:Bob Foster Best Places to Get Married in Gatlinburg by:Bob Foster Insurance For Health And Travel Gatlinburg, Tennessee: The Hidden Pancake Capitol of the South by:Bob Foster New York City's New York Pass by:Emily Adams