| If you are planning a trip to California, then you might | | | | you should do is decide which areas of California wine |
| want to consider scheduling some time for a trip to | | | | country you want to visit. Most places are near each |
| visit some of the many California wineries. With the | | | | other, so you can map out a visit where you can see |
| gorgeous weather and lush scenery this can be a | | | | a couple of wineries in one day. You can start by |
| wonderful way to experience some of the finer US | | | | looking at websites which give information on |
| wines. | | | | wineries including tours and special events. Also, try |
| California wine is well known all over the planet and | | | | the winery organizations and trade bureaus. |
| with over 200 days of sunshine each year this state | | | | 2. Make sure you make reservations. You may find |
| boasts an ideal climate for growing wine of all kinds. | | | | that the wineries require an appointment if you want |
| In California, you will find 6 predominate varieties of | | | | to try some wine tasting so it is a good idea to call |
| wine. The Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine with a | | | | ahead of time. Also, if you are traveling to California, |
| melony or herbal taste and is a good pairing with | | | | be sure that you have your travel and hotel plans |
| seafood. The Chardonnay can have a buttery taste | | | | already booked before you start to look into winery |
| and goes well with chicken as well as seafood. Of the | | | | tours. When scheduling tours, it is best to limit |
| red wines, you will find Pinot Noir which has a fruity | | | | yourself to no more than 3 vineyards per day. You |
| taste, the Zinfandel which can be fruity, herbal or | | | | want to allow yourself enough time to see |
| spicy, the Merlot which can have a fruity and floral | | | | everything and traveling between wineries can take |
| flavor and the Cabernet Sauvignon. | | | | some time as well. If there are special events, you |
| Along with the varieties above, you can find many | | | | want to be sure to allow enough time for those too. |
| other types of wine to peak your taste buds and | | | | 3. Know what you want to see. It will be in your |
| California winery tours offer not only an inside look as | | | | best interest to know exactly where you want to go |
| to how the wines are made but also wine tasting as | | | | and what you want to see before you start on your |
| well as yearly festivals and events based around | | | | trip. That way you won't waste time arguing over |
| processing and harvesting. If you time your visit to | | | | which direction to go in. If you can get a driver that |
| California right, you can make the most of your | | | | knows the area, all the better. |
| winery tours. | | | | Some wineries in California are small while others are |
| If you are thinking about adding some California wine | | | | quite large. In some you may see the farmers picking |
| tours to your schedule, here are some things to | | | | grapes by hand while others use machines for |
| consider: | | | | harvesting. Either way, you are sure to have a fun |
| 1. Plan your visit. As with anything else, planning ahead | | | | filled day with your family and maybe even learn a |
| will help to insure a successful tour. The first thing | | | | little about the California wine business to boot! |