Whether you are an expert wine taster or just a novice in the wine tasting world, Napa Valley will give you an experience you will long remember. There is no doubt that you will be able to savor some of the best wines that the world has to offer right here. But, as you will see, Napa Valley wine-tasting tours are much more than just about the wine. True to the spirit of California, there is an exhilarating mix of other attractions all related to wine tasting to transform a visit to Napa Valley from being just about wine tasting to an unforgetable experience.

There is the exciting Napa Valley Wine Train. This is a great way to sample the different wines and food, you will not have to worry about someone not being able to have their share of wine because they are the designated driver. The trains include exotic1950’s diesel Steamliner and turn-of-the century Pullman. Added to the tour of course are wine-tasting stops at different vineyards, or on the train and also gourmet meals. On some days you may even be treated to a concert. This is a great way to enjoy Napa Valley and its great wines (especially Cabernet Sauvignon wines).

Then there are the vineyards that are a bit more than just about the wine. There are vineyards that combine the wine-tasting experience with art, with some even having onsite artists, a truly unique experience. Some vineyards pay particular attention to architecture and great views, so if you are an architecture buff and an outdoors person you will definitely want to check out some of these wineries.

But the extent of what Napa Valley has to offer with its wine tasting tours does not stop there. Some wineries offer fun-filled tours on their estates, with one winery in particular offering tours in caves more than 50 feet underground. And if you would like to learn a some more about the wines you are savoring, some wineries offer lessons on how to identify and deconstruct wine flavors using all the senses.

So you can see that Napa Valley wine tasting tours are much more than about the wine. They can also be about art, food, the view, knowledge and most of all, great fun with an unforgettable experience.

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Driving down the driveway that leads to the cellar door, there’s no indication of what lies beyond the vines and the building that houses the cellar door and offices, but once you arrive at the car park, the view comes to prominence. There is a glass walled pavilion onsite that allows visitors to enjoy lunch or a glass of wine during all seasons, while still allowing the view to take center stage. There’s also facilities outside which allow for al fresco dining during the hotter weather.

Elmswood Estate offers a variety of high quality wines and they are regularly introducing new varieties to keep expanding on the wines that have bought visitors back again and again. Their well known and very popular wines include a sparkling Methode Champenoise, Oaked and Un-Oaked Chardonnay, Cabernet Rose, Cabernet Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot while introducing in the past couple of years wines such as  Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Pinot and Liquor Chardonnay and Cabernet styles. Everyone has a favourite, but for a great combination, you can’t go past the Oaked Chardonnay paired with a cheese platter.

As dining in the Yarra Valley has become increasingly popular, Elmswood has remained a destination for enjoying tasty food for lunch on weekends. There is an extensive lunch menu which offers delicious, unpretentious food and will provide an option for even the fussiest eaters. If you want to graze with a cheese platter while enjoying a glass or two of Elmswoods finest, or decide that something more filling is in order, such as the popular duck and pinot pie, or a steak sandwich, you won’t be disappointed with your food choice.

Over the years, Elmswood Estate has become one of the premiere places in the Yarra Valley for functions, but especially weddings. With everything it has to offer, it is one of the most popular venue for weddings and required booking long in advance of that special date. The staff at Elmswood Estate offer assistance with every detail of your ceremony and reception for that special day, as well as providing help with entertainment and transport services.

With everything considered, Elmswood Estate Winery can cater for almost anything (and often does).  Breathtaking views, delicious food, friendly staff and of course, quality wines,  what more could you want from the one place?

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Find Out What Your Wine Options Are

The first step, if you want to go on a winery tour~take a winery tour~tour a winery~take a tour of a winery, is for you to find out what your options are. Sure, the Napa Valley offers many winery tours that are very popular because it is such a well known region, but there are many other California winery tours that you may also be interested in. Within a short drive of Napa Valley you’ll also find Sonoma, Russian River and Petaluma. All of these California wine areas have vineyards that are open to the public and many offer winery tours. The Benziger Family Winery at Glen Ellen, not far from the Sonoma Valley, offers an outstanding tour of their biodynamic vineyard and winery.

It is always worthwhile finding out if there are any wineries in your local area, or, if you are traveling, you can check to see which wineries are located in that specific area. When traveling in Europe it should be noted that many Italian and French vineyards and wineries are not generally open to the public but if you call in advance they may be very happy to welcome you.

It is important that you find a winery that allows visitors and that offers the types of wines that you enjoy or that you are interested in learning more about.

Do Your Winery Research

Next you will need to do your research on any winery tour that you may be considering. For instance, you are going to need to find out which days and times the winery tours are offered, so you can choose the one that is convenient for you.

For many winery tours you can just find out what time they are conducted and then show up, but for other winery tours you will have to call in advance and book a spot on the vineyard tour. It is always worthwhile calling in advance to make sure that you can get on to the tour without having to wait too long.

Most people will enjoy going on a winery tour. Even if you are not a frequent wine drinker, you may still enjoy learning about wine growing and the long history of wine, and about the different types of wine available and what makes each one unique and sets one apart from another.

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There are many reasons to pack your wine tote and visit a local winery and now I’m going to tell you about three. First, most local wineries offer free or low cost tastings and tours. You’ll have the opportunity to try many different wines and then buy only the ones you like best. You’ll also have a chance to check out the winery and vineyard and learn how they make the wine. Someone will be there to answer your questions and you might even be fortunate enough to meet the owner.

When you visit, be sure to bring your picnic baskets because most wineries have picnic tables or decks where you can relax and have a picnic lunch and a glass of wine. Since wineries are usually located in the country, they offer scenic views of the surrounding areas. Can you think of a better way to relax than with a romantic picnic in the country?

Another thing many wineries offer are Saturday outdoor concerts. You can sit back and enjoy some fantastic wine as local musicians share their talent with you. If kicking back isn’t your speed, many wineries have outdoor dance floors as well. Most let you bring your own dinner so call your friends, pack your picnic backpacks and make an evening of it.

Make plans to go to your local winery very soon. You’ll find the surroundings relaxing and entertaining. Whether you go for a tour and wine tasting, a romantic picnic for two or an evening concert, you’ll have a fantastic time and you might even find a new hobby.

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