How to Book

Contact Jackie Richmond of Wine Country Concierge (707-252-4472; info@winetrip.com). But first, go to cntraveler.com/travelagentfinder/tips for advice on how to get the most out of working with a travel specialist. Richmond will use your credit card to reserve rooms and tastings, so you'll be paying her directly only a fixed price for her time. The cost of the tour described here is roughly $3,250 per person, based on double occupancy in the month of May. This includes all hotels and wine tasting and tour fees, the cooking class, the balloon ride, Richmond's fee, and a rental convertible. The tour cost does not include gas, meals, and tips. (If you wish to taste and swallow the wine at each stop, Richmond can procure a driver for you, at a rate of approximately $100 per hour.) Although the order of this itinerary was carefully chosen, do not be surprised if Richmond has to move things around. Private tasting appointments are booked well in advance for the warm-weather months, and you'll need a clear, calm morning for a balloon ride.

How to Ship Wine
So you've bought some fantastic wine; now what to do with it? You certainly won't be carrying it onto the plane with you. You could check it, of course—I successfully stuffed five bottles into my suitcase coming home from Argentina last year, each lovingly wrapped in dirty laundry. But a bottle weighs about three pounds, and airlines are tightening their weight regulations every day. You could ship it—or not, depending on where you live. Many states don't allow wineries to send wine directly to individuals; you'll find a map of the varying restrictions at freethegrapes.org. If you do live in a state that allows direct shipments, keep in mind that companies like DHL don't have temperature-controlled vehicles, so your bottles could suffer in the middle of summer or winter. Finally, you could store the wine—55 degrees will pick up your purchases and store them in their warehouse until you're ready for them to be shipped to you (in any state, since this time it's not coming directly from a winery). Memberships range from $8 to $80 per month (707-963-5513; fiftyfivedegrees.com).

Next-Best Hotels and Restaurants
Can't get a bed or table at the places named in the itinerary? Don't fret, there are plenty of other options in the valley. Here are some alternatives:

The Vintage Inn in Yountville may have lovely, French country-inspired rooms, but its single best feature is its location: just across the street from Bouchon and the French Laundry, a quick stroll home if you don't want to have to drive after dinner. Vintage has a more intimate feel than its sister property, the Villagio Inn, though both share a newly renovated spa. Request an upstairs room for the vaulted ceiling (707-944-1112; vintageinn.com; doubles, $270-$435). If Auberge du Soleil is the matriarch of the valley, Solage Calistoga is her young niece who just moved in next door. Owned by the same company, Solage attracts 20- and 30-somethings from San Francisco who rave about the retro bikes parked in front of each cottage. Don't expect much privacy outdoors here; the landscaping is still rather sparse (866-942-7442; solagecalistoga.com; doubles, $450-$675).