Napa + Sonoma

Posted on: August 28, 2009 at 10:03PM

Always hire a DRIVER!! When we first traveled Bordeaux we hired a driver. Then, we returned to CA and hired a driver. We have learned that hiring a driver accomplishes four important things: (1) you can relax and not have to worry about navigating an area that you're unfamiliar with + no worries about driving under the influence (which you should never do!) (2) the driver has tremendous insight into small, boutique wineries that you've never even heard of before. Our driver made a few phone calls after having taken us to the wineries that we requested and got us into the private homes of a few winemakers... for free. It was incredible. (3) using a driver instead of a shuttle or the wine train frees you from wandering the roads too traveled for little reason (a la Sutter Home, Chandon, etc) and (4) a great driver will work on your time and your budget; often wineries will forgo a tasting fee if you're in the company of a winery 'friend' (ie a driver). We tasted at Jessup and the Driver had arranged a cheese plate and tasting for us. Nevermind, that he gave a detailed history on any winery that we visited! report a problem