Traveling the Wine Country
- Sophie Sundock
- 7 days ago
- 8 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Ah, wine- always a reliable companion. If you've had the good fortune to visit Napa, then cheers to you! This was my first time as an adult enjoying wine tastings, and it was truly a delight. I couldn't help but remember my 10-year-old self, who spent hours playing on the iPad and entertaining the vineyard cats, which, if I might add, still sounds rather appealing. While it was enjoyable then, it was much more fun now that I could taste the wine and appreciate the skill and science that goes into its creation. The occasion for this trip was to celebrate my parents' 60th birthdays, adding a new layer to our time in Napa. Each tasting felt like a toast to their milestone (!), making the experience all the more memorable and exciting.
A Moment for the Clothes
Flying coast to coast is never easy, nor is leaving your house at 3:30am. But doing anything for travel, especially losing sleep, is the cost of a fun vacation. And the work starts with packing!
As I contemplated the perfect outfit for a whirlwind first day of travel—a plane ride followed by a two-hour drive to a burger joint and then off to a vineyard for wine tasting—my mind was a speeding train of stress-filled thoughts. The night before my departure was anything but straightforward. My internal dialogue went something like this:
What should I pack for this adventure?
Why didn’t I get organized sooner?
What’s the weather forecast? Will it rain?
I absolutely want to wear my boots!
What pairs best with my boots?
What’s the current dress code for wine tastings?
How do I stay comfortable and warm, yet be able to shed layers if necessary?
What’s the best way to layer my outfits?
Deciding to go with an upscale casual vibe, which would work for all of our plans, I knew I had to at least start with the basics. My go-to favorite jeans were the first choice. If you’re anything like me and prone to indecision (in everything), you’ll find yourself packing at least three pairs of your most beloved jeans, which you’ve been wearing on repeat. After all, when it comes to jeans, it’s hard to have too many options. Next, I focused on footwear. Those coveted boots that I dreamed of wearing in Napa were a must, so I paired them with both a darker and lighter wash jean, ensuring that whichever outfit I chose, the boots would complement it perfectly. Then came the tops. I sifted through my collection to find not only my favorites, but also pieces that would work well for layering: thin long sleeves, easy tanks, and even a couple of muscle tanks for versatility. Finally, I turned my attention to jackets, a personal passion of mine, though one I rarely get to showcase in the warmer Southern climate. After a thorough check of the weather app, I settled on a longer denim jacket I had picked up from a charming shop in Berlin, MD, along with a cozy sweater. Both options were easy to remove if the temperature rose, allowing for a seamless transition from the cool morning air to the warmth of the afternoon sun.
With my packing list sorted, I was able to lean in to the excitement of the adventure ahead. The itinerary that my parents had put together covered some of the best things to do in the wine country. From savoring the juicy burgers at the local joint to indulging in exquisite wines at vineyards, each moment promised to hold something new. And something between the fourth and fifth glass, but I can't remember...
A Moment for the Bag
As for baggage space, my Away bag is made of magic. This poor bag has seen many, many places with things stuffed inside, and has even travelled part of Europe without me when my bag went missing somewhere in Paris (long story short, she survived the French)! This durable, trusty bag has always been the easiest go-to travel bag for me. I can fit so much without going overweight for a carry-on + it fits overhead super easily. Along with that, the Away carry-on tote fits all my other essentials that either didn't make the cut in the main bag, were forgotten post-packing, or were more immediate things I would need for later.
The Beginning
We all arrived in Oakland on time and hungry! It's not a solid trip to the west coast (and the wine country at that!) if you don't stop at Gotts Roadside. This nostalgic gem is the most delicious burger joint I have ever encountered. As someone who doesn’t love red meat, I was pleasantly surprised by the incredibly delicious veggie burger. Traveling with a group of dedicated meat lovers, they raved about it
being the juiciest burger they’ve ever tasted. The beauty of Gotts lies in its flexibility; you can customize your burger with a variety of ingredients and any patty of your choice. My dad and I opted for the veggie burger topped with rich Gruyère cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and a delectable garlic mayo, all nestled in a butter toasted egg bun. Simply delicious and mouthwatering!
SIDE NOTE: Gott's handled a celiac allergy VERY well. They were able to accommodate my sister-in-law's needs perfectly without any issues or complaints. That's HUGE!
Our first wine tasting was at Turnbull, which has been around for nearly 40 years, cultivating a place that is committed to excellence. Their goal is to bring the most exceptional quality wine to the table, ensuring that each bottle tells a story of its origin and the craft and care that goes into its production. The winery prides itself on its sustainable practices and dedication to preserving the natural environment, which is evident on the property but also within the bottles. The atmosphere and people are all so warm and inviting that the whole tasting experience feels like being in someone's home. This winery (along with Bella - see below) has the most familial vibes, making each visit feel like a gathering among friends and family. This sense of welcome, warmth, and easiness is what sets Turnbull apart, making it the best place to start the trip no matter your level of wine knowledge.
Post wine tasting means reset then dinner. Bistro Don Giovanni teleports you to Europe the moment you enter. It's moody and candlelit, European but so very American, and overall outstanding. With a beautiful outside garden and patio spaces, (with heaters and blankets if needed), the restaurant is a great choice any time of year. I devoured a pesto pasta, and would you take a look at the prosciutto and fig carpaccio?! The figs were grown and picked from the tree that was practically right beside me!
I'll be honest, I was so tired, I barely remember what I wore. But with food this memorable, I have no complaints :)
The Middle
The early bird catches the worm, they say. Miles and I started our day with a refreshing jog, followed by some quiet time to read and catch up on work before the day's activities began. When it was time to dress for the day, I opted for my mid-length denim skirt from Madewell, paired with the boots I "needed," a comfortable t-shirt, and a button-down shirt for those cooler moments.
Miles, on the other hand, chose his thrifted brown corduroy pants with blue stitching, a casual t-shirt, a denim button-down, and an awesome quarter zip short-sleeve fleece (also thrifted!). Layered up and looking sharp, I couldn't help but feel proud of his stylish choice!
Lunch at Long Meadow Ranch
Next up was lunch at this charming farm-to-table restaurant. Our table was outside in the garden, and the herbs and vegetables in our meals came from right next to us. The food was clean and satisfying which was exactly what we needed before diving back into more wine. This stop is absolutely worth it, even if it was a bit out of our way. The food, the service, and lovely garden all made this stop exceptional. Don'
t forget to enjoy the outdoor seating; it feels like dining on the porch of a family-owned farm.
Here is a short description of all the wineries we had the pleasure to enjoy, but! Please read a more in depth description of them by clicking on each of those wonderful pictures. I made sure to add lots of other photos so enjoy the fun!
Del Dotto
This deliciously Italian themed winery is just off the main road yet feels like you've stepped into Europe. Their wine tasting began in a specially designed cave that echoed with Italian music... VERY intriguing. 👀
Tank
My all time favorite wine. I would describe it as if Buck Mason decided to open a winery. Fun, effortlessly cool, casual, and based out of a vintage 1950s garage.
That should say A LOT.
Bella
The most familial and welcoming vineyard out there. Based in Sonoma, this little winery is scattered across some beautiful hills and filled with picnic tables and live music. This tasting was also enjoyed in a cave which was super cool.
Sam's Social Club Dinner and Celebration
A pleasantly themed 60s decor inspired restaurant tucked into India Hills just outside of the main hub. This dinner was delightful and festive. They rotate their menu based on season to guarantee that anything you get will taste its best and freshest. Here, we have the birthday parents with their complimentary dessert.
The outside patio space, while a chilly night, was accompanied by several heaters and was absolutely beautiful. We even got to see a little fox running in the hills just in front of us.
Joseph Phelps
The entrance into the most beautiful view from a vineyard you can find. Our tasting took place at the top of the mountain where we watched some old grapevines get torn down. How cool is THAT!?
Here is the spot to read about each winery individually by click a picture and it will take you to another article about it :) Just be patient while it loads.
The End
Sadly, the trip had to come to an end. While quick, it was beautiful and everything was amazing.
Our last night consisted of meeting some friends at a cool cocktail/ coffee shop/ vinyl store just around the corner from our hotel called Folklore. The owners, a mother and daughter, have travelled to several places around the world which is where they took much inspiration for their cocktails. The place also features rows of vinyls (some of which I have never heard of nor can I find anywhere on Spotify) and a private sound room.
After cocktails, we went to Scala Osteria which is the same owner as Bistro Don Giovanni from earlier in the trip. You can correctly assume that the food was again outstanding no matter what you got. I needed to experience the pesto pasta again while some others at the table tried a fish which they were amazed by!
Departure day
Our last couple of hours were spent at the bookshops and charming stores in downtown Napa. My favorites were Antiques on Second and Nostalgia of Napa. The vintage clothing at Nostalgia of Napa is perfectly curated by the owner, who loves to travel from place to place to find the best pieces to fit her store. Go check out her website to learn more!
The only thing I would change about this trip is to make it longer. We were on a bit of a time crunch, but that's ok! We were still able to get so much done and explore all kinds of places, even within a short time frame. That being said, whether you are going for a couple days or a week, be sure to explore, learn, taste, see, and enjoy every moment of it :)
Thanks for reading! This was a long one!
Love,
Sophie
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