It won't be long until vineyards across wine country in California begin to harvest this year's crops. When they do - the roads in wine country get very busy. It pays to know more than one way to get to the winery you want to visit.
When I visit at this time of the year I spend a few hours putting together my list of wineries I want to visit that day. Then, based on where I'm staying, and using something like Google Maps, I find the one furthest away. That's where I want to start. Conversely, the one closest is where I want to end.
Next I take into account the time that the tasting room opens. This usually causes me to visit the winery's website for the info. While most open by 9:30am some open earlier and a few later. I also want to know what time the doors close for the day so I don't miss that last one!
Now it's time to plot my route for the day and here is where harvest comes into play. Roads in wine country are generally 2 lane and can be pretty narrow. The trucks, with their loads of grapes, go slow and take up room. So, I like to plan 2 ways to get to each stop if I can.
While there are many more variables such as day of the week; mountain or valley floor; time at each stop; etc. at least I have a plan if I'm faced with blocks of trucks and not much road.
For now - this is Dave wishing you Happy Vineyard Visits!
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