Do you squeeze a vacation into a 24-hour sprint? If so, you’re in good company.
It turns out that day trippers are the largest segment of tourists — 66.2 percent – and they fancy wine tasting, with an average of 3.5 tasting rooms typically on their itinerary, according to a study by Destination Analysts.
The study focused on Napa Valley, and with this research in mind, here’s my favorite day-cation in the valley.
It begins with breakfast at Bouchon Bakery in Yountville and be sure to order an authentic Parisian croissant, and then follow it up with a macaroon for dessert. Dessert for breakfast? You bet when the macaroons are that irresistible. (Bouchon Bakery, 6528 Washington Street, Yountville, 707-944-2253, www.bouchonbakery.com.)
After you’ve filled yourself up with Parisian treats, you’re off for a day of wine tasting. Here are my 3.5 (plus) tasting rooms.
The Hess Collection. Tip: This winery is best known for its Mount Veeder Cabernet, but give other varietals a try in its highbrow Hess Small Block Series. (4411 Redwood Rd Napa, 707-255-1144, www.hesscollection.com)
St. Supery. Tip: This winery makes knockout sauvignon blanc so why not taste its best effort yet – the Dollarhide Estate Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc? (8440 S St Helena Hwy Napa, 707-963-4507,www.stsupery.com)
Mumm Napa. Tip: the Blanc de Blancs is a tasty bottling not to be missed. It’s vibrant with notes of apple, almond and mineral. (8445 Silverado Trail, 800-686-6272, www.mummnapa.com)
Domaine Chandon Tip: The Chandon Sparkling Red is a winery exclusive, and it has the body of a still wine but the refreshing character of a sparkling wine. (1 California Dr., Yountville, 707-944-8844, www.chandon.com)
At some point during your day of tasting, stop in at Oakville Grocery, Napa Valley, for a picnic. A house special is the Chicken Gruyere sandwich — sophisticated comfort food at its best. (7856 St. Helena Highway, Oakville, 707-944-8802, www.oakvillegrocery.com)
During your picnic, be sure to pull out your tasting notes so you can talk “taste,” the favorite conversation in Wine Country. No doubt, your palate will have plenty to say.
