Pop the cork wine lovers: this tour gives you a behind the scenes view of the horticulture and viticulture world of California. Special tastings, wine immersion experiences, and tours of famous vineyards, Farmer’s market visits and cooking demonstrations will make it easy for you to immerse new inspirations back home in your kitchen. Experience the valley’s intense, powerful grapes that aged for decades, creating the taste of lush black fruit – blackberry, cassis, dark cherry – allied with complex underpinnings of tannins that create an unforgettable wine and culinary experience. Top off your gastronomic adventure with unparalleled touring to one of California’s most iconic little towns, known for being a foodie paradise!
Degree of Difficulty –
Your journey begins as you arrive in San Francisco and transfer to your hotel, where a welcome dinner awaits you. Your upscale hotel is situated at the base of Nob Hill, and within a few blocks of San Francisco’s most popular neighborhoods. SERRANO HOTEL.
(D)
Embark on a walking tour of this charming city. See Union Square, the ceremonial heart of the city, full of lovely boutiques, art galleries, cafes and restaurants; Chinatown, North America’s oldest; established in the mid-19th century, boasting the largest Chinese community outside of Asia. Stroll down the narrow bustling streets, passing by the many shops selling everything from jade to herbal remedies, the many temples and, of course, the vibrant people. Continue to North Beach with its unique painted house facades, decorated by present day “Michelangelos.” Though adjacent to Chinatown, there is a distinct Italian feel as the neighborhood has historically been home to a large Italian-American population. Baseball legend Joe DiMaggio even grew up here! You will have the afternoon at your leisure before ending this wonderful day by setting off on the Napa Valley Wine Train for dinner in the Vista Dome Car, where the meals will be prepared on board as you watch the landscape fly past. NAPA RIVER INN.
(B,D)
Join the instructors at the Silverado Cooking School Napa this morning for a culinary experience of the highest order. Learn from professionally trained chefs, using only fresh and organic ingredients, how to prepare a gourmet dish using the flavors of Napa Valley. Prepare something incredible, which you will then enjoy for lunch with the rest of your group. After lunch, you are free to take a leisurely walk down to the town to explore or perhaps rent a bicycle or kayak for a more active and adventurous afternoon in the river or along the verdant hills in this scenic area. NAPA RIVER INN.
(B,L)
Start your day at Robert Mondavi vineyard, named for the winery operator who put tireless effort into publicizing Napa Valley and ensuring that it would be a recognized region on the global scale for the grapes and fine wines produced here. Enjoy a tour and tasting before heading by car to the CIA – no, not the government agency, the Culinary Institute of America. Delight in a truly incredible lunch here, prepared by some of the most talented culinary minds in the nation. Continue on to Calistoga to visit the Clos Pegaose winery which features its own private cave! You will tour the cave and of course, enjoy a wine tasting here before heading to your final winery for the day – the Francis Ford Coppola. End the evening in Healdsburg, considered one of the top ten small towns in America, where there are abundant options for you to plan your free evening. BEST WESTERN VINEYARD CREEK
(B,L)
This morning, enjoy a guided stroll through the town and stop downtown to sample some of the food and drink available locally. You’ll have time to photograph the unique sights of Healdsburg, considered one of the top “foodie” destinations in the USA. You will learn about the culture and history of this little town and what makes it such a delicious stop off for food lovers. You will have a free afternoon to use as you wish, which might involve renting a bicycle and heading out to the vineyards or visiting the tasting rooms in town. You might even opt to visit the Farmer’s market and buy some of the incredible local produce, wine, cheese, honey, olive oil, bread, and more sold in this open air setting. Keep your eye out for the perfect restaurant to visit for dinner during your free evening in Healdsburg. BEST WESTERN VINEYARD CREEK.
(B,L)
Today, you will enjoy a tour and tasting at the Bohemian Cheese Factory, a luxurious experience; you can treat your taste buds to a variety of the creamy, crumbly, and supple cheeses served here. Finish off the delicious experience with the next stop at Korbel Winery, known for sparkling wines in addition to the standard reds and whites. Lunch will be picnic style at the sprawling Armstrong Redwood State Park, followed by a short hike around the grounds to get a good look at the giant redwood trees for which the park is named. Your drive back into San Francisco will cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, granting you an incredible view across San Francisco Bay. After checking into the hotel, enjoy some time to explore Fisherman’s Wharf before we set sail on the bay. Your farewell dinner will be one to remember as you sail around the glittering bay under the moon and stars SERRANO HOTEL
(B,L,D)
Bid farewell to San Francisco and California after your amazing adventure and wine experience. While you might head home tonight, you’ll take with you all you’ve learned and experienced here, from the appreciation and knowledge of Napa Valley wines to the recipe and food prep you learned under an expert chef. California and all its offerings will live on long after your trip comes to an end.
Prices vary by season and package. Please inquire by phone at (800) 627-1244 or email info@classicescapes.com for more information and a pricing estimate.
YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES:
- All hotels on this trip are chosen for their location, comfort and charm. All rooms are en suite with
private facilities. - American breakfast daily, as well as welcome and farewell dinners. All other meals as specified (B =Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
- The tour is led at all times by an experienced driver/guide.
- Airport transfers.
- Transportation in 15-passenger Maxi-Van. A maximum of 9 travelers will be accommodated per vehicle.
- All admission fees.
- All applicable hotel gratuities and taxes.
- Porterage.
- Complimentary baggage tags.
Good company, good Zine, good Zelcome, can maNe good people.
-William SKaNespeare
Often compared to the climate of the Mediterranean, California has warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. On the coast, temperatures range between the low 40s to the high 80s. Farther inland, summers are hot and dry, and at higher altitudes you can encounter the four seasons with cold, snowy winters. The three largest cities that are included in this program have very different climate. San Francisco is famous for its fog — especially in the summer, Los Angeles is known for its consistently sunny, desert-like, coastal climate, and San Diego for its ideal climate year-round. Our Culinary California program can be offered year-round. Our San Diego program is also a year-round destination, but the desert is best visited in the winter months and in particular in February/March when you could see the wildflowers blooming.
