Day 1, 2 and 3
Arrive in San Francisco, overnight in Napa Valley. Driving Distance 90 miles/ 145 km
Land in San Francisco, pick up your car hire and take a short drive up through the city where you’ll drive across the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Stop by the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point for your photo souvenir before heading into Sausalito, a quant picturesque town by the water for some lunch. Continuing on to the gorgeous Napa Valley, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.
After your well deserve rest, start your exploration in Yountville, one of Napa Valley’s exquisite vineyards. Enjoy your first stop at Domaine Chandon, a glorious backdrop to compliment your tasting. Next is a short trip to V Sattui Winery in St. Helena. Take your time exploring its underground wine cellars, museum caves and enjoy their delicious artisan deli. How about treating yourself to a luxurious dinner at the Auberge du Soleil, with its 13 consecutive Michelin Star awards?
Begin your next day in Napa Valley by visiting the truly iconic landmark of the Domaine Carneros chateau where you can enjoy brunch with sparkling wine, caviar and smoked salmon paired with fabulous views. Next, follow the Silverado Trail for a tasting at Luna Vineyards. Reservations are required. How about ending your winery adventure by boarding the optional Napa Valley Wine Train? Ride its 36-mile route throughout all past towns from Downtown Napa to St Helena’s and back. Pair it with panoramic views in the elevated Vista Dome car.
Overnight: Best Western Plus Inn at the Vines
Day 4 and 5
Redding. Driving Distance 210 miles/ 338 km
Leave Napa along the Silverado Trail meandering through to Calistoga, famed for its mineral hot springs. Visit the Castello di Amorosa, a beautiful Tuscan-inspired castle and winery. Stretch your legs with an optional hike to the summit of Mount St. Helens, for incredible views of the Napa Valley and San Francisco Bay regions. Venture on to Redding with a break at New Clairvaux vineyard, home to Trappist-Cistercian monks, dating over 1000 years of wine-making history. Arriving at Redding, we recommend Cattlemen’s Steakhouse for dinner.
The next day, drive a short distance to Indian Peak Vineyards in Manton. Sample the winery’s selection of wine ending with some dark chocolate truffles and their signature “Donna’s dessert wine”. Head back to Redding via Moseley Family Cellars for your next winery education.
Overnight: Hilton Garden Inn
Day 6 and 7
Rogue Valley. Driving Distance 160 miles/ 258 km
Depart from Redding and stopping at Ashland on your way to the beautiful Rogue Valley. Ashland sits at the base of the Siskiyou mountain and hosts the Oregon Shakespeare Festival along with its exciting arts scene. A short distance is Irvine and Roberts Vineyards, open on Wednesday to Sunday for wine tastings. Bask in its majestic views of the surrounding valley and mountains paired with a pinot noir or chardonnay. Visit Paschal Winery with its hilltop setting overlooking pear orchards.
Enjoy an optional visit to Del Rio Vineyard Estate with its tasting room located in a historic hotel and vineyard views. Head through Grants Pass to the Schmidt Family Vineyards for a spot of lunch made from their home grown, seasonal, produce paired with a tasting. After lunch how about visiting the fully-organic Wooldridge Creek Vineyard, Winery, Creamery and Charcuterie overlooking Applegate River valley, this place is not one to be missed
Overnight: Best Western Grants Pass Inn
Day 8 and 9
Eugene. Driving Distance 240 miles/ 387 km
Swap wine for magnificent lakes as you visit the Crater Lake National Park. With its great depth and clarity, the imposing blue hues makes it an unforgettable visit. Rejoin your wine tour at Abacela Winery, Roseburg. How about savour the delicious small plates as you enjoy the gorgeous views in their tasting room. Head on to Eugene, located in the south of Willamette Valley. A wonderfully lively place with its mix of culture, outdoors, arts and dining.
Begin your morning exploring Eugene’s 5th Street Public Market finding the perfect souvenir in their specialty boutiques and local shops. Take a short drive to the stunning King Estate Winery for a tour and tasting before a decedent dinner, focusing on pairing local wines with local produce. One of the largest organic vineyards in the world, its remarkable estate also has 30 acres of organic orchards and gardens including a full acre of lavender.
Overnight: Holiday Inn Eugene
Day 10 and 11
Willamette Valley. Driving Distance 100 miles/ 160 km
Heading on to Pfeiffer Winery in Junction City you’ll find an Italian inspired boutique winery, offering delicious tasting experiences with their premium pinot noir and pinot Gris that are only sold at the winery. A short drive away is Walnut Ridge Vineyard, enjoy the outside setting as your overlook the majestic vistas of Cascade and Oregon Coast mountains. Continue on to Newberg for an optional dinner at The Painted Lady for its charming farm-to-table fine dining.
Venture to Erath Winery for its classic Oregon pinots and the surrounding views of Jory Hills. Grab a tasty bite to eat at Red Hills Market. Across the road is Argyle Tasting House offering a modern space for indoor or outdoor tastings. Optionally visit its neighbouring winery The Four Graces. An authentic farmhouse located on the Foley Family Estate. In the evening, how about dinner at Joel Palmer House, a family run restaurant, renowned for its exceptional fine dining.
Overnight: Best Western Newberg Inn
Day 12
Portland. Driving Distance 40 miles/ 65 km
Nearing the end of your Willamette Valley Tour is Sokol Blosser Winery; another of Oregon’s pioneering wineries where in 1971 its founders sowed pinot noir vines on a 5-acre lot. For your final winery experience visit the Clubhouse at Domaine Serene, a spectacular grand building surrounded by sweeping views of Winery Hill Estate vineyards. Here you can enjoy their dedicated food and wine pairing lounge along with a fabulous tasting of pinot noir or chardonnay and perhaps an intimate tour in advance. After lunch depart for the lusciously green Portland and their rich culinary scene as you take in a combination of mountain, forests and waters.
Overnight: Jupiter Hotel
Day 13
Portland.
Your Pacific Northwest Wine Trail has come to an end as you return your rental vehicle and depart for your flight home.
