Wine Country FAQs

Sonoma County’s 19 distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVAs):

• Alexander Valley
• Bennett Valley
• Carneros – Sonoma
• Chalk Hill
• Dry Creek Valley
• Fountaingrove District
• Fort Ross – Seaview
• Green Valley of Russian River Valley
• Knights Valley
• Moon Mountain
• Northern Sonoma
• Petaluma Gap
• Pine Mountain – Cloverdale Peak
• Rockpile
• Russian River Valley
• Sonoma Coast
• Sonoma Mountain
• Sonoma Valley
• West Sonoma Coast

Napa Valley has 16 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs):

• Atlas Peak: Established in 1992
• Calistoga
• Chiles Valley
• Coombsville
• Diamond Mountain District
• Howell Mountain
• Los Carneros
• Mt. Veeder
• Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley
• Oakville
• Rutherford
• St. Helena
• Spring Mountain District
• Stags Leap District
• Yountville
• Wild Horse Valley

Sonoma County is home to more than 425 wineries.

Napa is home to around 400 wineries.

Most wineries consider a group over 6 guests to be a large group which may include automatic gratuities, large group pricing, or event contracts. 

Event contracts are common for groups over 12 guests. 

This varies by winery.

Harvest season (August- October) is considered to be the best time to visit. There are a wide array of seasonal activities.

Spring (March- May) is the next best time to visit. The season will start with chillier weather, but get warmer by May. 

Summer is generally the peak season as many locals and tourists will be taking weekend trips to both Napa and Sonoma. There are a lot of music and cultural festivals so it tends to be busy and more difficult to secure last minute reservations. 

Winter is the area’s low season. The weather is chilly and the area receives bouts of rain. Many wineries will however offer deals to draw in more travellers so if you want to make the most of this.

• Most casual/standing bar wine tastings are 45 min. 
• Seated Wine Tastings typically take 60-75 min
• Winery Tours can take between 90 min-2 hours
• Food & Wine Pairings are typically 90 min-2 hours

* For larger groups anticipate an extra 15 minutes.

Tips are never expected, but always appreciated. 

We recommend tipping around $10 per guest and for large groups we recommend tipping 20%.

No, only some wineries are permitted to serve wines by the glass and bottle. Our concierge can assist in providing a list of locations that provide wines by the Glass & Bottle.

No, most wineries require reservations or are appointment only. Some wineries allow walk-ins, but you are subject to availability. Our concierge can assist in providing a list of locations that allow walk-ins.

Unfortunately most wineries do not have permits to allow for outside food. Our Concierge can assist in providing a list of locations that allow outside food.

Most wineries will hold your table up to 15 minutes past your reservation time. After that 15 minute window, we can not guarantee that your table will be held, so please plan accordingly.

While some wineries are family friendly, most wineries are limited to adults 21 and over.

*Note: Old Vine Wine Tours does not transport anyone under the age of 21.

Wineries that allow dogs on the property vary by location.

*Note: Old Vine Wine Tours does not allow dogs onboard

Wine Tasting 101 by Wine Country This Week

• Don’t worry if you “don’t know good wine.” “Good wine” is what you like. Period.
• You don’t have to finish the glass. You are tasting, not drinking – use the dump bucket. Those little sips add up fast.
• You don’t have to like everything poured.  The reason you are tasting is to see what you do and don’t like.
• Take time to smell the roses, or wine! Swirl the wine in the bowl of the glass then take your time, put your nose into the bowl of the glass…and inhale to experience the bouquet. See what fragrances you can identify: Earthy? Lemon scented? Honeysuckle? Cherry? Tobacco? It’s okay if you don’t identify any of those things, with time and tasting you will!
• Remember the five “S’s” of wine tasting: See (the wine in the glass), Swirl, Smell, Sip and Savor. (Take a small sip. Let the liquid surround your taste buds, what flavors can you identify)?  
• Ask questions! Remember…there are no stupid questions. You are there to enjoy and learn, and your server is there to help you.
• Don’t feel self-conscious expressing your opinion, there is no right or wrong.
• Don’t feel pressured to buy a bottle or to join a wine club, (however, if the tasting is free, or if you have a private tasting with a winemaker, it is good form to purchase a bottle).
• Leave a tip if you have had a nice experience.
• Enjoy yourself and remember, what you like today, you may not like tomorrow; your taste and palate may change, and that’s a good thing.
• Don’t wear scents into a tasting room (cologne or perfume), and try not to wear white!
• Ask your server to recommend their favorite wineries to visit.
• Seek smaller, out of the way, boutique wineries. • Hydrate – hydrate – hydrate!  Hint: Drink one glass of water for each glass of wine.
• Bring something to snack on such as crackers, breadsticks or a baguette in between tastings.. Take time for lunch. When picnicking at a winery, never drink wine from another winery.
• Try to plan ahead. Do some research to determine if there is a tasting fee, if appointments are necessary and the policy on dogs and children. In general, three to four wineries will fill your day.
• If possible have a designated driver. If staff feels you have had enough to drink they may refuse service, it’s for your own well-being.
• Trust your palate. Don’t worry if you don’t like what your friends or companions like. Not everyone likes the same things. This is about you – not them.