The Pacific Wine Trail
Highlights:
We would like to inspire you and highlight one of our Drive America itineraries with this lovely Fly Drive itinerary where you can explore at your own leisure the pleasures of the beautiful Pacific Coast Wineries, starting from Napa Valley to Portland Oregon. Sunway can easily modify and change any destination and duration should you wish. Our suggested Programme is for 13Days/12 Nights.
Day 1: SAN FRANCISCO ARRIVAL - NAPA VALLEY
Arrive in San Francisco and pick-up your rental car, take the short drive to Napa Valley, which includes a trip across the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Once across the bridge, take the opportunity for a second look at Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point in Sausalito before entering the quaint Mediterranean-inspired town. Stop for lunch and enjoy more spectacular views of San Francisco Bay before continuing onto the town of Napa. In the heart of the wine region, downtown Napa offers a wealth of dining and nightlife options, as well as local arts and craft stores to explore.
Day 2: NAPA VALLEY
Begin your exploration of Napa Valley fabulous vineyards in Yountville. Throughout this winery-hopping trip, drive if you have a designated driver; alternatively, hire a car and driver, or use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Lyft. Start your day at Domaine Chandon, one of the most beautiful locations for sipping wine in the valley. Depart Yountville for the short journey to St. Helena, passing such famous wine brands as Cakebread Cellars and Rutherford Estates along the way to V. Sattui Winery. As well as having three tasting rooms, V. Sattui features an artisan deli, offering a charcuterie selection from their own Salumeria and more than 200 cheeses. After lunch, head back toward Napa. Overnight Napa.
Day 3: NAPA VALLEY
Begin your second day in Napa Valley at one of wine country’s true landmarks, the famous chateau at Domaine Carneros, inspired by the classic 18th century Chateau de la Marquetterie in Champagne (home of the legendary Taittinger). Perhaps enjoy a brunch from on the terrace overlooking gardens, a lake and the vineyards. Next, follow the lesser-trafficked Silverado Trail for a tasting at Luna Vineyards. (reservations are required in advance due to the personalised nature of this experience). End your Napa Valley experience in vintage-luxury style with perhaps a dinner aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. You can ride in 100-year-old railcars along a 150-year-old rail corridor on a 36-mile route Napa Valley Wine Train, from downtown Napa to St. Helena and back, stopping at celebrated Napa Valley wineries along the way. Overnight Best Western Plus Hilltop Inn or Similar - 2 Nights
Day 4: NAPA VALLEY - REDDING
Depart Napa along the Silverado Trail, which winds its way northwest to Calistoga, home to famous mineral hot springs and historic mud baths. Visit the Old Faithful Geyser of California or the awe-inspiring Castello di Amorosa, a Tuscan-inspired castle and winery. For a more energetic side trip, get an early start and visit the Robert Louis Stevenson State Park just outside Calistoga. Take the 10-mile, round-trip hike to the summit of Mount St. Helena (a 1,800-foot elevation gain), which offers breath-taking views of Napa Valley, the San Francisco Bay region. Break up the rest of your journey to Redding with a stop at New Clairvaux Vineyard, located in the small town of Vina. Overnight Redding.
Day 5: REDDING
A short distance from Redding, you will find Indian Peaks Vineyards in the historic town of Manton. Visit the tasting room to sample the winery’s full selection of wines, finishing with a dark chocolate truffles and signature dessert wine. Head back into Redding for a visit to Moseley Family Cellars, where you can both taste and learn about the wines. Make reservations for dinner at Moonstone Bistro, a hidden gem. Overnight Best Western Grants Pass Inn or Similar - 2 Nights
Day 6: REDDING - ROGUE VALLEY
Next, your wine tour route takes you to the beautiful Rogue Valley in the state of Oregon. Your first suggested stop in Oregon will be Ashland, sitting at the base of the Cascade and Siskiyou mountain ranges and home to a vibrant arts scene. Just a short distance from town, visit the Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, open for wine tastings Wednesday through Sunday and take in the spectacular views of the surrounding valley and mountains from the outdoor terrace. Continue north to Paschal Winery, with its hilltop tasting room overlooking pear orchards and the local mountain ranges. Take time to relax over lunch and enjoy a custom tasting of wines, paired with a cheese and charcuterie selection. Overnight Rogue Valley
Day 7: ROGUE VALLEY
Continue to explore the beautiful Rogue Valley or a visit to Del Rio Vineyard Estate, located just outside small-town Gold Hill on the Rogue River. For lunch perhaps, visit the fully-organic Wooldridge Creek Vineyard overlooking the Applegate River Valley. Sip hand-crafted wines while snacking on cheeses and cured meats, all produced on site. A great dinner choice is River’s Edge Restaurant, located on the banks of the Rogue River, arrive just before sunset and watch the sun go down over the river and surrounding hills. Overnight Holiday Inn Eugene or Similar – Springfield - 2 Nights
Day 8: ROGUE VALLEY - EUGENE
Take a detour from wine tastings to visit Crater Lake National Park. Formed by a volcanic eruption and eventual collapse of the volcano more than 7,000 years ago, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the USA and one of the deepest in the world. The strikingly blue, pristine mountain lake is well worth the detour. Re-join your wine trail in the Umpqua Valley and stop at Abacela Winery in Roseburg, which offers unique wines that include Tempranillo, Albarino and Blanco Dulce varietals, as well as delicious small plates served in a spectacular tasting room with gorgeous views. Continue your journey north to the picturesque town of Eugene, located at the south end of the Willamette. Overnight.
Day 9: EUGENE
Eugene has a diverse collection of wineries, and your day should begin with a visit to Silvan Ridge Winery, popular for its exquisite Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Head back to Eugene and explore the 5th Street Public Market and its locally owned stores and eateries. For a culture break, visit the Museum of Natural and Cultural History or the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art before taking the 30-minute trip to King Estate Winery, one of the largest organic vineyards in the world, this beautiful estate also has 30 acres of organic gardens and orchards. Overnight Best Western Newberg Inn or Similar - 2 Nights
Day 10: EUGENE - WILLAMETTE VALLEY
Just north of Eugene in Junction City, you will find Pfeiffer Winery, a boutique winery specialising in small lots of high-end Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. A short distance away is Walnut Ridge Vineyard, housed in a unique French Colonial-style tasting amid breath-taking vistas of the Cascade and Oregon Coast mountains. Continue into the heart of the Willamette Valley to Newberg and a suggestion for dinner is The Painted Lady, a charming farm-to-table fine dining restaurant tucked away in a Victorian house in a quiet neighbourhood just steps from downtown. Overnight
Day 11: WILLAMETTE VALLEY
Willamette Valley, continue our trail at Dundee at Erath Winery, one of the pioneers of the Willamette Valley wine scene and a leading producer of Pinot Noir. For a tasty and laid-back lunch break, visit Red Hills Market, also in Dundee. Another nearby winery is The Four Graces. In the evening, take a short drive to Dayton to perhaps dine at Joel Palmer House, named for its location in the historic home built by Joel Palmer, who co-founded the town of Dayton in 1848, naturally, the cuisine is complemented by local Oregon wines. Overnight Crowne Plaza Portland or Similar - 1 Night
Day 12: WILLAMETTE VALLEY - PORTLAND
The last leg of Willamette Valley, start at Sokol Blosser Winery just northeast of Dayton, another of Oregon’s pioneering wineries. For your final winery experience, perhaps visit the Clubhouse at Domaine Serene to enjoy exquisite Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, surrounded by the picturesque vineyards of the Winery Hill Estate. After lunch, depart the Willamette Valley for the big-city Portland, and arrive in time to explore it. Overnight
Day 13: PORTLAND DEPARTURE
Return your rental car prior to your departure flight. Return flight from Portland PDX airport, Return your vehicle to the airport depending on the time of your flight
Price for fly drive is based on 2 adults sharing. Starndard accommodation provided. Standard Car is included. Flights and Checked Bags.
Not included: One Way Car Hire Drop fee's approx $380 payable locally * these charges can vary on season. Travel Insurance, USA ESTA Visa $14pp or any Car Hire Extras EG GPS, Luggage Racks, Meals, Tours,
*=local charge
