We’re always looking for unique experiences to complement our guests’ wine-country adventures. That’s why we’re excited to introduce you to the Irish Coffee Masterclass & Whiskey Tasting Experience, led by the charismatic Andrew Healy. This addition to your visit could provide a refreshing break from wine tasting and add a touch of Irish charm to […]
We’ve been touring guests around Napa wineries for over a decade; we’ve seen the Oakville Grocery change ownership many times, wineries get bought and sold, rules change from local government, and visitor policies evolve at winery estates. Things change so much around here; the list of good picnic spots we published seven years ago is […]
Each year, Simply Driven drives hundreds of wine tour guests throughout Napa County, and we honestly do our best to match them with the wineries and experiences they are looking for. Believe it or not, there are times when our company is simply not a good fit for guests—be it group size, vehicle needs, availability […]
There’s something to be said for spur of the moment trips to wine country, cruising around with no plan or agenda and just popping into whichever tasting rooms catch your eye. On the other hand, that kind of approach probably wouldn’t get you to Artesa Winery–which would be a real shame. This award-winning winery is […]
A summer tasting tour of Napa almost requires you seek out some of the valley’s finest rosé producers. Basking under the rays of the sun, cruising through the vine covered hills, and sipping the blush colored wine is the best kind of cliché. Rosés are people pleasers, and no matter what time of year you […]
We’re often asked to pick sides when it comes to beer and wine. Are you a beer person or a wine person? We’ve all been asked this before. Many people are adamant about their side, but in the wine world the two are intertwined. As the saying goes (and as anyone who has survived a […]
Hey Zipsters, planning a Wine Country Zipcar getaway to Napa Valley or Sonoma? Wondering how you can have the benefit of a guided, chauffeured experience and still use your Zipcar? You could volunteer to be the designated driver for the group and just take in the scenery. That’s not a terrible option, you’ll keep everyone […]
You’re ready to visit Napa Valley or Sonoma Wine Country, but are you ready to make the most of your trip? If you’ve hired us to be your wine country driver, you’ve got most of this covered already… if not, read on. Here are 10 tips to help you make the most of your wine tour: 1. […]
Be careful who you enjoy your next glass of wine with, you may end up in the wine business with them. That’s what happened at Elizabeth Spencer, another client favorite winery. In 1992 Elizabeth Pressler and Spencer Graham began enjoying wine together and in 1998 established the winery. It wasn’t completely on a whim though, […]
Napa Valley driver’s log, May 16, 2015. It was a gorgeous day in the Valley and Lola and Coco were in the mood to hit some dog friendly wineries and see just how friendly they were. It was a casual outing, no set itinerary, just driving up the Silverado Trail looking for furry friends, good […]
There are a few wineries that have garnered a thumbs up from every guest we’ve taken there… hope & grace is one of them. Interestingly, the hope & grace tasting room isn’t located in the middle of a vineyard or in a winery building. Instead, it’s what’s called an urban tasting room and is located […]
This past Sunday we were out marketing ourselves old-school, visiting places we wanted to do business with and delivering hand written cards. Brannan Cottage Inn was on our list to visit but we hadn’t actually been there since its remodel and reopening late last year… we were amazed! When I went in, I wasn’t expecting […]
