Napa Valley Picnics: The Definitive Guide [2023]

Two couples enjoying a picnic on the lawn of V. Sattui

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 […]

Artesa Winery

artesa-winery-tasting

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 […]

Soda Rock Winery

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Soda Rock Winery’s striking water tower captures your attention the second it appears—an architectural beacon in the bare landscape of Highway 128. Next to the iconic tower, the winery occupies Alexander Valley’s first General Store and Post Office, originally built 150 years ago. Moss-covered stone walls, brightly painted wooden doors, and sleek modern siding enchant […]

Thomas George Estate

thomas-george-winery-simply-driven

Father-son relationships typically inspire images of fishing trips and tossing a ball in the front yard, but at Thomas George Estate this bond goes far beyond outdoor sports. Father-son team Thomas and Jeremy Baker put their heads, hearts, and hands together in their shared dream of creating great wines. The Baker family is the second […]

MacRostie Winery

When Steve MacRostie began making wines in Sonoma County over three decades ago, he was one of only a handful of winemakers in the area. These proud pioneers danced to a different beat, driven by a love of wine and a belief in the land’s potential — saying no to big, bold Bordeaux varietals and […]

Rosé Roundup – Russian River Valley

Russian River Rose Tour Simply Driven

There’s no shame in drinking pink wine. In fact, there’s a lot of fun in it. Encompassing a wide array of varietals and winemaking methods rosés have a little bit of everything. Tasting through Russian River’s pinks is pleasant and provoking. If you’re looking to taste the rosés of the area we’ve arranged the perfect […]

Gary Farrell

Gary Farrell Wine Tours Simply Driven

Atop a hill, overlooking the curving Russian River and the valley that’s become synonymous with elegant Pinot Noir’s, stands Gary Farrell. The second you enter the gates and begin winding your way up the steep, curved driveway you know you’re in for something special. An iconic wine country vineyard. A visit to Gary Farrell offers […]

Napa Valley & Sonoma Wine Country Zipcar Getaway

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 […]

Gracianna

Gracianna featured simply driven wine tours

When I look back at all the things I got in trouble for during my teenage years, none of them lead to anything remotely productive… let alone a family enterprise. What began in that little fermenter has grown into a respected wine brand involving the entire Amador family, including the Amador Family’s maternal grandmother, in […]

Elizabeth Spencer

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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, […]

Dog Friendly Wineries Chapter 2 – Sonoma Valley

Dog Friendly Wineries Chapter 2 Sonoma Valley Simply Driven

Sonoma Valley driver’s log, May 24, 2015. Another gorgeous day in wine country and since we had so much fun on our last dog friendly winery adventure we decided to do it again, this time in Sonoma Valley. We chose our destinations as though we were fairly savvy wine tourists on a day trip (no […]