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Video:5 Easy Ways to Tour California Wine Country

with Annie Browne

Touring California's various wine regions is a great way to get to know the varietals from this area of the country. Watch this video from About.com to see 5 easy ways to tour the area.See Transcript

Transcript:5 Easy Ways to Tour California Wine Country

Hi, I'm Annie Browne, co-founder of the Hoot 'n' Annie Wine and Adventure Blog. I'm here today at Edward Sellers Winery in Paso Robles, on behalf of About.com, to tell you about some of the different ways to tour California wine country. Determining what region to visit may be foremost on your mind, but figuring out exactly how you're going to make the trek to and from your preferred wineries is really the first thing that needs to be settled. Let's take a closer look!

Getting Around in California Wine Country

Perhaps the most obvious mode of travel through California wine country is by car. Whether your visiting Napa Valley, Sonoma, or the Central Coast, most wine trails follow an established path and are fairly easy to navigate. Each region is sure to have a local wine association where you can obtain a map and get some good recommendations, making your driving experience a smooth one. Just be sure to designate a sober driver before hitting the road.

Shuttle Services in California Wine Country

If you don't feel like driving yourself, all of the California wine regions are sure to have shuttle services that you can take advantage of. While you will have to pay a fee for the service, many of them have partnership agreements with participating wineries, allowing you to taste for free or at a discounted rate. Furthermore, they will store your wine purchases while you taste so you don't have to worry about it.

Taking a Limo Around California Wine Country

If you like to be pampered and don't mind spending a little extraon yourself, a wine tour by limousine might be right up your alley. Like the shuttle service, you can sit back and enjoy the scenery while your driver does all of the work. Luxurious and private, most of these tours will also allow you more leeway in customizing your itinerary.

Getting Around by Train or Trolley in Wine Country

If you're looking for a more unique way to travel through wine country, some regions offer transportation through either a train or trolley. The Napa Wine Train can be a fun and convenient option. It won't offer the privacy of a limo tour, but the communal experience will surely add to the excitement. Finally, if you are looking for a more active way to tour wine country, traveling the trails by bike is another option. While seeking out a company that specializes in wine country bike tours is probably your best bet, you can also do it yourself, provided you are familiar with the path and are an experienced rider. Regardless of your travel method, touring California wine countryis always a memorable experience.

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