California is a dream - especially if you're not from there.
People daydream about jetting to Cali to be a free spirit, soak in the sun on the epic beaches, and just live life where it's so much more chill than other places, but still one of the most up-to-date and stylish places out there. It's hopping with celebrity buzz, makes for the best Instagram stories with its views, and there's something to do at every turn - and wine country is no different.
Pack your bag, ladies, this one is SO worth it.
When you hit up wine country, make sure you have a driver or decide to Uber. You may think that you'll be fine driving to three or four wineries as long as you spread them out, but you'll only be depriving yourself of fun! Seriously - best decision we made was to make sure we didn't drive on the days we wanted to see a bunch of wineries. The best part is that there are so many wineries so close together that you can winery hop without breaking the bank.
I'd say you should map out your days but honestly, they only thing you really need to make sure you either bring with you or schedule into your time is eating.
I know, it sounds silly because who doesn't love to eat while drinking?! But you'll be so caught up in the different wines and tastings and the views - you want to make sure you have something with you. We opted to pack a lunch and to go a picnic-type winery around lunchtime every day where we could sit and hang out and drink wine while eating!
The views will take your breath away. I've been to LA and San Diego and honestly, it's like wine country is exactly as it sounds - an entirely different country. It has rolling hills that are beautiful to look at and even better when there's a glass of wine in your hand to enjoy.
I had to say this, but it makes for killer social media posts and the pictures you take will have you daydreaming of jetting back sooner than expected. I can't even put into words how beautiful it is, just trust me when I say to make sure your phone is fully charged prior to leaving for each day's adventures.
Be ready to drink when you go to a tasting. They say that it's only four glasses of wine, but most of the time, they'll give you a fifth or sixth to taste. Yes, you could be an experienced wine drinker and do just what it says - taste it. But if you're like me and my friends, no drop goes to waste and you definitely get your money's worth!
Pro tip: If you really love a wine or would like to try one from the tasting again, ask to "revisit" the wine and they'll give you a second taste of it.
It's the perfect girls trip because it can be whatever you and your girls want it to be. Rent a house or find a hotel with a pool and you can lay out each day and go out drinking wine at night. Spend the day winery hopping and then cook a nice dinner each night at your Airbnb and go to bed early. Spend hours at one winery or go through your tasting and hit the next one.
If you have a friend who doesn't even drink, it doesn't matter! The wineries always have other things to do and again, even if their thing is their views - you don't need alcohol to enjoy it.
Wine country is beautiful and if you're looking for a trip with your ladies, it's the place to go. There's so much to do, so many wineries to tour or visit, and it's incredibly breathtaking, I definitely say consider it for your next adventure. If it's not for the wine, the scenery is worth it - pack your bags and get going!