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Culinary Vacations

6 Days San Francisco and Wine Country Gourmet: Platinum Destinations Exclusives Tour Package

Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Priced From: Contact Travelwizard
 

Relax and savor breathtaking scenery, gourmet meals and the best varietals on a chauffeured epicurean journey through California's wine country. Meet with renowned vintners for personal visits to their wineries and samples from their private reserves - and return to unsurpassed luxurious accommodations in renowned resorts.

Day 1: Arrive San Francisco, California USA

Arrive in San Francisco, renowned for innovative and cutting edge cuisine, and transfer by private vehicle to the heart of the city for a visit to the Ferry Building, housing the best in gourmet selections and local purveyors. After a morning foraging 21st-century-style, dine at the Slanted Door, a Vietnamese powerhouse that puts a creative, sassy spin on Saigon food. This afternoon, explore some of San Francisco's renowned sites including Twin Peaks, Ghiradelli Square, Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, North Beach and the Presidio. Your hotel is the luxurious Ritz Carlton. Exquisite dining options in the hotel include Mobil Guide's Five-Star The Dining Room, showcasing the creations of Iron Chef winner Ron Siegel, and the Terrace, offering award-winning al fresco dining in the adjacent courtyard. Ritz Carlton Hotel B, L

Day 2: San Francisco/Napa Valley

After a leisurely breakfast, cross the Golden Gate Bridge en route to Napa Valley and the Los Carneros Appellation, home of the finest sparkling wines in California. Your professional Tour Director shares an "insider's" view of Napa Valley and guides you as you sample the finest sparkling varietals. Your private tour includes a visit to Domaine Carneros, built by winemaker Eileen Crane. This classic, 18th-century châteaustyle building was completed in 1989 and architecturally inspired by the historic Château de la Marquetterie. Continue to Artesa Winery and Vineyard, known as the jewel of the Carneros Region. Walk through its inspiring sculpture garden while savoring a richly praised Chardonnay or Pinot noir. Domain Chandon, established in 1973 by Moët et Chandon of France as the first California sparkling wine venture by a French Champagne house, uses the classic Methode Champagnoise to produce award-winning sparkling wines. You are treated to an elegant luncheon with California flair in a quiet, picturesque location on the grounds. Domaine Chandon's winemaker Dawnine Dyer conducts a wine tasting and tour of the winery.

After a captivating day, arrive at idyllic Meadowood Resort nestled in a beautiful 250- acre valley. Meadowood has several outstanding gourmet dining facilities as well as amenities that include championship croquet lawns, seven tennis courts, a nine-hole walking golf course, hiking trails, swimming, a full-service health spa and a wine educator. Other nearby dining options include Chef Thomas Keller's French Laundry and Chef Ken Frank's La Toque, both highly esteemed restaurants. Meadowood Resort B, L

Day 3: Napa Valley

Explore the Napa Valley and the "Big Red" varietals that garner fame around the globe. Visit Far Niente, one of California's oldest "ghost" wineries. A functioning winery in the 1800s, wine production was halted and the vineyard lay dormant for many years. Now it is a state-of-the-art winemaking facility that combines the best of the old and new worlds. Privately tour the property, dis-covering its history and tasting Dolce and other collectible varietals. Your next stop is Keever Vineyards, owned by Bill and Olga Keever, who host your gourmet lunch. Perhaps you can sample their fabulous, very limited Cabernet Sauvignon. Then visit Tamber Bey Winery, with vineyards in both Oakville and Yountville, for a food and wine pairing matched to Chardonnay, Merlot and two different Cabernet Sauvignon varietals. Return to your resort for some leisure activity before dinner on your own. Meadowood Resort B, L

Day 4: Napa Valley/Sonoma Valley

Travel to neighboring Sonoma County, known for its premium Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons. Check in at the deluxe Kenwood Inn & Spa, a Mediterranean-style villa nestled within the lush grounds of Sonoma's Valley of the Moon. In addition to gourmet dining options and an accommodating staff, Kenwood has the only U.S. spa authorized to provide Vinotherapie treatments developed in France. Explore Dry Creek and Alexander Valley Appellations, beginning with a visit to Lynmar Winery for an exclusive tasting of Pinot noir and Chardonnay wines not available to the public. Continue to the Lambert Bridge Winery for lunch and an incredible opportunity to taste barrel samples of their newly harvested varietals with their owner and winemaker. Your wine touring then leads you to the Bella Winery, located in the Dry Creek Appellation. Owner Scott Adams delights you with a unique barrel tasting in their functioning wine cave and a special opportunity to experience "old vine" Zinfandel and Syrah varietals, produced from vines that are over 80 years old. Return to your inn to dine on your own, perhaps at Chef Douglas Keane's award-winning Cyrus Restaurant in nearby Healdsburg. Kenwood Inn & Spa B, L

Day 5: Sonoma County

Today is a whirlwind introduction to the unique personalities who blend, craft and balance the exquisite wines of Sonoma Valley. Meet proprietor Gordon Holmes on his magnificent Mayacamas Mountain-top estate. Sample awardwinning varietals at his Lookout Ridge Winery while admiring breathtaking views of Sonoma Valley. As you taste, Gordon shares his passions for both winemaking and helping those in need. Next, "break bread" with Guy Colin MacKenzie of Colin Lee Winery at a gourmet al fresco luncheon featuring his varietals. Then Chris Loxton, an Australian physicist turned winemaker, guides you on a hands-on tour and barrel tasting at his Loxton Cellars. Later, your private chef Carlo Cavallo (once the personal chef of Giorgio Armani and currently executive chef of trendy Meritage) joins you at the historic Sonoma Plaza to gather fresh ingredients for this evening's meal, which he prepares at winemaker Linda Viviani's Sonoma Valley home. Your gourmet dinner is paired with selected varietals from Linda's private cellared wines. Kenwood Inn & Spa B, L, D

Day 6: Sonoma County/San Francisco

Return privately to San Francisco for your homebound flight. B

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

12/08

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