What? I need to prepare before I head out on the road to go wine tasting? Well the short answer is yes. Especially, if you want your journey to be safe and productive, i.e., have you and your newly purchased wine treasures arrive home in good condition. What? I need to prepare before I head out on the road to go wine tasting? Well the short answer is yes. Especially, if you want your journey to be safe and productive, i.e., have you and your newly purchased wine treasures arrive home in good condition.

First, let’s talk about what you should bring along with you:

Wine country map - It’s really best to plan your route ahead of time to minimize the amount of time spent in the car. Plan your last tasting stop before lunch or dinner to be near a downtown area if you’re headed for a restaurant or near a park if you are picnicking. It’s also good to check that the wineries you plan to visit will be open. Many wineries limit their tasting room hours or close entirely for some part of the winter season. Naked Winery is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Large Cooler with Ice – It is a great place to store your lunch, snacks & water (stay hydrated while tasting) during your adventure and to keep those newly purchased wines cool on the drive home on days when it’s hot out. Remember, your car can get very hot even when it is cool outside if the windows are closed and you’re parked in the sun.

Old Sleeping Bag or Moving Blankets – These work surprisingly well in terms of keeping wine cool even on hot days. Place your cases under the blankets/sleeping bags and keep the windows slightly open in your vehicle. The trunk is not a good wine storage area in the summer time unless you are going a very short distance.

Change of clothes – Here’s the Boy Scout in me coming out but, I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve seen very sober people bump into each other and end up wearing a nice glass of cabernet for the rest of the day. If this sounds like too much effort as least don’t wear bright white clothing.

Kids & Dogs – We almost always bring ours along, but make sure to check that the wineries allow your kids and/or dogs. With respect to children please be attentive to their needs as wineries may not always have fun toys or outside play areas. Many wineries will allow dogs and may even have some of their own. Again it’s best to check in advance to see if they are welcome and what accommodations the winery has available. We love kids and dogs. We have simple video games in the back room area for children as well as doggie biscuits and a watering bowl for your best friend.

Picnic kit - You really never know when the most amazing place will appear right before you when your wine tasting. You’ll want to be ready to stop and enjoy the local area and spend time with friends. Picnic basket must haves: wine glasses, corkscrew, blanket, napkins, silverware, crackers or good bread. Remember, that cooler? It should always have at lease some good cheese and seasonal fruits inside.

Designated Driver – Why take any risks? Plan to visit wine country often and take turns with who’s staying completely sober. Another option is to hire a tour guide and/or company and plan to spend the night in wine country.

Lastly, bring your smile and have a great time!