Favorite Wine Country Itineraries

From the Andrew Harper Travel Office

The phrase “wine country” conjures an array of romantic images—mild, sunny days and deliciously cool nights; sensually undulating hillsides clad with gnarled vines, topped by an occasional château, villa or even castle; and luxuriously long al fresco lunches of exquisite cuisine and perfectly paired wines. It’s no wonder that some of the finest hotels and resorts in the world are located amid the scenic and gastronomic riches of wine country.

We in the Andrew Harper Travel Office plan itineraries throughout wine regions all over the world. Yet, certain regions come up again and again, including northern California, Tuscany, Provence and South Africa’s Cape Winelands, and justifiably so. These remarkable places are enduring favorites of Andrew Harper subscribers and staff alike. Each of these regions offers an ideal mix of glorious scenery, world-class restaurants, sybaritic accommodations and superlative wines.

Every wine country itinerary we plan for Harper subscribers is customized, but we thought it would be useful to put together sample itineraries that showcase these four wine regions at their best, with plenty of unusual and exclusive experiences included. Any of the following journeys would truly be unforgettable.

Napa and Sonoma Valleys

Day 1

Fly into Oakland, San Francisco or Napa and transfer north into one of the world’s most renowned and beautiful wine regions. Take some time to relax, then meet with a local sommelier this evening for an introduction to the wines of Napa Valley. Tailored to your interests, the tasting can be anything from a broad overview of the region to an in-depth blind tasting.

Day 2

We can arrange for private tastings at wineries not normally open to the general public

Through our connections in Napa Valley, we can arrange for private tastings at wineries not normally open to the general public, including a number of well-known “cult” wineries. These can be enjoyed with a guide, who can be an invaluable resource, or simply have a driver whisk you from winery to winery. You might visit establishments such as Ovid, Château Boswell and Continuum, but the specific wineries to be included in the day can be customized. Enjoy a romantic picnic lunch, and have dinner at a noted Napa Valley restaurant such as Terra or Redd.

Day 3

An early morning hot-air balloon flight is an iconic Napa Valley experience, particularly when followed by a gourmet brunch paired with sparkling wines. After some time to relax, spend several hours at a top winery tasting from the barrel and learning about wine-blending techniques. After you’ve honed your skills, create your own Napa blend, complete with a custom label, which you can bring home to share with friends (or keep all to yourself).
This evening, head to a top winery nearby and help the chef forage for produce from the garden to include in a special menu just for you. After taking a cooking class with the chef, sit down to dinner paired with wines you helped select.

Day 4

This morning, head west from Napa toward Sonoma. “Wineries in Sonoma and adjacent Carneros produce impressive reds,” says Mr. Harper, “notably the Pinot Noir from Saintsbury, Cabernets from larger winemakers north of the town of Sonoma such as St. Francis and Chateau St. Jean, and Zinfandels from Ravenswood.” We recommend visiting Saintsbury en route to Sonoma, and stopping for lunch at Dry Creek Kitchen in stylish Healdsburg. In the afternoon, relax at your hotel and explore Healdsburg, or visit some additional wineries in the Sonoma Valley.

Day 5

Visit wineries along West Dry Creek Road, which Mr. Harper calls “one of the most enjoyable wine drives in the United States.” The scenery isn’t the only reason; the Pinot Noirs of the cool Russian River Valley are some of the finest anywhere. This region has embraced the Burgundian style of single-vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs.

Day 6

Return to the airport and take your flight home. Or add a few days or more to enjoy San Francisco.

Local Wisdom from Harper Alliance Hotel Partner

Tamra Waslewski, Director of Leisure Sales Meadowood Napa Valley & Southbridge Napa Valley

Must-Do Experiences

• Visit the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone; take a tour of the historic building, enjoy cooking and wine demonstrations and dine in The Wine Spectator Restaurant.
• Take a break from wine-tasting and sit for an olive oil-tasting at Round Pond.
• Shoe shoppers must explore Foot Candy on Main Street in St. Helena.
• Guests staying at Meadowood Napa Valley can schedule a croquet lesson with resident croquet pro and then enjoy a lively game. Croquet is the perfect equalizer between players of widely differing physical skills. Everyone starts at the same level, so the consummate athlete has no competitive edge. In fact, croquet is a game of strategy, not unlike chess, which offers the thinking player the true advantage.

Interesting Facts

• Some 94 percent of the wineries in Napa Valley are family-owned.
• Only 4 percent of the wine from California is from Napa Valley.

Local Wisdom

• Visit during the months of December-March to enjoy light traffic and easy access to the wineries and restaurants.
• During the month of February, the valley floor is filled with bright yellow mustard creating a beautiful view and striking contrast against the dormant vines throughout the region.
• Plan ahead to gain access to favorite places; most of the wineries and restaurants are on the smaller side and book out up to 4 months in advance. Although there are some wineries that are open to the public, it’s best for you to call ahead to make sure and then make a reservation if necessary.
• Don’t go home without experiencing the English muffins made by Model Bakery in Downtown St. Helena, also found at The Grill at Meadowood.

Hidden Charms

• Realm Cellars is a hidden gem found within the winery Chateaux Boswell (also a gem!) This small boutique wine is hand crafted and will be one to watch. By appointment only.
• Downtown St. Helena–quaint shops, art galleries, dining, this is Main Street U.S.A. at its finest.

Your Favorite Way to Enjoy a Bottle of Wine

• Anyway, as long as it’s from Napa Valley it will be enjoyed!
• On the deck of my accommodations at Meadowood, listening to the birds chirp, along with lively conversation with my husband.

Tuscany

Days 1-3

Spend some time in Tuscany’s capital, Florence. We can help with anything from reserved entries to blockbuster sights like the Uffizi to finding exquisite hand-crafted goods with a personal shopper to a private cooking class with a noted Florentine chef.

Day 4

Transfer with your driver into the Tuscan countryside, an extravagantly romantic landscape of vineyards, olive groves, fortified medieval towns, hilltop castles and rolling pastures dotted with cypresses. Chianti, one of Italy’s most famous wine regions, lies just south of Florence, with silver-green olive groves, well-kept vineyards and small stone cottages. Stroll through the towns of Greve, Montefioralle and Radda in Chianti on your own, wandering among their charming piazzas and churches. Visit notable Chianti wineries and taste their famous Chianti Classico and Chianti Riserva wines, along with local extra virgin olive oil. Check into one of the enchanting, historic Harper Alliance hotels nearby, and have dinner paired with local vintages.

Day 5

Blend your own Tuscan wine alongside an oenologist

Spend a full day at a top winery in the heart of the Chianti countryside. Blend your own Tuscan wine alongside an oenologist, surrounded by barrels of Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay and Syrah. Once you are satisfied with the final result, prepare and seal 60 bottles, finished with a personalized label of your own design. At midday, take a break from your efforts and enjoy a full Tuscan wine-tasting lunch. Your bottles arriving in the U.S. will serve as a lovely reminder for months to come of your Tuscan adventure.

Day 6

Take a pleasant journey through the Val d’Orcia with your local guide and enjoy a walking tour of the quaint town of Pienza, an architectural masterpiece of Renaissance design, where you will see the Palazzo Piccolomini and Duomo along with the many shops selling every type of pecorino cheese imaginable. Then head into the countryside to a local cheese producer and tour his workshop, learning about the various types of pecorino he produces. End the tour with a tasting of the various cheeses accompanied by cold cuts and bruschetta. In the afternoon, delve deep into the wines of Montalcino, including Brunello di Montalcino, one of the finest wines in Italy. Take a guided visit of the cellars of a boutique Brunello producer, followed by a wine-tasting of the various blends. Explore the town of Montalcino and stop at the famous Abbey of Sant’Antimo, known for its ethereal Gregorian chants at Mass. Before returning to your hotel, stop at another top Brunello winery for a tasting at their wine bar.

Day 7

Spend the morning in the atmospheric city of Siena, taking a walking tour with an expert guide, before transferring to the Maremma. Once the heartland of the enigmatic Etruscans, this Tuscan coastal area is now one of Italy’s most exciting wine regions. Check into your countryside sanctuary, and take the afternoon to relax and enjoy the property. Alternatively, spend the afternoon visiting one or two wineries in the nearby Morellino di Scansano region, which produces wines with Brunello-like character from richly ripe Sangiovese.

Day 8

Make a day trip north to the charming town of Bolgheri, popular with Italians yet relatively undiscovered by international tourists. After a walking tour of the town, visit the prestigious Tenuta dell’Ornellaia, surrounded by natural splendor. Stroll through the vineyards, tour the cellars and of course do a tasting of the winery’s full range. It’s possible to visit other wineries in the region on request as well.

Day 9

Return to Florence and the airport, or continue your journey south and head to Rome.

Local Wisdom

Salvatore Velletri, Concierge Borgo San Felice

Must-Do Experiences

• A bike tour through the vineyards, enjoying the colors of our countryside, or following the historic “Eroica” route along some of the most scenic roads of the Chianti area. A highlight is undoubtedly the stretches of white gravel roads, enabling cyclists to experience first-hand another era of cycling.
• Rent a Ferrari or classic vintage car and drive through the country roads and cypress hills.
• View the Tuscan landscape from a hot-air balloon, enjoying a glass of Poggio Rosso (our great Chianti Classico) during the ride for an unforgettable experience.
• Visit villages such as Radda or Castellina in Chianti or other medieval hamlets like Monteriggioni or San Gimignano, strolling down their narrow streets. Obviously a not-to-be missed gem is Siena, famous all over the world for its history and for the Palio (horse race).

Provence

Day 1

Arrive in Avignon, and take some time to settle into one of the Andrew Harper Alliance palatial hotels in the heart of the city. Avignon once served as the home of the papacy, and its noble walls and remarkable architecture reflect this heritage. Take an afternoon walking tour with an expert guide, and take the evening at leisure.

Day 2

Start the day with a cooking class in the private cooking school of La Mirande. In addition to resident chef Daniel Hébet, some of the top chefs of the region share their culinary expertise with food enthusiasts here. In the afternoon, tour and taste in the eastern reaches of the Rhône region, where the vineyards of the Luberon grow in idyllic natural surroundings. Just below the village of Ménerbes, mayor Yves Rousset-Rouard produces New World–style reds and whites in his state-of-the-art Domaine de la Citadelle. An added attraction is his surprisingly fascinating Corkscrew Museum. Just down the road, outside the photogenic village of Bonnieux, Jean-Pierre Margan uses organic and occasionally even biodynamic farming techniques to produce the rich, rustic reds of Château la Canorgue.

Day 3

Drive to the small but spectacular mountain range of Les Alpilles, where dramatic bleached limestone peaks emerge from a green girdle of almond trees, olive groves and vineyards. Stop in Mouriès for a tour and tasting at the Michel Olive Mill. The very best of Provençal olive oil comes from Les Alpilles, which was granted its own appellation for the golden liquid.

Continue to the vineyards of Les Baux de Provence, a region that was part of the larger Côteaux d’Aix en Provence until it earned its own appellation in 1995 for reds and rosés. Many wines produced here strongly reflect their terroir, the hallmark of France’s best wines. Enjoy tours and tastings in the spectacular underground cellars of Château Romanin and at the 15th-century Château d’Estoublon.

For lunch we suggest either the legendary hotel/restaurant L’Oustau de Baumanière in Les Baux or the slightly simpler but no less excellent Cabro d’Or, both owned by master chef Jean-André Charial, president of the Vignerons of les Baux. He will be happy to spend a few minutes talking to you about the appellation.

In the afternoon, you can return to Avignon for some time at leisure, tour the fascinating half-ruined town of Les Baux itself, or do more wine-tastings at the 17th-century Mas de la Dame, painted by Van Gogh, and at Les Terres Blanches, the first organic vineyard in Les Baux.

Day 4

Get close to the rich nature and history of Provence this morning with a gentle two-hour canoe trip down the Gard River. Float from the quaint village of Collias to the Pont du Gard, a remarkable Roman aqueduct with three levels of stone arches. Even today, it remains an impressive example of engineering as well as a striking addition to the landscape. Nearby Tavel produces what some consider to be the world’s best rosés. Do a tasting of these sunny wines before returning to Avignon for some time to explore on your own.

Day 5

Check out of your hotel and head north along the Rhône. Explore the Rasteau appellation, which has both a sweet wine and a Côtes du Rhône village. Visit a private wine estate while admiring the view of Mont Ventoux, the Dentelles de Montmirail and the village of Rasteau. Paul and Mary-Elisabeth established this wonderful domain, now run by their daughter Françoise and her husband, Jon. As you visit the cellar and taste their wines, they share with you their love of Provence as well as that of their wines.

In the afternoon, take a walking tour of the fascinating town of Vaison-la-Romaine, a former Roman city and now one of the largest archaeological sites in France. Some of the foundations of the cathedral have been exposed, showing how it rests on masonry scavenged from Roman buildings.

Check into your hotel in the Provençal countryside, and take the rest of the afternoon and evening to relax.

Day 6

Head west to the city of Orange, another major Roman center. This city retains its spectacular amphitheater, one of the largest ancient structures remaining in Europe.

After touring the theater and viewing Orange’s triumphal arch, continue to the famed wine village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, dominated by its ruined chateau. Just outside the village stands the crenellated Hostellerie du Château des Fines Roches, rich in medieval atmosphere. The food here is based on the best local products: olives, red mullet and—when in season—truffles. After lunch, have a tasting in the attached winery, Domaine du MoussETe, which produces red and white Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Visit the magnificent Château La Nerthe next door, the most elegant wine estate in the appellation. As early as the 18th century, La Nerthe was considered one of the best Châteauneuf crus, and Thomas Jefferson even bought a few cases. The château later fell on hard times, but its current director, Alain Dugas, has restored it to its full prestige.

If you like, en route back to your hotel, stop in Beaumes-de-Venise for a tasting of its delectable Muscat.

Day 7

Head north along the Rhône to the imposing hill of Hermitage for a tasting of its mighty Syrah-based reds and its long-lived dry whites at leading négociant Michel Chapoutier in Tain. After lunch across the street at a restaurant serving local Hermitage wines by the glass, take a vineyard tour and tasting with the friendly Paul Jaboulet, who produces consistently top Hermitage wines.

Continue north along the Rhône valley to the Château d’Ampuis. This is the heart of the Côte-Rôtie appellation and the home base of E. Guigal, the most influential wine maker of the region. Today, the appellation—and his wines in particular—have achieved cult status. Enjoy a private visit and a tasting at the château.

Overnight a little farther north in the gastronomic capital of Lyon, or in the picturesque Beaujolais countryside.

Day 8

Depart Lyon by rail or air, and connect to your flight home. Alternatively, take more time to explore gracious Lyon or relax in underrated Beaujolais.

Cape Winelands

Day 1

Arrive in Cape Town possibly after a safari in South Africa and/or Botswana.

Day 2

Head this morning into one of Cape Town’s oldest and most colorful quarters to cook fragrant Cape Malay cuisine in the home of a local family. Learn about the fascinating history of the Cape Malay people and their rich culinary heritage while preparing and eating a delicious traditional meal. Take the afternoon at leisure to explore Cape Town on your own or relax at your hotel.

Day 3

Transfer a short distance by private car into the chief wine-producing area of the Cape, centered on the picturesque towns of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. In the June 2013 Hideaway Report, Mr. Harper describes this area as “among the most beautiful winelands in the world, backed by jagged mountains and, from November to March, reliably bathed in sunshine.”

En route to your wine country resort, stop at the Glen Carlou Estate, home to the world’s largest privately owned contemporary art collection. This estate, affiliated with the Hess Collection, also produces an array of excellent award-winning wines available for tasting. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at your resort.

Day 4

We recommend beginning your first full day in the winelands with a walking tour in French-flavored Franschhoek, a historic wine town and an ideal spot for lunch. The impressive La Motte winery, owned by mezzo-soprano Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg, has a Harper-recommended restaurant called Pierneef La Motte which celebrates wineland ingredients.

In the afternoon, visit two or three nearby wineries for tastings. You can of course customize your itinerary, but if you need some ideas, we recommend considering other fine wineries near Franschhoek such as Boekenhoutskloof, Graham Beck, Bellingham and/or L’Ormarins (home to a notable classic auto museum). If gardens are of interest, stop at the Exotic Plant Company on the Môreson estate, where you can stroll through rooms of exotic orchids, glass of Cap Classique in hand.

Day 5

Start exploring the area around Stellenbosch today with a half-day winelands “safari” experience. Head into the vineyards of Waterford Wine Estate in an open Land Rover. As you traverse the scenic slopes of Helderberg Mountain, learn first-hand about the terroir and taste some wines among the vines.

After a relaxing picnic lunch, taste wines in some of the top Stellenbosch Estates. Again, we can arrange visits of whichever wineries you like. Some of the most renowned are Vergelegen, Morgenhof, Rustenberg and Meerlust.

Day 6

Take this day at your leisure to keep exploring the Cape Winelands. We can arrange all sorts of activities in the area. You might like to bicycle with a guide from vineyard to vineyard, or perhaps meet with a local winemaker to try your hand at blending your own wine. Alternatively, visit the elegant Rupert Art Museum showcasing South African art created between 1940 and 1970, or take a gentle hike in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, situated in part of a UNESCO-declared biosphere reserve with glorious views of Franschhoek. Or head up to Paarl, home to numerous notable wineries such as Fairview, Backsberg and Avondale.

Day 7

After one more leisurely breakfast, make the short transfer back to Cape Town and the airport

Local Wisdom: Cape Winelands

Robyn Swanepoel, PR & Marketing, Le Quartier Français

Must-Do Experiences

• Mountain-biking, walking or running on the various mountain paths. There are also guided walks on the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, a natural heritage site.
• A garden tour at Babylonstoren’s Toren.
• This formal garden is laid out over eight acres and boasts over 300 varieties of plant–all of which are edible.
• Learn the history of Franschhoek with a bespoke guided tour.
• Every interesting element of Franschhoek’s history is highlighted, from the pre-colonial settlers, the Dutch East India company and the French huguenots to local architecture, the apartheid era, and interesting village characters.
• Experience a night of culinary magic in The Tasting Room restaurant–ranked in the top 50 restaurants in the world.
• Wine-blending at the Môreson Wine Estate–making your own wine!

Interesting Facts

• The Drakenstein Correctional Centre (formerly Victor Verster) is a prison situated between Paarl and Franschhoek. It was here that Nelson Mandela spent the last three of his 27-year imprisonment.
• Cape spotted leopards are still seen in the Franschhoek mountains and on hiking trails.
• Elephants used to live in the Franschhoek valley. The valley therefore used to be named Olifantshoek (‘Elephants’ corner’).
• The valley was originally settled in 1688 by 176 French huguenot refugees. Many of them were given the land by the then Dutch government, and some named their new farms after the areas in France from which they came-Cabrière, Provence, Chamonix, Dieu Donné, etc. Most of these original farms and houses still stand today.

Local Wisdom

• Agathosma is a genus of about 140 species of flowering plants native to South Africa, and commonly known as buchu. They are small shrubs and many are highly aromatic, which is why their genus name means “good fragrance.”
• The leaves of these shrubs have long been used as a traditional African herbal remedy, and colonialists took bottled infusions to be sold in European countries such as ‘buchu tea’ in the late 1800s. It is still used today–predominantly for digestive and antiseptic purposes.

Hidden Charms

• One of the subtle and lesser-spoken-about highlights is the fragrance that lingers in the air. The beautiful open gardens are given much attention by their proud owners, and so the variety and prettiness of the colors and smells is a treat. Walking through the town you will faintly be aware of the perfume aroma surrounding you, perhaps interspersed with the charming smell of a wood fire burning in a home.

Your Favorite Way to Enjoy a Bottle of Wine

• Sitting under the trees at Bread&Wine whilst chatting with friends and family, and enjoying a cheese and charcuterie platter.