It’s been too long since you last checked your responsibilities at the threshold of your front door and slipped away for a few days with your most beloved girlfriends. It’s time to reconnect, sip some wine, indulge in a spa treatment, savor tantalizing meals and hit the shops all while reminiscing on shared pasts and making new memories that will last a lifetime.
When planning for a girl’s weekend, trying to find a destination that is friendly for everyone’s wallet, easy to get to and offers something for everyone, plus has weather you can relax by the pool, can be a bit challenging. Trying to find a location that hits all of these criteria, plus is interesting for all the gals can be daunting. Don’t worry! We have done the work for you. Check out this easy to get to, relaxing destination which will satisfy all of the needs of your gals!
Livermore Valley
Easily accessible from 3 major airports (San Jose, San Francisco and Oakland) the Livermore Valley Wine Country offers world class wine experiences at 55-plus wineries without the $100 tasting fees you will find further north. Picture you and your friends sipping wine amid the rolling green hills with fragrant roses blossoming nearby, while taking in a guitarist strumming away relaxing tunes. Because tasting rooms are situated so close to each other, you will be able to visit quite a few in little time. A few quick mentions Wente, Concannon, McGrail and Retzlaff are worth visits. Livermore Valley is an historic center for California Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Petite Sirahs. According to the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association, roughly 80% of California’s Chardonnay vines trace their genetic roots to a Livermore Valley clone. Important history and great wines!
Getting around the valley is simple. An easy way is to book a tour on the Livermore Wine Trolley to go directly to your selected destinations and no one needs to be the DD. In addition, they offer a delicious Sip & Savor Wine Pairing Tour. Enjoy culinary creations perfectly matched with just the right wine at three amazing wineries. Livermore Wine Trolley has set tours or you can hire it out for your own custom adventure.
After a day of wine tasting, enjoy world class cuisine at one of Livermore’s top restaurants. Range Life offers local and seasonal California style cuisine along with craft cocktails and local wines on their beautiful patio. Posada Restaurant delivers Latin American dishes with both, indoor and outdoor seating. Simply Fondue offers a festive four-course fondue experience prepared tableside.
A Girl’s Weekend isn’t complete without shopping! The San Francisco Premium Outlets, located in Livermore, is the perfect way to spend the afternoon browsing, chatting and falling in love with the perfect handbag! With luxury brands such as Burberry, Furla and Jimmy Choo mixed in with everyday brands of the GAP, 7 For All Mankind and Ann Taylor there are 180+ stores providing something for all of your girlfriend’s needs.
And, don’t forget the Spa Experience! There are several great options for spa experiences. The Purple Orchard is a wine country resort and spa. The suites enjoy plush beds, private fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs. The highly rated Day Spa offers Stone Therapy Massage, Biodynamic Signature Facials, several body treatments and more. In between sessions unwind in the relaxation lounge, and sample light snacks and the wine menu.
The best time of the year to visit the Livermore Valley is in late Spring and Fall when temperatures are mild. Summer months can be very hot. The Livermore Wine Growers Association website provides a full schedule of events hosted at the wineries on their detailed calendar. Be sure to check it out as you plan your trip. Also, annual events such as Wine & Wags in April, Livermore’s Downtown Street Fest in May and Taste Our Terroir in July are festive times to experience Livermore Valley with the gals! With all of the important Girl’s Weekend factors checked off, enjoy the company of your dear friends and make lasting memories together in the Livermore Wine Country.
