3 Tips for Hosting a Destination Wedding in the Sonoma Valley

SONOMA, Calif. - May 5, 2014 - PRLog -- In just a few short months you will be packing your bags for a wedding celebration like no other in one of the most beautiful places in the world – the Sonoma Valley.

Now that it's official, it's time to get planning. With an impending to do list, you may not be thinking about is what to do with your friends and family while you're away.

Here are three helpful tips to ensure you and your loved ones experience an unforgettable time while in the Valley.

#1: Host a welcome party
With destination weddings it is common that your guests will arrive at different time. Take some time to connect with them by hosting a small welcome party. Host a brunch at one of the local eateries, or gather everyone at one of Sonoma’s impressive wineries like J. Rickards Winery in the lush Alexander Valley. Try any of their award-winning wines, or take part in their delicious wine and cheese pairing.

J. Rickards Winery, 24505 Chianti Road, Cloverdale. jrwinery.com. (707) 758-3441. Contact for reservations.

#2: Book a pre-nuptials wine tour
Shake out your pre-wedding jitters with the ones you love most. Or consider sending your friends and family away for some fun while you are tidying up some last minute wedding details. "Why not take full advantage of one of the most amazing wine regions in the world by sending your loved ones on a day trip they're sure to never forget?" suggests Jenny Toomer, Director of Platypus Wine Tours. The touring company specializes in group and private wine tours in both Napa and Sonoma Valleys, and makes many destination wedding dreams come true with their Blended Bliss wine tour.

Platypus Wine Tours, 101 S Coombs Street, Napa. www.PlatypusTours.com. (707) 253-2723. Contact to book a tour.

#3: Say your good-byes with a casual afternoon of exploring and noshing
Say goodbye with a casual outing to one of Sonoma's many natural treasures. Stunning mountains, trails, vineyards, and parks envelop the valley. A local favorite is Armstrong Redwood State Park. Walk your way through one of the many trails shaded by magnificent giant sequoias, or catch the zip-line tour provided by Sonoma Canopy Tours. Pack a picnic with a few bottles of wine and your favorite noshes to complete the outing.

Armstrong Redwood State Park, 17000 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville. www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=450.

All photos courtesy of Platypus Blended Bliss Wine Tours

ABOUT PLATYPUS WINE TOURS
Platypus Wine Tours specializes in unforgettable wine tours. We are a team of knowledgeable and well-experienced Tour Guides, who love to explore this magnificent wine country while entertaining our guests and having fun! We focus on our favorite wine regions including the Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley, Carneros, Russian River and Healdsburg (especially the West Side, Dry Creek, and Alexander Valley). Smaller, charming back-road vineyards, historic wineries and family-owned operations are our specialty. Platypus Wine Tours delivers more than just a tour through wine country. It is our mission to host our guests’ idyllic day in the wine country. For us, it is all about creating a delightful and unique experience every time. Platypus Wine Tours is available for small group events, social celebrations and corporate team-building functions. For additional details or to book your next tour, please contact us at 707.253.2723 or visit us online at www.PlatypusTours.com. We’re social! Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, and our Blog. Don't forget to check out what our guests have to say on TripAdvisor.