When it comes to bachelorette parties and wine country – ideas abound. It all comes down to the kind of event you want to host. Whether you are looking for a crazy day in the vines for your best friends from college or a more sedate affair (complete with tea sandwiches and a cellist) we collected five tips for you to host the perfect wine country bachelorette party.

Hire a driver
No matter what, if your party is imbibing wine, hire a driver. A driver with a hospitable sense of humor can be one of the best parts of your wine country bachelorette party. Drivers can also help recommend wineries that would offer your group the best service as well as take group photos (make sure you tip accordingly!). Split the cost of transportation before the event – so your party will stay safe through your visit to wine country.

Know your Photo Ops
In Napa Valley, you can find the iconic Welcome to Napa Valley signs both on Highway 29 – one between St. Helena and Calistoga on Route 29. Heading North, it will be on your right, between Larkmead Lane and Maple Lane. One is in Yountville. Make sure your driver or party planner knows you want to include time for group photos at local landmarkes before you begin. Don’t forget to take group photos early in the day when everyone’s looking their best.

Call, Call Ahead
Many wineries and restaurants in wine country want to be able to provide you the best service. Make sure you call ahead of time to set up tastings at your favorite wineries. Wineries like Kunde and Viansa in Sonoma County, Clos Pegase in Napa Valley give small groups exceptional service. Working with you to plan the perfect lunch, they can handle everything from décor to music with sophisticated grace. Thebach.com contains a great Napa and Sonoma wine country planner with vendors and a handy scheduler to get the most out of your time.

Chow! Chow!
Speaking of sophisticated grace, many a bachelorette has found herself feeling miserable the next day because she forgot to eat during all the fun. Planning snacks ahead of time is good advice in wine country.  Stop on the way in at a local grocery store food in your rooms before you go out, stash food in the limo and schedule meals ahead of time for maximum stamina.

Except for the rare restaurant, it can tough to find more rural wine country restaurants open any time after nine. You don’t want to find yourself back in your hotel room without a stitch of food. When you plan ahead for meals and snacks, you can really maximize your wine country fun.

Spa Rules
Napa Valley is home to some of the country’s most luxurious spas. For an event your friends won’t forget, consider booking a day long spa visit. There are small group packages available for nearly any price point. From a basic group mani-pedi to a full day of scrubs and soaking, wine country’s spas are a peaceful way to spend the last days of singlehood.  

Surprise(!) the Bride
Even though brides have the final say in nearly all events leading up to the wedding, the bachelorette party is the perfect time to plan a sweet surprise for the bride. Wine country bachelorette party bridal surprises could include a detour to a spa for mani-pedis, a private meal cooked in the guest room you’re staying at, or live music. Don’t overlook the bride’s favorite wine, let the winery know that ahead of time so they can prepare. Consider hiring a photographer to tag along to surprise the bride with more gorgeous images.

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
Every decision agreed upon ahead of time means less possibility for misunderstanding during the party. Communicate with all party attendees well ahead of time so that there are no surprise expenses, clothing needs or forgotten food sensitivities. Make sure you have everyone’s cell phone numbers and that you know everyone’s first and last name before you depart on your wine country tour. Ensure the bride has an event to remember!

These seven tips will help make sure your group enjoys the warmest wine country welcoming. Whether your bachelorette party is a party with high-spirited attendees of both genders or an elegant affair with the mother of the bride in attendance, wine country can offer up a lovely solution for nearly any bachelorette party configuration.