If you’ve ever been to Napa Valley or Sonoma Valley on a sunny summer weekend then you already know what it’s like to wait in traffic and stand in line. It’s a frustrating experience, especially when all you desire is a relaxing weekend getaway to the Wine Country. That’s why, right now, you’re going to pick up your day-planner and pencil in a May getaway to the Wine Country. Late spring is a wonderful time to visit the valleys and see the flowers in bloom—forget-me-nots, begonias, lavender, tulips, poppies, roses—while driving the traffic-free roads from winery to winery. So to get you started in the getaway-planning mode, here’s a short-list of some of my favorite wine-tasting tours in Napa and Sonoma.

SCHRAMSBERG, Calistoga
This 217-acre champagne estate has a wonderful old-world feel and offers my all-time favorite tour and tasting experience. The sparkling wine that U.S. presidents serve when toasting with dignitaries from around the globe also serves up the Wine Country’s best introduction to the méthode champenoise process of making sparkling wine. The highlight is a visit to the 2.5 miles of hand-carved champagne caves complete with cobwebs, echoes, and loads of ambience—you’ll feel like you’ve landed in the middle of a Tom Sawyer adventure. And the tasting room is positively gothic. Be sure to book a tour in advance, because they fill up quickly (707/942-2414; www.schramsberg.com). WHERE TO STAY: Calistoga Hotels

BENZIGER FAMILY WINERY, Glen Ellen
Wine Spectator magazine hailed Benziger as having “the most comprehensive tour in the wine industry.” As soon as you arrive here, you’ll know you’re at a family-run winery—in fact, you’ll feel instantly like part of the Benziger clan. The exceptional tour, which includes a 40-minute tram ride through the estate vineyards and into caves, is both informative and fun, and ends with a tasting. Tram tickets are a hot commodity, so either arrive early or stop by in the morning to pick up afternoon tickets (800/989-8890; www.benziger.com). WHERE TO STAY: Glen Ellen Hotels

ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY, Oakville
As one of the most prominent wineries in Napa Valley, it’s only appropriate that Mondavi gives the most comprehensive tours in Napa Valley. The fascinating production tour covers all aspects of the winemaking process, including the destemmer-crusher, the tank room where fermentation is done, the bottling room, and the vineyard—all accompanied by a top-notch narrative. Make your reservations in advance if possible, especially on weekends (800/MONDAVI; www.robertmondaviwinery.com). WHERE TO STAY: Napa Hotels

DOMAINE CHANDON, Yountville
Founded by Moët et Chandon, the valley’s most renowned sparkling winery combines the grandeur of a world-class French champagne house with a hip, fresh, and festive tasting experience. Not only are the grounds sublime, but the comprehensive tour walks you through the high-tech facilities and the entire bubbly-making process, from the history of the winery to the cellars, riddling room, and bottling line. Tours are free and reservations aren’t necessary, but they do charge for tastings (707/944-2280; www.chandon.com). WHERE TO STAY: Yountville Hotels

STERLING VINEYARDS, Calistoga
This dazzling white Mediterranean-style winery offers one of the most comprehensive self-guided tours in the entire Wine Country (it’s great for getting to know the winemaking process at your own pace). Sterling Vineyards is perched high above the valley atop a rocky knoll, and to get there you take an aerial tram that offers beautiful bucolic views along the way. Wine tastings of five varietals in their panoramic tasting room are included in the tram fare (707/942-3344; www.sterlingvineyards.com). WHERE TO STAY: Calistoga Hotels

GLORIA FERRER CHAMPAGNE CAVES, Sonoma
Gloria Ferrer is the grande dame of Sonoma Valley’s sparkling wine producers. Who’s Gloria you ask? She’s the wife of José Ferrer, whose family has made sparkling wine for five centuries. On a sunny day it’s impossible not to enjoy sipping a glass of brut on the terrace of this palatial estate as you take in the magnificent views of the vineyards and valley below. During the guided tour you’ll learn all about the term méthode champenoise as you stroll past the fermenting tanks and deep into the dark caves brimming with rack after rack of yeast-laden bottles (707/996-7256; www.gloriaferrer.com). WHERE TO STAY: Sonoma Hotels

ST. SUPERY WINERY, Rutherford
St. Supery is a welcoming winery that encourages first-time tasters to learn more about oenology. The self-guided tour lets you wander through the demonstration vineyard, where you’ll learn about growing techniques. They even have a “SmellaVision,” an interactive display that teaches you how to identify different wine aromas and attributes (800/942-0809; www.stsupery.com). WHERE TO STAY: Rutherford Hotels