At Ivory Sparrow, we understand the importance of a phenomenal bachelorette party. Big or small, it’s a great way for the female friends and family members of the bride to connect before her wedding (and it’s also an awesome time to boogie down and work off some of those pre-wedding jitters!). While Las Vegas is typically thought of as the “go-to” destination for bachelors and bachelorettes, it can be fun to switch it up and seek out debauchery elsewhere. In our Bachelorette Alternatives feature, we’ll be showcasing some fun locations where you, your bridesmaids, your best buds (you name it), can kick back, raise a glass and celebrate YOU! If you would like to share your alternative bachelorette party location, email Elizabeth at elizabeth@ivorysparrow.com.
Ahhh, San Francisco and the Napa Valley… two hours away from one another, but seemingly worlds apart! A bachelorette party split between these northern California gems is the recipe for absolute success: it’s equal parts wine tasting, delicious food, phenomenal sight-seeing and, if you’re lucky, a well known club or two. So, let’s get to it!
The Napa/San Francisco bachelorette party has to be a three day affair because it is too difficult to travel, get your bearings AND still be able to do all that you want to do. We suggest you fly into San Francisco Thursday night and if there are enough of you, rent a house (!), wine taste Friday, enjoy San Francisco Saturday, head home Sunday. Voila!
Day 1: Wine Tasting Recommendations
If you’ll be traveling from the city into the valley, we highly recommend you hire a limo, a bus or van with a driver to escort you from place to place. It’s clearly the safest way to not drink and drive. For great rates and amazing service, try Royal Limo and ask for Nizar.
Start your tasting in Calistoga at Castello de Amarosa and splurge on the tour and tasting… it’s worth it! The building is modeled after an Italian castle and the first seven years of construction were all on the barrel rooms underneath the ground. While you’re enjoying yourselves, have your driver pick up your already ordered lunch from Palisades Deli Café (you can’t go wrong with the Chicken Caesar or the Valley Veggie sandwich).
After the castle, head down the 29 toward St. Supery Winery and taste in one of their newly remodeled private rooms whose walls sport unique, colorful art.
And finally, head to your last tasting of the day (three might not seem like a ton, but trust us, it’s the perfect number. Your head will thank you the next day!). If you’re looking for a memorable building, Francis Ford Coppola Winery is filled with memorabilia from his films like The Godfather and Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and has a decent tasting selection. For a more humble building, but a more personable tasting, try Napa Valley Wine Company.
By the time you arrive in San Francisco, it will be the early evening. Grab a bottle of wine (or three), order some Za Pizza and if you have games planned or are planning on showering the bride with (possibly naughty) gifts, this is the perfect time.
The next day is bride’s choice. Does she want to get a great breakfast or lunch? Try Tartine! Does she feel like doing something that is classically San Francisco? Head to the Ferry Building, then grab a pedicab to the wharf and Ghiradelli Square! Does she need some R&R? Head to Golden Gate Park with a picnic in tow! In this city, the options are endless.
Be back by mid-afternoon to get ready for the evening’s festivities. Andalu is a great place for a large group because you can have a prix fixe tasting menu and two hours of all you can drink beer or sangria- they will even print out personalized menus for you! Try to push dinner on the later side so that meandering to the clubs doesn’t leave you waiting too long.
For an evening of dancing (and possibly even more toasting), we recommend two clubs which are conveniently right next to each other. Start at Slide, a Prohibitionesque speakeasy where patrons can literally ride a slide into the underground bar (you have to be wearing pants though and we’ll warn you- it’s a doozy!). After indulging for a couple hours, head over to Ruby Skye, a true European-style dance club that has different DJs mixing every weekend.
After working your dancing shoes over well, head home… and don’t be surprised if the morning sun is shining through your windows sooner than you think it should! Before departing and saying your fond farewells, enjoy a latté and brunch at Outerlands.
Make sure to take a loaf of their freshly baked levain home with you… it will make you miss the city (and your girls) the second you leave.
Forsythia
Peonies
Lily of the Valley
Ranunculus
Poppies
Victoria Water-Lilies
