Napa Valley Tour Question

Angie · Post by **Angie** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 6:16 pm

Hello, all!

I'm planning a trip to California this summer to visit some friends from SCC '04. We're thinking about taking in some of the wineries in Napa, but weren't sure how TG-friendly such places would be. Anyone have experience with the area?

Take Care,
Angie

Post by **DonnaT** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 7:22 pm

I say just do it. We are our own worst enemies. I bet you'll find they won't have any problem with how your dressed.

Have fun, don't worry

Virginia · Post by **Virginia** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 9:56 pm

I agree with Donna : As Nike says: "Just Do It!" All you have to remember is positive attitude (Say thank you Elizabeth) and a big Smile!
Have a ball!
Virginia

Elizabeth · Post by **Elizabeth** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:05 pm

Hi Angie,

Thankyou Virginia.

I live in what is arguably the most conservative part of California, here in Southern California. I dress full time, and I get treated great. My guess is that you will be treated with respect and dignity. I would not even give it a thought. California is full of very progressive openminded people who will gladly take your money with a smile, no matter what you are wearing. Enjoy!

Love always,
Elizabeth

Beauty · Post by **Beauty** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 9:25 am

Hi Angie,

I think you should call ahead and ask so you can feel comfortable rather than wonder. If they act negatively, why patronize them? I'm sure there are others who will think it's no big deal.

I think it's great you're getting out and going places with other CD'rs!!!

By the way your new avatar is delectable !!!

Beauty

Anita · Post by **Anita** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 11:15 pm

Hi Angie--
I don't think the wineries would have a problem with you at all. Your avatar looks very passable, and yes, I know we pose those pictures to death, but it still looks good. They're very much into good public relations in Sonoma and Napa counties, and they also deal with many people who come to San Francisco. So they have to keep an open mind.

Have fun in our great state!
A

Jamie Ann · Post by **Jamie Ann** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 11:31 pm

I would second what several of the other girls have said. I lived in Palo Alto for two years, and visited the nearby Napa Valley wineries several times during that period. They are delighted to have visitors. It is hard to imagine them turning anyone away or making life difficult for them. After the free tour, they typically let you taste the wines of your choice, and they hope you will buy a bottle or two. But everything is low-key. The same is true for Sonoma Valley  also in that general vicinity.

RikkiOfLA · Post by **RikkiOfLA** » Mon Feb 21, 2005 5:34 am

I live in Southern California. My wife and I love good wine

and I have gone to the wine country a couple of times en femme. Had a great time each time! It's a fun one-day trip up from our hotel, usually in San Francisco.

The Bay Area and Southern California are very, very accepting of crossdressers. Dress comfortably and act appropriately, and stay out of dark alleys, tough-looking bars, bad neighborhoods and such, and you'll have a great time en femme anywhere you go.

For the wine country, I suggest casual clothes. For summer for me, that would be a short cotton skirt and a tee shirt with comfortable sandals. It's usually sunny and warm there, although it is frequently overcast in the morning, so bringing a light sweater or jacket is usually a good idea too.

Our favorite idea is to stop at a grocery store in Napa or one of the other towns when we enter the Napa Valley. We buy an informal gourmet picnic lunch, usually consisting of some nice cheese, some salami, and some sour dough bread. Then as we travel from winery to winery, we snack in the car between wineries.

ps. If you don't know already, I should warn you about summer weather in San Francisco. Mark Twain said it best--"The coldest winter I ever spent was one summer in San Francisco!" Watch the internet weather channel carefully for about a week before your trip. Summer highs might be anywhere from the 50s to the 80s. Night time low is usually 20 degrees colder. Bring comfy shoes and buy a bus pass at your hotel for the length of your visit. San Francisco is definitely a walking town, and parking and traffic can be a total snarl.

Angie · Post by **Angie** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 10:33 pm

Thanks VERY much for all of the great advice!!! We're still in the planning stages for the trip and I'll be sure to post back how everything goes. If any West Coast girls care to join us for a day in the wine country, just let me know. The more, the merrier!

Take Care

Angie

Virginia · Post by **Virginia** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 11:10 pm

Angie,
you will have a great time, and don't spend all your money, got to save some for SCC in Atlanta - theme is "The Big Easy" Mardi Gras and all that. If it is anything like last year it will be sooo much fun. We will definitely be better organized next time so all of us can get together. I am going to volunteer again and who knows what we will be doing.
Love,
Virginia

Virginia · Post by **Virginia** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 11:12 pm

Angie, I got so excited thinking about SCC I forget the most important thing I wanted to say!!!! YOU LOOK MARVELOUS, GIRL!!!!!! So pretty and relaxed - ain't it great??!!
Love ya,
Virginia

Angie · Post by **Angie** » Wed Mar 02, 2005 12:08 am

Virginia, Beauty and Anita,

Your kind comments have me on Cloud Nine at the moment! I'm not sure how much of my new avatar is me and how much is courtesy of the wizards at Adam to Eve, but I'll take the complements just the same!

Angie