Over this past weekend, I heard some chatter about switching out this year’s annual Tour d’Hoe for something around the Napa / Sonoma Valleys.
I’m all for providing as much help as possible on this front. I have some experience with the Napa Valley (I work closely with hotel owners and vineyard owners in the valleys) and would love to help organize.
My biggest issue is that I never attended a Tour d’Hoe, so I’m a bit inexperienced as to the expectations of the event.
1. Is the event similar to the West Coast Gathering? Ie. Two night overnight stay, organized ride, lunches, dinners, etc?
2. Do people plan on spending the night, or is it thought of as a 1-day cruise, then return back home?
3. Do we see this as a drive through the twisties, or is it a tour of some wineries (there are a few car-specific wineries in the valleys)?
4. Timing. When was the Tour d’Hoe usually planned? September is terrible for wine country as it’s Harvest season and tends to be crowded and potentially hot. If an overnight stay is desired, room rates in September are 3-4 times higher than normal season. The end of October / beginning of November starts bringing some fall-like colors to the valley. Room rates drop, and tourists go back to their respective homes. But the possibility of rain starts to exist in November.
5. Attendance. I know this varies, but historically how many cars/folks have been interested in the Tour d’Hoe? Would roughly the same about be interested in a Tour d’Vino?
Would love your feedback. If anyone else would like to assist in the organization, please let me know.
