(15 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Shannon Rudowski

Grass Valley, CA
Napa Valley Travel Agent Specialist

As the sun began to cast its golden glow over the rolling hills of Napa Valley, I embarked on a journey that promised to be a symphony of flavors and a feast for the senses. This trip to Napa Valley, a wine lover's paradise, unfolded as a celebrat...
Learn more about me.

Napa Valley Travel Agent Specialist

As the sun began to cast its golden glow over the rolling hills of Napa Valley, I embarked on a journey that promised to be a symphony of flavors and a feast for the senses. This trip to Napa Valley, a wine lover's paradise, unfolded as a celebration of nature's beauty and the artistry of wine making.My adventure kicked off with a scenic drive through the iconic Silverado Trail, flanked by lush vineyards and framed by the majestic backdrop of the Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges. The air was crisp, carrying the sweet fragrance of ripening grapes, setting the tone for the vinous escapade that awaited.The first stop on my itinerary was a renowned winery, where I indulged in a guided tour through the vineyard. The knowledgeable guide led us through the meticulous process of grape cultivation, from bud break to harvest, explaining the unique terroir that contributes to the distinctive flavors of Napa Valley wines. Strolling through the neatly aligned vines, I felt a profound connection with the land and the centuries-old tradition of wine making.After the insightful tour, it was time to savor the fruits of the vine. The winery's tasting room offered a selection of their finest wines, each sip unveiling layers of complexity and craftsmanship. The rich Cabernet Sauvignons, crisp Chardonnays, and velvety Merlots danced on my palate, leaving a lingering impression of the region's wine making prowess.The gastronomic delights continued as I explored Napa Valley's culinary scene. I savored a farm-to-table lunch at a charming bistro, where the menu showcased locally sourced ingredients that complemented the wines perfectly. The synergy between food and wine was a testament to Napa Valley's commitment to the art of gastronomy.Eager to explore more, I visited a few boutique wineries tucked away in the valley, each with its own story to tell. From family-owned vineyards with a history dating back generations to avant-garde estates pushing the boundaries of wine making, Napa Valley offered a diverse tapestry of experiences.As the day drew to a close, I found myself at a hillside winery, where I witnessed a breathtaking sunset over the vine-covered landscape. With a glass of exceptional sparkling wine in hand, I toasted to the beauty of Napa Valley and the memories created on this special journey.Reflecting on my trip to Napa Valley, I couldn't help but marvel at the region's ability to blend tradition and innovation seamlessly. It was not just a pilgrimage for wine enthusiasts; it was an immersion into a world where every sip told a story, and every vineyard had a unique melody to share. Napa Valley, with its picturesque vistas and exceptional wines, had cast its spell, leaving me with a deep appreciation for the artistry that transforms grapes into liquid poetry.  

My Reviews

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
My friends and I were looking for a European trip to see more of the countryside not accessible on City tours. I saw a commercial for train tours through Italy, with glass domes to see more of the spectacular landscape, while sipping perfectly paired wines and the most excellent europeans style cuisine. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, is a luxurious and iconic train experience that evokes the elegance and glamor of the golden age of travel. Needless to say, we were all onboard for the experience. Shannon provided information and options with pictures to give us a taste of what to expect. Shannon booked the round trip flights, tickets on the Orient-Express, plus transportation to and from the airport. We had a blast! The staff was friendly, making it easy to relax. We all felt the service was excellent. The train was stunning European decor and a smooth ride. The cuisine was epic, and the wait staff attentive to our needs, making our trip all we expected and more.
By  Dr. Stacy   from  Rough & Ready, California
Traveled to  Italy ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
What's better, all inclusive or custom package

Even though searching online is convenient, its a lot of work. Picking the right Vacation sights and tours was confusing and we didn't want to spend hours looking, so we called Shannon and ask her to help us find the best way to Get-away. She ask lots of questions and provided pictures, quotes on Airfare and Hotel and even excusions trips while in Mexico . We flew to Mexico and spent 6 days-our first time in a bungalow overlooking the Pacific. Heaven. It was relaxing and affordable. We got everything we wanted and plan to return. Next time....Maya ruins exploration.

By  Pamela and Dave   from  Penn Valley, CA
Traveled to  Mexico ~ Mexico
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Last minute trip
Sometimes you just need to get away, right away! Working too hard without a break I hadn't been on vacation in a long time. I called Shannon and asked her to find a 3-4 day getaway with transportation to and from the Cruise ship. I sailed to Ensenada Mexico on the SS AZURE SEAS, I relaxed poolside and enjoyed the trip. Upon returning, I ask Shannon to plan another trip for the Christmas holidays. And that trip was to Hawaii and was beautiful.
By  Kathy   from  Roseville, CA
Traveled to  Mexico ~ Mexico
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Business trips coast to coast
I work for a large corporation based in New York and my job requires me to travel from coast to coast about 5 times a year. Driving in any large city can be difficult and I needed to book flights, hotel and transportation. I found Shannon through a friend, and asked for assistance. Plus SHannon had traveled for business and understands the traffic nightmare in every big city. Shannon emailed information to me about best places to eat, local maps of the area, and helped with frequent flyer/Hotel rewards programs which made it easy for me to decide. Shannon has been booking my trips ever since.
By  David   from  Bellevue, Washington
Traveled to  New York City ~ New York ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
First trip to Oahu Hawaii
Waikiki beach in Honolulu HA, was a destination I dreamed about for years. Luckily, my friend Shannon is a travel consultant and booked the package for all of us. The flight on Hawaiian Air was big. Six hours later, the four of us anxious ladies were on the beach soaking up the sun. We spent time traveling to as many beaches as possible, like Sunset Beach, which had the biggest waves, crashing on the shore. We went to our first Luau, which was wonderful! We had rum drinks with flowers in the glass and ate Hawaiian cuisine for the first time, lots of laughter and dancing went on that night I tell you. We all want to go back to the Islands as soon as possible, to do more things like Zipline through the Waterfalls. Next time, Maui or Kauai and Shannon will plan it for us again.
By  Amy   from  Felton, CA
Traveled to  Oahu Island ~ Hawaii ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Go to my main profile

Destination Expert:

  • Sonoma
  • Napa Valley
  • Yountville
  • Santa Rosa
  • Calistoga

Travel Specialist:

  • Wine Country Vacations
  • Spa & Fitness
  • Luxury Hotels
  • Bachelorette Parties & Girlfriend Getaways
  • Ballooning
©  Travel Leaders Group