That being said and personally, not needing to drive the Grapevine (or such steep/long grades),
Which is why when going from Southern California to Northern California, or vice-versa, I use US 101. It's about a half hour longer in travel time, has many more restaurants, has many more gas stations, has many more interesting places to stop, is cooler, does not have the "Grapevine" (it has the Cuesta grade, about 1500 feet - Grapevine is 4,000 feet) and the ride keeps you sane.
(Hindsight is the best quarterback.)
Jim