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6 Holiday Gifts for Those Who Like Experiences Over Things

WineCountry Staff — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 00:29:54 +0000

While the latest tech gadget, wine aerator, or bottle of wine routinely make great gifts for the holidays, the gift of an experience can be pretty special. So, for those of you looking to think outside of the box — the standard gift box, that is — when it comes to holiday gifting this winter, we’ve put together a list of experiential gift ideas that are sure to wow those on your nice list.

Whether you want to treat your mom to a mother-daughter gourmet outing in Napa Valley, enjoy a horseback ride with your significant other through the hills of Sonoma County, or sip and cycle with your best friend through Calistoga, our WineCountry Experiences Gift Guide is here to help with gift giving ideas for those who prefer experiences over material things.

For the Wine Aficionados

Merryvale Estate Picnic & Tasting, Courtesy of Merryvale

Merryvale Estate Picnic & Tasting

For the quintessential Napa Valley experience, look no further than Merryvale’s picnic lunch at their beautiful Profile Estate Vineyard. Located on a ridge 800 feet above the valley floor, you’ll enjoy a guided vineyard tour before settling down on the tasting deck to savor spectacular views, a gourmet Italian lunch, and, of course, a lineup of world-class Profile Collection wines.

Offered at $315 per person.

To purchase these exclusive WineCountry Experiences as a gift, buy a WineCountry Experience Gift Card so the recipient can enjoy this experience (or the experience of their choice) when it works with their schedule.

For the Foodies

Pan-Asian Food & Wine Experience, Courtesy of RD Winery

Pan-Asian Food & Wine Experience

While wine and cheese are always a good choice, why not step it up a notch by gifting them Napa’s only Pan-Asian food and wine experience? An adventure for the palate, this refreshingly different tasting experience features a selection of seasonal, Asian-inspired bites served alongside a flight of five unique wines from RD Winery’s line of Fifth Moon wines. The foodie and the wine-o alike are sure to find pleasure in discovering the versatility of Asian flavors with both familiar and less common varietals, including zinfandel, gruner veltliner, and malvasia bianca.

Offered at $70 per person.

Five-Course Farm-to-Table Experience

This five-course, farm-to-table wine and food experience at Brian Arden Winery in Calistoga is one of our most popular WineCountry Experiences, and for good reason — not only does this experience include a behind-the-scenes tour of the beautiful property’s expansive garden and winery facility, but it also lets guests go on a culinary journey of five exquisite courses, all cooked in front of them by the winery’s own Estate Chef. Top it all off with a tasty selection of wines from this small, family-owned winery and you can almost guarantee your giftee will have a perfect day in Napa Valley.

Offered at $215 per person.

To purchase these exclusive WineCountry Experiences as a gift, buy a WineCountry Experience Gift Card so the recipient can enjoy this experience (or the experience of their choice) when it works with their schedule.

For the Outdoorsy Types

Courtesy of Getaway Adventures

Cycle & Sip in Wine Country

Guests will venture along bucolic country roads as they explore Calistoga on two wheels during this moderate, yet leisurely, 12-mile Napa Valley bike tour. This five-hour guided experience will include plenty of scenic views in between stops for wine tastings at small, off-the-beaten-path wineries, plus a signature Wine Country picnic lunch. A Sonoma version of this experience is also available.

Offered at $250 per person.

Secret Horseback Ride & Picnic

Treat your sweetie to a secluded horseback ride through one of the most beautiful trails in Sonoma County. The trail winds its way through hills, meadows, creek crossings, and cliffside views, stopping at a private (and secret) vista for a gourmet picnic lunch overlooking Lake Sonoma. This picturesque two-hour ride ends at a beautiful barn (built from one 800-year-old Redwood tree), where a glass of Dry Creek Valley wine or an ice cold beer awaits.

Offered at $239 per person.

To purchase these exclusive WineCountry Experiences as a gift, buy a WineCountry Experience Gift Card so the recipient can enjoy this experience (or the experience of their choice) when it works with their schedule.

Need more holiday gifting inspiration? Visit our sister site to view our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide for all the wine and drink lovers in your life.

The post 6 Holiday Gifts for Those Who Like Experiences Over Things first appeared on WineCountry.com.

Local’s Guide to the Top 10 Things to do in Santa Barbara

Hana-Lee Sedgwick — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 16:42:03 +0000

With its pristine beaches, expansive ocean views, and mountainous backdrop, Santa Barbara is certainly one of the most picturesque places in California, let alone the world. Natural beauty aside, this idyllic seaside destination offers much more than just good photo ops (though there are plenty of those to be found); it’s actually a great place for people of all ages to visit, thanks to the plethora of diverse activities and attractions available at one’s fingertips. From outdoor activities to world-class wine and restaurants, historical sights to interesting museums, here are the top 10 things to do in Santa Barbara.

COVID-19 Note: Please check with businesses in advance to confirm opening hours and safety protocols. Currently, masks are required indoors and some attractions are requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to enter.

Get Out On The Water

Santa Barbara Sailing Center, Courtesy of Blake Bronstad

Given its coastal location, a visit to Santa Barbara is just not complete without some ocean-related activities, regardless of the time of year you visit. For an exceptional vantage point of the Santa Barbara coastline and a chance to spot dolphins and seals, hop aboard the 41-foot Sunset Kidd sailing yacht, or venture out for a scenic sail on Santa Barbara Sailing Center’s Double Dolphin catamaran. Both companies also offer private charters in addition to public cruises, so you can tailor your day at sea to fit your needs.

If you’re looking for a more casual open water activity on your own time, rent kayaks or stand-up paddle boards from the SB Sailing Center or from Paddle Sports Center. Depending on the time of year, you may also want to consider a whale watching expedition, such as with the Condor Express or Celebration Cruises, which always makes for an exciting day at sea.

Visit Some Historical Sites

Courtesy of Unsplash | Devin Rice

Known as the “Queen of the Missions,” the Old Mission Santa Barbara is a must-see historical landmark in Santa Barbara, originally founded by Spanish Franciscans in 1786. After touring the parish, museum, and mausoleum, head across the street to the Santa Barbara Mission’s own grassy park and rose garden. Home to over 1,500 different types of roses, it’s a favorite spot for locals to gather for a picnic or to let the kids run around.

Another historical site worth seeing is El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park, located right in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. Originally founded in 1782, this one-time Spanish military outpost has since been restored and reconstructed, offering visitors a glimpse into the original living quarters of the soldiers and their families who resided in the adobes. It’s also conveniently located close to coffee shops and boutiques, should you need some caffeine or retail therepy before or after.

Admire the Architecture

Santa Barbara County Courthouse, Courtesy of Jay Sinclair

Santa Barbara is known for its Spanish Colonial Revival style architecture, where white stucco walled buildings adorned with red tiled roofs are both charming and beautiful. While you could easily walk around and get inspired, you’ll want to make a point to visit the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Likely to be one of the most visually stunning public buildings you’ll encounter in the U.S., this architectural delight was completed in 1929 and stands out for its Spanish Colonial design and lushly landscaped grounds. The colorful tiles and ornate architectural details may be the obvious draw for out-of-towners, but the (still active) Santa Barbara County Courthouse also provides an exceptional vantage point of downtown from its clock tower, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Architecture buffs will also appreciate a visit to Casa del Herrero (House of the Blacksmith). Designed by George Washington Smith, this Montecito estate from the 1920s is one of the finest examples of Spanish revival architecture in America, and is included on the National Register of Historic Places.

Eat & Drink Downtown

Carlitos Cafe y Cantina, Arlington Plaza, Courtesy of Cecilia Rosell

Though Santa Barbara’s diverse neighborhoods each offer a different taste of the area, there are a few main neighborhoods ideal for eating and drinking to your heart’s content. Once an abandoned warehouse district, the Funk Zone is now a must-visit spot for food and drink, thanks to the plethora of wine tasting rooms, breweries, and hip restaurants. The historic Presidio neighborhood is another top spot if you’re looking to fill the belly, where you’ll find a diverse array of restaurants, coffee shops, and wine tasting rooms.

Of course, you can pretty much stop anywhere along State Street to eat and drink well; Lower State Street (along on the 500 and 600 blocks) includes lively breweries, popular sports bars, and packed restaurants, along with a party-like atmosphere, while the Arts District (along the 1200 and 1300 blocks) features everything from high-end sushi to gourmet Mexican to Italian eateries and more, plus a couple of cocktail bars. Simply put: come ready to eat and drink when visiting Santa Barbara.

Visit the Zoo

Santa Barbara Zoo, Courtesy of Cecilia Rosell

If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity the kids (and adults) will adore, look no further than the Santa Barbara Zoo, a quaint and picturesque place to spot animals such as lions, penguins, gorillas, and otters. For a memorable zoo experience, have the kids feed the giraffes then hop aboard the train for a tour around the zoo’s perimeter. The cool thing about the Santa Barbara Zoo is that it’s totally doable in a couple of hours, leaving more time to explore around town the rest of the day.

Visit a Park or Garden

Lotusland, Courtesy of Lotusland

Santa Barbara has a plethora of beautiful parks and gardens, each offering something special. One of the most visited is Ganna Walska Lotusland. Once home to the famous Polish opera singer/socialite Madame Ganna Walska, who spent 44 years creating this impressive estate turned public garden, Lotusland is now recognized as one of the ten best gardens in the world. Here you’ll find exotic plants, unique gardens, and whimsical details throughout its 37 acres, which you can admire during a self-guided tour. Another must-see for horticulture fans is the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, where you can spend an hour or two meandering around the 5.5 miles of walking paths while exploring California’s native plants, wildflowers, and towering Redwood trees. The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden also has an on-site nursery, open year-round.

As far as parks go, Alice Keck Memorial Garden is a picturesque destination in downtown Santa Barbara, home to 75 different tree and plant species. It’s also got grassy areas, a gazebo, and a pond with resident ducks and turtles. Across the street is Alameda Park, a favorite among families due to the large “Kid’s World” playground structure. If you’re looking for a park with a view, Franceschi Park, an urban park located on Santa Barbara’s Riviera, offers spectacular views of the city. Once home to famed botanist Francesco Franceschi, the park features several types of exotic plants, but the pristine city views are what will leave a lasting impression. Across town, Shoreline Park, situated on a bluff above Leadbetter Beach, is a popular kid-friendly spot to walk, BBQ, play, or just take in views of the ocean, while nearby Douglas Family Preserve is another bluff-top park, ideal for ocean-view walks amidst the Eucalyptus trees — especially great if you have the dogs in tow, as off-leash dog use is allowed.

Explore the Waterfront

Courtesy of Unsplash | Marco Carrillo

You can’t visit Santa Barbara without making a point to experience the Waterfront area, where you’ll find the iconic Stearns Wharf jutting out over the ocean and the always lively Santa Barbara Harbor. Walk out onto Stearns Wharf for a chance to spot seals or pelicans, then visit the Sea Center aquarium, grab some fresh seafood, or simply take in the great views of Santa Barbara. If you want to get to the harbor from there, you can opt to take a long leisurely stroll beside West Beach or, for a more scenic experience, hop aboard the Lil’ Toot Water Taxi, which will take you right into the Harbor. Once there, there are plenty of places to eat and drink while checking out the boats.

Get Your Art Fix

Courtesy of Unsplash | Alonso Reyes

Santa Barbara is home to several art museums and galleries, each featuring a unique display of works from local, national, and/or international artists. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art, which recently got a facelift, features an impressive 25,000 works of art from throughout the ages, while the Museum of Contemporary Art has unique exhibitions and programming highlighting modern styles of art. There are at least half a dozen galleries you can walk to from either museum, featuring collections of fine art prints, paintings, drawings, and photography.

Hit the Beach

Butterfly Beach, Courtesy of Jay Sinclair

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a quiet beach walk, a game of beach volleyball, or just want to let the dogs run around, Santa Barbara’s many beaches have you covered. East Beach is the place to be if you want to spend a day playing beach volleyball, as there are numerous courts, but it’s also a popular beach for families, thanks to a playground and nearby parking. In Montecito, Butterfly Beach and Miramar Beach may not have much in the way of facilities, but these two picturesque beaches are great for beach walks, picnics, and splashing in the waves. Just be wary of the tide schedule, since there’s limited sand available when it’s high tide. Looking for a super dog-friendly beach? Then head to Arroyo Burro, where you can let the dogs run around sans leashes.

Catch a Show

Granada Theatre, Courtesy of Granada Theatre

Santa Barbara is big on its music and theater, thanks, in part, to the top-notch performance venues around town. As California’s longest continuously operating theater, the intimate Lobero Theatre, founded in 1873, continues to draw a variety of noteworthy musical acts and performers, while nearby, the beautiful Granada Theatre plays host to theatrical and musical performances, ballet, and opera. Another noteworthy venue is the Arlington Theatre, built in 1930, which continues to showcase movies, bands, and comedic acts.

Drawing the largest crowds and biggest names in music and comedy is the Santa Barbara Bowl, a 4,562-seat open-air amphitheatre that doesn’t have a bad seat in the house. Just note that you’ll have to climb quite a bit of stairs if you want to admire the stunning views from the terrace bar at the top. Yes, more views! (In case you haven’t noticed, many Santa Barbara attractions are all about the views.)

Courtesy of Unsplash | OC Gonzalez

There are plenty more fun things to do in Santa Barbara, as well as in the surrounding areas like Goleta and the Santa Ynez Valley, so much so that you may need more than a couple of days to truly experience the beauty and charm of this coastal paradise. But whatever you choose to fill your time with, you won’t be disappointed. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning your next getaway to Santa Barbara well before you get home!

— First-Time Visitor’s Guide to Santa Barbara —

— 12 Best Santa Barbara Wineries to Visit —

The post Local’s Guide to the Top 10 Things to do in Santa Barbara first appeared on WineCountry.com.

10 Fun Things to Do in Paso Robles

Hana-Lee Sedgwick — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 03:05:25 +0000

With over 200 wineries and 32,000+ acres of grapes, it’s only natural that a visit to the Central Coast region of Paso Robles would include wine tasting. After all, there are 40 different varieties grown within Paso Robles’ 11 AVAs, so there’s something for every taste and budget.

That said, Paso Robles, with its laid back vibe and utterly charming downtown, offers a variety of fun things to do both related and unrelated to wine. From unique vineyard experiences to local-inspired dining and interesting museums, here are 10 ways to make the most of your time in Paso Robles.

Go on a Vineyard Excursion at Halter Ranch Winery

Courtesy of Hana-Lee Sedgwick

Located in the beautiful Adelaida District of Paso Robles, Halter Ranch Winery offers 281 acres of vineyards, stunning views, and plenty of Bordeaux and Rhône-style wines. Their Excursion Tour is a fun way to experience it all from a restored 1984 Land Rover Defender 110. During the two hour tour, you’ll pass wildlife corridors and a picturesque pond before climbing to the highest point of the property (1,750 feet) to sample wine as you take in the breathtaking scenery below.

8910 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (888) 367-9977

See an Outdoor Concert at Vina Robles Amphitheatre

Courtesy of Vina Robles Amphitheatre, photograph by Shannon McMillen

Nestled on a picturesque hillside in Paso Robles, Vina Robles Amphitheatre is where wine and live music come together in an outdoor music venue not to be missed. This intimate amphitheatre offers VIP seating and general admission lawn seating, big name musical acts, and plenty of food and drink options, which all add up to an unforgettable place to listen to live music in the heart of Wine Country.

3800 Mill Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (707) 286-3680

Eat Farm-To-Table Fare in Downtown Paso Robles

Courtesy of Thomas Hill Organics, photograph by Barry Goyette

With its close proximity to the area’s orchards, farms, and ranches, it’s no wonder Paso Robles’ restaurants were among the first to embrace the farm-to-table movement. For simple yet creative Italian fare, head to Il Cortile, a locally-minded Central Coast restaurant specializing in homemade pastas, fresh seafood, and quality antipasti. For a more casual, gastro-pub setting, don’t miss The Hatch, an intimate bar and restaurant serving up Southern-inspired small plates, wood-fired rotisserie chicken, and tasty craft cocktails. A few doors down is Thomas Hill Organics, a Central Coast staple where their dedication to serving local, organic food is reflected in the eclectic menu and regional wine list that rotates with the seasons.

Il Cortile: 608 12th St # 101, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 226-0300

The Hatch: 835 13th Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 221-5727

Thomas Hill Organics: 1313 Park Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 226-5888

Sip Craft Beer While Listening to Live Music at BarrelHouse Brewing Co.

Courtesy of Hana-Lee Sedgwick

Since 2013, BarrelHouse Brewing Co. has stayed true to their mission of bringing together “good people, good times, and great beer.” Located in Paso Robles’ hip industrial area known as Tin City, the lively brewery and outdoor beer garden regularly hosts a rotating line-up of upbeat bands, corn hole tournaments, and food trucks, making it a fun destination to enjoy their small-batch and seasonal craft beers.

3055 Limestone Way, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 296-1128

Sample Spirits at a Local Distillery

Courtesy of ReFind Distillery, photograph by Robin Black

Fans of gin, whiskey, vodka, or the like will enjoy venturing out on the Paso Robles Distillery Trail, a collection of ten distilleries spread throughout Paso Robles Wine Country. You’ll find places like Re:Find, Paso Robles’ first craft-distillery, the speakeasy-style KROBAR at Grey Wolf Winery, and Azeo, which specializes in spirits made from apples. All ten craft distilleries feature artisanal spirits made by passionate farmers, winemakers, brewers, and bartenders, offering an alternative way to taste through the area.

Re:Find: 2725 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 239-9456

KROBAR: 2174 Hwy 46 West, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 467-9463

Azeo: 3230 Riverside Ave. Ste. 190, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 226-8169

Shop for Artisan and Local Goods at General Store

Courtesy of General Store

It’s easy to find the perfect gift or souvenir at General Store, a popular shop in downtown Paso Robles carrying a wide range of locally-made artisan products and gifts. From olive oils and cookbooks to baby onesies and housewares, the curated collection showcases the artisan spirit of the Central Coast along with a selection of meats and cheeses perfect for creating an impromptu picnic in the park.

841 12th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 226-5757

Tour 36-year-old Wine Caves at Eberle Winery

Courtesy of Facebook: Eberle Winery

As one of the pioneering winemakers in Paso Robles, Gary Eberle helped his family establish Estrella River Winery & Vineyards before venturing out on his own to start Eberle Winery in 1982. In 1991, he expanded his facility underground and built the very first wine caves in Paso Robles Wine Country. Today, you can explore the production facility and impressive 16,000 square foot underground caves through a complimentary tour and tasting, offered daily every half hour. For a more unique experience, book the VIP Tasting and Tour, which includes a private tasting and cheese pairing held in the exclusive VIP room of the caves.

3810 CA-46, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 238-9607

Experience a Glimpse into the Past with a Museum Visit

Courtesy of Facebook: Estrella Warbirds Museum

For a dose of history and culture, check out Estrella Warbirds Museum, home to a vast collection of military aviation artifacts, aircraft, and war memorabilia, as well as an incredible auto display showcasing vintage, classic, and historic vehicles. At The Paso Robles Pioneer Museum, you’ll find a visual and written history of Paso Robles, which includes cultural, agricultural, and commercial artifacts that show what rural, small-town life was like during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Estrella Warbirds Museum: 4251 Dry Creek Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 238-9317

The Paso Robles Pioneer Museum: 2010 Riverside Avenue, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 239-4556

Relax in the Thermal Waters of a Hot Spring

Courtesy of Facebook: River Oaks Hot Springs Spa

It’s hard to pass on the rejuvenating feeling the therapeutic waters of a hot spring can bring, so when you need to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing, Paso Robles has options. Franklin Hot Springs, located just 10 minutes from downtown, is a geothermal lake offering a no-frills, casual atmosphere, as well as fishing and canoeing on the weekends. Just north of town is River Oaks Hot Springs Spa, where private outdoor and indoor mineral spring spas and signature spa treatments can be enjoyed in the heart of Wine Country.

Franklin Hot Springs: 3015 Creston Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 712-5372

River Oaks Hot Springs Spa: 800 Clubhouse Drive, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 238-4600

Get Up Close and Personal with a Life-Size, Fiberglass Cow

Courtesy of Facebook: Paso Robles Inn

The historic Paso Robles Inn, located in a beautiful downtown garden setting, features 98 guest rooms, an outdoor heated pool, a fine dining steakhouse, and plenty of ways to indulge for a romantic stay in Paso Robles. Whether or not you stay at the Inn, don’t miss paying a visit to the welcoming piece of art in front of the hotel. The 120-pound, fiberglass cow, named Clarabelle the Wine Cow, certainly makes for a great photo opp, but also serves as a reminder of the CowParade SLO, a public art exhibit and auction that raised funds for local charities and non-profits.

1103 Spring St, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 238-2660

Cover image courtesy of Halter Ranch Winery

— 11 SONOMA COUNTY EXPERIENCES NOT TO MISS —

— 8 TEMECULA HOTELS THAT ARE SURE TO IMPRESS —

The post 10 Fun Things to Do in Paso Robles first appeared on WineCountry.com.

What’s Hot? Mexican Wine Country

WineCountry Staff — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 08:00:04 +0000

Mexico is the home of hot peppers, hot weather, bright colors and adobe buildings. Add to that delicious cuisine, sandy beaches and tequila or two and you’ve got one of our favorite vacation spots. You probably don’t think wine, right? That’s because while Mexico has had a thriving wine industry since the 1920s, pretty much all of Mexican-produced wine is consumed within its borders. Sound intriguing? It gets better.

Believe it or not, Mexico has its own version of Napa Valley, called La Valle de Guadalupe, where you can find vineyards producing juicy cabernet sauvignons, crisp chardonnays, and full-bodied tempranillos. You’ll find other varieties there too — vineyards en la valle are known for blending varietals that you might not see mixed by European wineries. But the real distinguishing factor of Mexico’s wine country is the way it feels off the beaten path. It’s the perfect option for millennials who don’t mind roughing it (or, alternatively, have the money to stay in the one very high end hotel) or any wine aficionado who’s aching for something less traversed.

Take a trip south of the border for a unique long weekend perfect for any wine lover — as long as you’re up for a bit of an adventure.

Oh, and those tacos? The fish ones pair perfectly with those chardonnays I mentioned.

A B&B With Soul

Adobe Guadalupe
Parcela A-1 s/n Col. Rusa de Guadalupe
Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
+52 646 155 2094
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars

Don’t let the Persian-influenced architecture of Adobe Guadalupe fool you. You are, in fact, in Mexico. In addition to the vineyard, the grounds also boast a B&B, where breakfast is served at a long communal table. The property also boasts a breeding and training stable for Aztec horses that are also used for therapy for children with cerebral palsy. Sip on one of their nine wines, take a break next the fountain in the courtyard, or enjoy some of the art by local artists scattered throughout the property.

Insider Tip: You might notice that all of the wines are named after archangels. That’s because the owners lost their son in a tragic car accident when they were starting Adobe Guadalupe. The wine names are a tribute to the angels that they believe are surrounding their son in heaven.

A Labor of Love

Xecue Vinicola
Valle de Guadalupe | Km 89.1 Ensenada-Tecate
Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
+52 646 175 3830
TripAdvisor: 5 stars; 92 reviews

Xecue Vinicola is relatively young. They started selling wine in 2005 but have already made a splash in the Mexican wine scene. They specialize in reds and rosés, which are enough of a draw, but definitely don’t miss their octagon-shaped tasting room. The open walls allow you to look out over the countryside and enjoy the smells of tress and cactus as you sip your wine. “Xecue” means love in an indigenous Mexican language and visitors rave about how clearly the owners, José Luís and Alberta, love their winery and love showing guests the upmost in hospitality. Stop here if you want a truly personal experience during your visit to La Valle de Guadalupe.

Insider Tip: José Luís love succulents, so make sure to stop by and see his collection while you’re there.

Tostadas and… Boats?

Vena Cava Vinícola
Exit left near Km. 88
Valle de Guadalupe 22755, Mexico
+52 646 156 8053
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars; 44 reviews

Vena Cava is one of the most unique wineries you’ll ever visit, at least when it comes to architecture. Look closer and you’ll realize that many of the buildings on the property have very distinctive rooflines — they’re overturned boats! Wander through the boat buildings, have a sip or two, and then treat yourself to lunch at Troika, their on-site food truck.

Insider Tip: Don’t miss the octopus tostadas from Troika. They provide a mashup of tastes that will have you asking if there are rooms available in their La Villa del Valle just so you can have more tomorrow!

Rustic Charm

Tres Mujeres
Ensenada Km 87
Valle de Guadalupe 22650, Mexico
+52 646 101 5268
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars; 17 reviews

Tres Mujeres winery was started by three women who originally just wanted to create a cooperative for local women to share their knowledge about winemaking and pool their resources to buy bigger and better equipment. These days, the tres mujeres who started it all are known for running one of the best artisan wineries in La Valle. Each bottle that comes out of this winery is signed by the woman who made it. Ivette is known for her grenache blends; Eva her merlot; and Laura her tempranillo and cabernet sauvignon.

Insider Tip: The tasting room is actually a converted cold cellar, which perfectly fits the aesthetic of this funky, rustic winery. Also, don’t miss their prix fixe lunch under the trees!

Once you’ve finished up your tour of Mexico’s hottest wine country, we guarantee you’re going to have a taste for more. Check out this article for more unexpected wine countries and start planning your next trip.

Bio: Emma McGowan is a full time freelance writer who doesn’t have a wine rack because she never manages to keep a bottle full long enough to need one. Check out more of her writing at emmamcgowan.com.

The post What’s Hot? Mexican Wine Country first appeared on WineCountry.com.

Five Napa Valley Restaurants with Incredible Ambiance

WineCountry Staff — Tue, 11 Apr 2017 08:00:55 +0000

It’s no surprise, especially in wine country, that the old adage of eating with your eyes first rings true like nowhere else. From produce grown steps away from where it’s served, to locally sourced meats and poultry, the valley offers a cornucopia of foodie delights for everyone. But what if you’re looking for something more? Maybe with a little more ambiance? Check out the list below for our picks of restaurants sure to wow visitors, even before the meal gets to the table.

Press
587 St. Helena Highway
St. Helena, CA
Phone: 707-967-0550
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 562 Reviews

While the valley is home to some of the most beautiful farm grown produce around, Press has something special for those with a more carnivorous appetite. Few things pair better with wine than fine, dry-aged Prime beef; and at Press that’s their specialty. Along with only serving Regional wines, they take locavore living seriously. Their warm vineyard setting includes indoor and outdoor seating, large fireplaces and a handcrafted walnut bar framed by twin wine towers showing their extensive Napa Valley-only wine collection. Patrons can sit back in their warm, inviting dining room and enjoy vegetables grown from their two on site gardens along with Prime beef, from legendary Bay Area butcher Brian Flannery, free-range poultry, and lamb from the Sonoma Coast. All cooked to perfection on a custom-built, wood-fired grill and rotisserie.

Insider Tip: The patio at Press is open year round and boasts top notch heaters to keep you toasty even when the temps begin to drop.

Harvest Table St. Helena
1 Main Street
St. Helena, CA
Phone: 707-967-4695
TripAdvisor: 4 Stars, 140 Reviews

Dining at Harvest Table is like attending a very lovely dinner party at a friend’s house. It’s comfortable, beautifully designed and each guest is welcomed as if they were family. The only difference is, that this party happens to be orchestrated by Michelin starred Chef, Charlie Palmer. Offering a welcoming atmosphere to strangers and regulars alike, Harvest Table’s dining room boasts smooth wood finishes and a classic oversized brick fireplace. Natural light floods the dining area during the day, while the soft glow of crackling wood bathes guests at night. Their patio is the perfect place to indulge in lunch between wine tastings. Well shaded, comfortable seating, surrounded by lush landscaping. Using a mix of organic and industrial materials, Harvest Table beautifully blends the best of indoor and outdoor space to create an unmatched dining experience.

Insider Tip: In the mood for something truly indulgent? Order their whole truffled chicken for two; a house specialty that requires an hour to prep, but deliciously proves good things take time.

Lucy Restaurant and Bar
6528 Yount Street
Yountville, CA
Phone: 707-204-6030
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 400 Reviews

There’s no place better than the valley to find true farm to table fare; and at Lucy’s the magic starts in the garden. As part of the Bardessono Hotel property, Lucy Restaurant and Bar offers patrons fresh, tasty cuisine with a laid back, eco-conscious, California vibe. Many of the ingredients on the menu are grown on site or sourced from local Napa growers – a boon for locavores. But their sustainable ideas aren’t limited to just food, they also offer an extensive wine list showcasing small producers and many organic, sustainable and biodynamic vintners. From their farm fresh salads to the garden–inspired cocktails, every day means a morning trip out to the garden to see what’s ripe.

Insider Tip: For guests traveling with furry friends, check out Lucy’s pet friendly patio. Four legged visitors can dine on homemade dog treats while their humans enjoy the best “field-to-fork” experience in the neighborhood.

The Restaurant at Meadowood
900 Meadowood Lane
St Helena, CA
Phone: 707-967-1205
TripAdvisor: 4 Stars, 388 Reviews

If Michelin stars are on your mind, look no further than the Restaurant at the Meadowood – they have three. Romantic? We think so. The dining room is small but intimate with dark wood, dim lighting and beautiful decor. If you arrive early, grab a glass of wine or a cocktail and cozy up next to the fire while you wait for your table. Be sure to book your reservation early because their 10-course tasting menu is exceptionally popular. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special event, or just want to treat yourself, prepare to be enrobed in a true luxury experience.

Insider Tip: If after a full day of wine tasting you’re not feeling up to a multi-course tasting meal, the Bar at the Meadowood offers an equally lovely three course tasting menu as well as an excellent selection of pairing options.

Solbar
755 Silverado Trail
Calistoga, CA
Phone: 707-226-0850
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 945 Reviews

When hunger strikes, there’s nothing worse than ordering a dish only to find it’s half the size you expected. Good thing Solbar has solved the issue. With a selection that’s designed around light or hearty fares, and clear notations on the menu, they don’t leave anything to chance. No more leaving the restaurant hangry. And if the food wasn’t enough to satisfy – blueberry ricotta pancakes we’re looking at you – the decor and vibe are exceptional. Loft-inspired with an eclectic twist, Solbar embraces the rustic roots of wine country with a touch of cosmopolitan luxury. So whether you’re looking for a light start to the day or something substantial for an afternoon meal, Solbar has the power to satiate any appetite.

Insider Tip: When making reservations, ask for a seat outside. While Solbar’s newly renovated dining room is exceptionally beautiful, it can’t compare to the canopy of trees, bubbling fountains and view of the pool their patio offers.

BIO: Nicole McLaughlin is a food and lifestyle writer from California. When she’s not in the kitchen testing her latest recipes, you can find her out exploring the wonders of fermentation in San Diego’s vibrant craft beer scene.

The post Five Napa Valley Restaurants with Incredible Ambiance first appeared on WineCountry.com.

These Wineries Rock: Where To Get Your Music and Wine Fix

blogger — Sat, 04 Feb 2017 09:00:39 +0000

Whether the boys are back in town or you’d rather burn out, than fade away or maybe you think the answer is blowin’ in the wind or all you need is love there are some rockin’(and rollin’) wineries catering to your love of music and all that jazz. Here are a few places where you can enjoy your wine with a pairing of Zeppelin, Supremes or Miles Davis.

Rocking Root Stock

B.R. Cohn Winery
15000 Sonoma Highway
Glen Ellen, CA
(800) 330-4064
Trip Advisor: 4 Stars, 143 reviews

In Glen Ellen, Sonoma County, respected winery B.R. Cohn is known for its gold medal wines, gourmet olive oils and barrel-aged, hand-crafted vinegars, but wine is founder Bruce Cohn’s second career. His first was as a band manager for the Doobie Brothers and then the Night Rangers. Cohn’s rock credentials are unquestionable, but today the winery’s brand is more about tasteful elegance than the guitar riffs in “China Grove.”

Insider’s tip: The winery puts on live music every Sunday, weather permitting, between 2 p.m. and 4:40 p.m.

Get A Backstage Pass

Cliff Lede Vineyards
1473 Yountville Cross Rd,
Yountville, CA 94599
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 117 reviews

Cliff Lede Vineyards was established in 2002 when Canadian born Bordeaux enthusiast, Cliff Lede, acquired a sixty acre estate in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley. With a focus on producing wines from estate vineyards, Lede tapped David Abreu, considered the best viticulturist in Napa Valley, to replant the vineyards. Lede decided to name each vineyard block after some of his favorite rock songs and albums—from “My Generation” to “Dark Side of the Moon,” creating what is known today as the Cliff Lede Vineyards “Rock Blocks.” Today, Winemaker Christopher Tynan crafts Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, with the flagship, Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from the steep eastern hillside portion of the estate.

Insider Tip: Book a tasting in the Backstage Tasting Lounge for access to their limited production wines. This cool and comfortable lounge also features rotating art exhibits and, of course, classic rock music.

Fruit Forward With A Lot of Bass Notes

Claypool Cellars
6761 Sebastopol Ave, Suite 500
Sebastopol CA 95472
707-861-9358
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 24 reviews

From management to star power: Claypool Cellars/Pachyderm Wines in Sebastopol, CA is a project from Primus vocalist and bassist, Les Claypool. An alt-rock band most famous for Claypool’s slap bass style and off-the-wall lyrics, Claypool Cellars says it’s an option of the highest caliber, and yet not overly pretentious. The band’s eclectic style is present in the themes surrounding the tasting room, too. Called the Fancy Booze Caboose, this reservation-only tasting experience emphasizes how well M&Ms go with their Purple Pachyderm Pinot Noir.

Insider’s tip: Check out the winery’s events to get a chance nab some Primus tickets along with a bottle of pinot.

Getting Those Good Vibrations

Good Vibes Winery
2 South State Street
Westerville, OH 43081
(614)392-2202
Trip Advisor: 5 stars, 25 reviews

You might not think about locally produced wines when you’re around Columbus, OH, but at Good Vibes Winery in nearby Westerville, that’s just what you can find. With grapes sourced in Australia, Italy, France and California, Good Vibes winemaker Tony Klausing then hand-crafts more than 20 wines that can proudly bear the label grown globally, made locally. Each of Good Vibes’ wines are named after a beloved song, in keeping with the theme of their easy-going motto, “Wine is music to the soul!”

Insider Tip: They offer tasting flights of up to 8 one ounce pours. We recommend this option as they have a huge menu of offerings. Add a cheese platter and grab a seat up front to watch the happenings on bustling State Street.

Wet Your Whistle

Notaviva Vineyards, LLC
13274 Sagle Rd
Purcellville, VA 20132
540-668-6756
Trip Advisor: 4 Stars, 34 reviews

Ever tasted a pinot gris while listening to Dave Brubeck Quartet and thought, “These are two great things that go great together?” At Notaviva Vineyards in Purcellville, VA, that’s exactly what they specialize in. Drinkers of their Ottantotto viognier are encouraged to pair the barrel-fermented white wine with solo piano music, while their Sabado sauvignon blanc is imbibed while listening to salsa music. The winery even has iTunes playlists to accompany their wines.

Insider’s tip: Dig deeper into the Notaviva philosophy with founder Stephen Mackey’s book, “Dream, Build, Believe: The Founding of Notaviva Vineyards”

Heard It Through The Grape Vine

BottleRock Napa Valley
Napa Valley Expo
575 Third Street
Napa, CA 94559
Trip Advisor: 4.5 stars, 5 reviews

And then there’s the ultimate wine and music experience with the most-talked about outdoor music festival in the Bay Area at BottleRock. With three days and nights of music, more than 80 bands and headliners such as the Foo Fighters, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Maroon 5, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and dozens of wine cabanas for festival-goers to visit their favorite wines as the music washes over them, there’s nothing else quite like it.

Insider’s tip: The 2017 festival is already sold out for the May 26 – 28 dates, but tickets might still become available on BottleRock’s ticket exchange.

These Wines Rock

Rolling Stone Wine Club
888-987-4987

Rolling Stone Magazine’s wine club is a partnership with Mendocino County producer, Wines That Rock. This official Rolling Stones Wine Club delivers three bottles, four times per year with titles such as The Police Synchronicity Red Wine Blend and The Grateful Dead Steal Your Face Red Wine Blend. For music lovers who want some tannin with their jammin’, it’s hard to say no at the $39.95 per shipment price point for this wine club. Oh, plus you get a year of Rolling Stone Magazine.

Insider Tip: Their winemakers are literally going into the studio, listening to classics like Pink Floyd’s ‘The Dark Side of the Moon,’ and using the musical themes, structure and attitude of the music to help guide the wine-making process.

The post These Wineries Rock: Where To Get Your Music and Wine Fix first appeared on WineCountry.com.

10 Best Steakhouse Wine Lists Across the Country

blogger — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 09:00:03 +0000

For carnivores, nothing beats a sizzling steak and full-bodied cabernet sauvignon dining experience. Whether you crave your red meat well-charred, aged-to-perfection, melt-in-your-mouth tender, fatty as a rib-eye, as a plate of steak frites, or just a juicy hunk of hamburger, the most important element to elevate the experience is what’s in your glass.

Contrary to popular belief, a Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon isn’t the only full-bodied varietal to select with steak. Keep in mind options of Cabernet Franc, Rioja, Malbec, Old-Vine Zinfandel and Bordeaux. Choose a wine pairing based on details such as cut of beef, aging technique, and sauce.

It helps to look at a wine menu of varied New World and Old World selections, but you may end up confused about what pairs best with what menu item. In many steakhouses, you can summon an in-house sommelier to assist in the wine-pairing selection. With or without a sommelier, you can navigate the menu on your own at these ten steakhouses across the country that offer wine lists as robust and diversified as a cut of beef and its preparation.

Press Napa Valley
587 St Helena Hwy
St. Helena, CA 94574

Because Press is located in the heart of the Napa Valley, the menu was created exclusively to highlight the area’s wines. As Press said, “Our goal is to create a repository of knowledge on Napa Valley wines from the 1950s going forward, and we enjoy learning, together with our guests, how these older vintages mature.”

Insider Tip: Begin your meal with a Domaine Carneros Rosé and end with a Grgich Hills ‘Violetta’ Late Harvest (Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer).

Alexander’s Steak House
448 Brannan Street
San Francisco, CA 94107

With locations in San Francisco, Cupertino, Pasadena, Taipei and Tokyo, the wine list at Alexander’s Steakhouse includes New World and Old World wines by the glass, half bottle and large formats. Their wine philosophy is to provide exciting and interesting wines while holding true to the idea of a classic American steakhouse. They search out artisan wineries that they feel offer the very best quality for the guests.

Insider Tip: Order by the glass or by half-bottles so you can select and share what works best for each course. You can’t go wrong with a 100-point Hall Cabernet Sauvignon, but you may also want to sip a Spanish Tempranillo.

The Capital Grille
Multiple locations

Wherever you are within the United States, there’s a good chance you’re in the vicinity of a Capital Grille restaurant. With over 350 wines, representing nearly every wine-growing region on earth, there are some beautiful selections. There are Old World and New World gems,as well as little-known labels on the brink of stardom. Their acclaimed dry aged steaks and fresh seafood deserve nothing less than an award-winning wine list. Before steaks meet the grill, they are meticulously dry aged on premises for more than 18 days. Then, each is hand-carved by their in-house butchers to exacting standards.

Insider Tip: A beautiful starter is their fresh, hours old mozzarella and tomato salad with an 18 yr age balsamic drizzle. Look for a Sancerre, Soave Classico or Sauvignon Blanc to pair.

Chicago Cut SteakHouse
300 N. LaSalle
Chicago IL 60654

Take two steak-house veterans, a dazzling space along the Chicago River, add a butcher and dry-aging room and you begin to see what Chicago Cut is about. This modern steak house with a unique menu has full throttle wine menu including the famous Miraval Rosé, a Brangelina label with more stability than the Pitt marriage. Try it with the foie gras starter.

Insider Tip: This restaurant is known to attract Fortune 500 CEO’s as well as celebrities from Woody Allen to Jay-Z.

Bern’s Steakhouse
1208 S Howard Ave
Tampa, FL 33606

Perfectly aged steaks. One of the largest wine collections in the world. An internationally famous dessert room. These elements have combined since 1956 to provide their guests with a unique culinary experience. Founder Bern Laxer had an incredible eye for wine buying. The cellar contains more than 6,800 different selections with more than half a million bottles. Bern’s Wine Cellar is the perennial recipient of the Wine Spectator Grand Award.

Insider Tip: While the lobby is something to be seen, the dessert room is something to be experienced. Here guests can enjoy a leisurely and intimate end to their dining evening by choosing from nearly 50 dessert choices to more than 1,000 dessert wines and spirits.

Forbes Mill Steak House
206 N. Santa Cruz Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95030
200 Sycamore Valley Road West
Danville, CA 94526

In its two locations: Los Gatos and Danville, California, the wine menu focuses on local boutique wineries of small production, as well as an emphasis on Brunello di Montalcino and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. There’s a price range for everyone to enjoy wines by the glass, Coravin or bottle.

Insider Tip: Seek help from the sommelier/wine director to hear the story behind each boutique wine label.

Aureole Las Vegas By Charlie Palmer
3655 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas , NV 89109

What happens at Charlie Palmer’s Aureole restaurant stays in…your memory. Wine and dine your way around their tasting table experience with Chef Charlie Palmer and Executive Chef John Church’s menu focused around food’s three natural foundations: Root, Surf, and Ranch. The menu positions eight dishes covering all categories, listed from light to robust, with a strong emphasis on sharing, tasting and connecting. Go big and bet on a fantastic dining and wine experience here.

Insider Tip: The restaurant’s 3,000-selection list has been lauded with Wine Spectator’s Grand Award every year since 2000. The “wine angels” will fetch your chosen wine via a three story pulley and cable system.

The Angus Barn
9401 Glenwood Ave.
Raleigh, N.C.

The Angus Barn is an American steakhouse restaurant serving in-house aged steaks, fresh NC seafood, local grown vegetables and homemade desserts prepared by Iron Chef America winner, Walter J. Royal, and his staff. The Barn hosts an award winning wine cellar, the famous Wild Turkey Lounge, Meat Locker smoking lounge. The restaurant’s wine list features 1,600 selections with stand outs from California, Bordeaux and Burgundy, and has earned the Wine Spectator Grand Award every year since 1989.

Insider Tip: The wine cellar boasts its’ own private staff, kitchen, two large dining rooms each with its own full service bar and surrounded by one of the most amazing wine collections in the United States.

Pappas Brothers SteakHouse
3 Texas locations

With 2 locations in Houston and one in Dallas, its dry aged steaks make Pappas Brothers stand out among some of the best Texas steakhouses. All of their sommeliers are certified, and at least half of them have earned either Master or Advanced Certificates.

Insider Tip: With 3,900 world wine selections from top producers, this is another chance to use a sommelier to your advantage. You’ll even get help with the proper wine glass, as there are 10 stemware designs to match with your wine selection.

Ringside Steakhouse
2165 W. Burnside
Portland, OR 97210

Dining at RingSide Steakhouse is an experience, offering beef believers the very best in Northwest USDA Prime and Certified Angus Natural Beef. Steaks are aged a minimum of four weeks, hand carved on the premises, seasoned and grilled to perfection. They house one of Portland’s only on-site dry-aging rooms, and guests can select from an array of beef choices, chops, chicken and Pacific Northwest seafood.

Insider Tip: Their extensive wine list of more than 700 labels, including some of Northwest’s finest regional wines. Our wine list has been recognized with the “Best of Award of Excellence” Wine Spectator since 2001.

Charlene Peters is an influential world explorer and culinary/wine scholar who left her East Coast roots for the western pleasures of life in the Napa Valley. She can be reached by email: siptripper@gmail.com.

The post 10 Best Steakhouse Wine Lists Across the Country first appeared on WineCountry.com.

Spend The Year In CA Wine Country

WineCountry Staff — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 09:00:39 +0000

It’s the new year and we suggest you spend it in California wine country. We’ve highlighted some of our favorite places to spend the seasons. Whether it’s fall in Santa Barbara or spring in Napa Valley, we’re ready to welcome you to wine country!

Winter in Mendocino

Mendocino County lies about 150 miles up the coast from San Francisco and it is a winding and beautiful drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. Shop, eat, and enjoy the slow down, as you groove to the vibes of downtown Mendocino’s California hippy past and quaint New England style buildings.

Hike along the Mendocino Headlands Trail, to watch the migration of the Gray whales swim along the coast. Enjoy their coastal Pinot Noirs, bundle up and peruse the extensive art or cozy up in your B&B and watch the moody Northern California coast line from your large picture window.

Tuck Into These Lodgings:
Stanford Inn By The Sea
4850 Comptche Ukiah Road
Mendocino, CA 95460
800-331-8884
Trip Advisor Stars: 4.5

This AAA-Four Diamond eco-resort is located on 10 gorgeous acres overlooking the Mendocino Bay. It’s the perfect spot for health-conscious guests with holistic wellness center, spa, yoga classes, organic gardens and a farm and its acclaimed plant-based gourmet restaurant, The Ravens’ Restaurant.

Insider Tip: Pets are welcome at the inn and not just cats and dogs. The inn says they’ve even had Vietnamese pot belly pigs stay!

Little River Inn
7901 North Highway One
Little River, CA 95456
(707) 937-5942
Trip Advisor Stars: 4.5

Located next to the sea, the Little River Inn has been attracting guests from around the world for three-quarters of a century. The scenery is stunning—the Victorian inn is surrounded by green gardens and overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The rooms have gorgeous views and other amenities like private decks and/or fireplaces.

Insider Tip: The inn is a short trek from the stunning Van Damme State Park and the beach.

Our list of Mendocino County lodging

Wineries Worth The Sip
Toulouse Vineyards & Winery
8001 Hwy 128
Philo, CA 95466
(707) 895-2828
Trip Advisor Stars: 4.5

Known for its fantastic Pinot Noirs, Toulouse Vineyards is a welcoming and friendly vineyard located in the stunning Anderson Valley. The unique climate and daily weather make it the ideal location for Pinot Noir but the vineyard also produces Gewurztraminer, Riesling and more. Visitors do not need an appointment to visit (as long as your group is smaller than eight people) and taste wine.

Insider Tip: Buy a bottle of one of their wonderful Estate Pinot Noirs, plus they’ll waive the $5 tasting fee with a wine purchase.

Summer in Monterey

Summer in beautiful Monterey County is idyllic. Full of world-famous sites including Big Sur, Pebble Beach Golf Links, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the 17 Mile Drive along the Monterey Peninsula, it’s a must-visit for any traveler.

The marine layer that covers the coast this time of years inspires the locals to cheekily refer to it as “June Gloom.” Despite the name, this is a beautiful time to visit. Need a respite from the intense California heat? Head to this mid-state coastal region that stays nice and cool.

Where To Tuck In:
Colonial Terrace Inn
13th and San Antonio Avenue
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
(831) 624-2741
Trip Advisor Stars: 4

With the beach just 72 steps away from your room at the Colonial Terrace Inn, it’s the perfect spot to stay in one of the country’s best beach towns, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Built in 1925 and opened as the inn in 1930, the inn offers a quiet and private escape in a residential area close to the beach but within walking distances of downtown Carmel.

Insider Tip: Make sure you try the continental breakfast served each morning and eat it outside in the terraced gardens for a picturesque and peaceful start to the day.

Our list of Monterey County lodging

Fall in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara shines in the role of the “American Riviera.” With it’s red-tiled residences, Mediterranean-like weather, beautiful beaches, and cameo in films, it fits the bill. Santa Barbara County wine country, especially its Pinot Noir wines, will always be associated with the movie Sideways. But the county was a thriving wine region long before the movie with its first wine grapes being planted by missionaries in the late 18th century. Santa Barbara is also well-known for its great Chardonnay and Rhone varietals.

Fall weather in Santa Barbara is incredibly underrated. Foggy days are ever present in the summer months but September and October usher in 70 degree weather, with little rainfall. Not to mention the vines begin to erupt in riotous colors during their fall change.

Where to Tuck In:
The Agave Inn
3222 State Street
Santa Barbara, CA
(805) 687-6009
Trip Advisor Stars: 4

Wanting to create an experience for guests rather than just a place to sleep for the night, The Agave Inn has achieved a perfect place to call home while in Santa Barbara. This is one of the best deals you can get in Santa Barbara for a clean, tidy, colorful place. It’s not fancy, but attention was paid to making it feel happy. With bright, fun room decor and paint, Agave adds a personal touch without overwhelming. Think Mexican pop meets modern.

Insider Tip: Renaud’s Patisserie & Bistro is located right across the street. While Agave has a continental breakfast, this bakery is worth a morning stop.

Our list of Santa Barbara County lodging

Wineries Worth The Sip
Sunstone Vineyards & Winery
125 N Refugio Rd.
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 688-9463
Trip Advisor Stars: 4.5

Driving just 35 minutes north of Santa Barbara to Sunstone Vineyards & Winery transports you to a secluded retreat resembling the French countryside. There’s even a wine cave to explore. Wine flights are available in addition to wines by the glass and a fun wine and brownie pairing menu.

Insider Tip: Looking for other wineries? Explore the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail.

Spring in Napa Valley

The best part of spring in Napa Valley is it starts in February! Come between Feb through May and the valley erupts in the bright yellow mustard flower than blankets the vineyards throughout the 26 miles. The weather is mild and perfect for hiking and enjoying the lovely scenery. If you can visit on a weekday, Napa is decidedly quiet, with tasting room staff ready to welcome you with a tasting room all to yourself.

Where To Tuck In Hotel Yountville
6462 Washington Street
Yountville, CA 94599
(707) 967-7900
Trip Advisor Stars: 4.5

This luxury resort and spa is located in one of the most convenient and best locations in Napa Valley, downtown Yountville. Stores, acclaimed restaurants, cafes and wine tasting rooms are just walking distance from the hotel. Despite its downtown location, the hotel is still surrounded by lush vineyards. The rooms are welcoming, tasteful and elegant with hardwood floor, stone fireplaces and an outdoor patio or balcony.

Insider Tip: Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, the hotel hosts a complimentary wine tasting with partner local wineries in the lobby lounge.

The post Spend The Year In CA Wine Country first appeared on WineCountry.com.

Oregon’s Breweries

blogger — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 08:00:47 +0000

Yes, we’re winecountry.com but that doesn’t mean we’re all wine all the time. We’re in the business of providing our visitors with incredible vacation ideas. If you’re going to Oregon wine country you’ll be promised incredible Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and more. But you’ll be missing out if you skip over a brewery tour or two. Oregon’s craft beer scene is exploding and we’ve found some of the must stops when you’re in the beautiful part of the PNW.

Deschutes Brewery

Deschutes Brewery Tours & Tasting Room
901 SW Simpson Ave
Bend, OR 97702
(541) 385-8606

Deschutes Bend Pub
1044 NW Bond Street
Bend, OR 97703
(541) 382-9242

Deschutes Portland Public House
210 NW 11th Ave.
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 296-4906

Founded in 1988 in Bend, OR as a brew pub, Deschutes is one of the largest craft breweries in the country. The original location remains fixture in downtown Bend and the business has expanded with a brew pub in Portland and a tasting room at the Bend brewing facility. Demand has grown nationwide for its brews like the Black Butte Porter and Mirror Pond Pale Ale and plans are in the works for an East Coast brewery in Roanoke, Va. The Bend production facility offers free guided tours and sells souvenirs and growlers of beer.

Insider tip: Both restaurants are known for their great food featuring fresh, local ingredients. There are several menu items at the Bend pub featuring spent grain from the brewing process.

Rogue Ales Brewery

Brewer’s on the Bay
2320 OSU Drive
Newport, OR 97365
(541) 867-3664

Rogue Ales Public House
748 SW Bay Blvd.
Newport, OR 97365
(541) 265-3188

Founded by three Nike executives, Rogue started brewing in the basement of its 60-seat Ashland, OR brew pub in 1988. Rogue is known for its wide variety of beers including its great IPAs and famous Dead Guy Ale all in distinctive and eye-catching bottles. The brewery operates “meeting houses” in Newport, Astoria, Tygh Valley, Independence and Portland, OR plus locations in San Francisco and Issaquah, WA. Rogue Farms locations offer fans the opportunity to see first-hand where the dream rye and malting barley is grown. There’s a two-story brew pub in Newport brewing facility with beautiful views of the local marina. Tours are offered daily.

Insider tip: All Rogue meeting house locations are open 365 days a year and are family and dog friendly.

Full Sail Brewing Co.

Full Sail Brewing Co.
506 Columbia St.
Hood River, OR 97031
(541) 386-2247

Full Sail Brewing Co. was one of the first microbreweries in Oregon and has grown to be one of the nation’s biggest craft breweries. Founded and headquartered in Hood River, Ore. since 1987, Full Sail offers four free guided tours of the brewery every day. A popular brew pub is also housed in the brewery facility. They have quite a line up of beers ranging from their core brews of amber ales, IPAs and pilsners to sessions and brewmaster reserves.

Insider tip: The brewery has incredible views of the Columbia River Gorge so make sure to grab a seat near the window for a beautiful view with your brew!

Barley Brown’s Beer and Brew Pub

Barley Brown’s Beer Restaurant
2190 Main St.
Baker City, OR 97814
(541) 523-4266

Barley Brown’s Taphouse
2200 Main St.
Baker City, OR 97814
(541) 523-beer

Barley Brown’s Beer is a hidden gem specializing in small-batch beers all handmade in the small city of Baker City, Ore. The family-owned business started in 1998 and its creative beers, like the Sled Wreck and the Shredder’s Wheat, have been winning awards ever since. It’s worth visiting Barley Brown’s highly-regarded restaurant, which is just across the street from the brewing facility, and tasting room.

Insider tip: Barley Brown’s Pallet Jack IPA took home the gold medal in the prestigious American-Style India Pale Ale category at the 2013 Great American Beer Festival, known as “the Oscars of beer.”

Cascade Brewing Barrel House

Cascade Brewing Barrel House
939 SE Belmont St.
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 265-8603

Portland’s Cascade Brewing Barrel House is known for its sour, barrel-aged beers. The brewers take pride in thinking outside the box with their brews disregarding any style guidelines. Cascade earned a very rare 100 rating from Beer Advocate, which speaks to their high standard of quality. It’s worth a visit to the Barrel House to get a taste of the sour beer movement.

Insider tip: The brew pub has over 24 rotating taps of beer, mostly sour. There’s a beer pairing suggestion on the menu for nearly every item.

Hair of the Dog Brewing Company

Hair of the Dog Brew Company/Brewery and Tasting Room
61 SE Yamhill Street
Portland OR 97214
503.232.6585

Started by brewer and chef Alan Sprints in 1993, Hair of the Dog Brewing Company has become a Portland favorite known for its unusual beers. The beers are bottle-conditioned in order to improve with age and have a high alcohol content. At the brewery and tasting room, the menu features lots of sandwiches and plenty of beer. Try the brewery’s first beer Adam, which is described as a hearty Old World ale based on a beer style from Germany.

Insider tip: Hair of the Dog beers can be stored at room temperature and will mature in the bottle for years so this would be a great beer to take home!

Ten Barrel

Ten Barrel Brewing Brew Pub
1135 NW Galveston Ave.
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 678-5228

Ten Barrel Brewing
1411 NW Flanders St.
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 224-1700

Ten Barrel Brewing Co. was founded in 2006 by friends as Wildfire Brewing and operates breweries in Bend, Portland, Denver and Boise. Purchased by Anheuser-Busch in 2014, Ten Barrel has grown rapidly and become one of Oregon’s most popular beers in only 10 years. Its award-winning Apocalypse IPA, a Northwest-style India Pale Ale, and Cucumber Crush beers have become favorites.

Insider tip: The brewing process and ingredients haven’t changed since Anheuser-Busch bought Ten Barrel.

Alameda Brewing Co.

Alameda Brewhouse
4765 NE Fremont St.
Portland, OR 97213
503-460-9025

Alameda is a Portland standby for great beer brewed at its 20-barrel brewery in Southeast Portland and its 5 barrel brewery inside its Northeast Portland Brewhouse. Its most famous beer is the Black Bear Stout XX which has “hints of chocolate and coffee.”

Insider tip: Around the holidays make sure you try out the seasonal Papa Noel’s Olde Ale.

The post Oregon’s Breweries first appeared on WineCountry.com.

Local’s Guide to Temecula Balloon and Wine Festival

WineCountry Staff — Mon, 25 May 2015 08:00:55 +0000

The Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival offers a feast for the senses, from inspiring and romantic views of hot air balloons high above the ground to eclectic food and wine pairings, wine and microbrew tastings, and a wealth of gourmet cuisine. Live music adds to the excitement, scheduled for May 29-31 at Lake Skinner.

Since its inaugural celebration in 1984, this has become a must-do social event, attracting more than 40,000 attendees to the annual three-day Festival.

Festival organizers have announced some layout and schedule changes designed to improve the guest experience. Overflow camping has been switched with the area previously used for overflow parking to prevent traffic congestion experienced in the past. Also, event and concert start times will be staggered, so that the Evening Balloon Glow and main headliner concerts start and end at distinctly different times.

Rocking Out, Country-Style

Headlining the weekend’s entertainment this year is the rock band Daughtry, named for lead singer and guitarist Chris Daughtry, a vastly popular “American Idol” finalist who’s gone on to win four American Music Awards and sell more than eight million albums. Daughtry headlines the Rocking Wine Country Saturday concert lineup, with Grammy-nominated country signer Chris Young featured on Sunday on the Pechanga Main Stage.

General admission to the Festival includes general admission to all concerts.

Hot-Air Balloon Launches, Tethers, and Glows

Early mornings on Saturday and Sunday are the appointed times to fly away (weather permitting). Balloon launches take place at 6:30 a.m., returning at 8:30 a.m. Rides must be reserved in advance by calling 1-800-965-2122.

For those less willing to soar high above the scenic Festival, there are free tethered balloon rides, lasting about two hours on Saturday and Sunday mornings. You get the exhilarating experience of a balloon ride (approximately 50-75 feet in the air) without the commitment of two hours free of earth’s gravitational pull. Festival organizers strongly encourage attendees to line up early for this event.

At sunset on Friday and Saturday, bring a glass (or bottle) of your favorite wine and come see the Festival’s spectacular Evening Balloon Glow. Watch these hot-air balloons inflate their burners and light up the evening sky. You can walk up to the balloon baskets, chat with the pilots and ground crews, and observe first-hand as a brilliant yellow flame shoots up into the balloon itself. Not to be missed!

Book tickets and get more information about the hot-air balloon rides.

Wine and Beer Pairings Galore

Pairings (each at an additional charge) offer the opportunity to experience the Temecula Valley’s finest wines and beers, as well as a mouth-watering three or four-course culinary masterpiece.

At the Food & Wine Pairings, each course includes a complimentary glass of a local premium wine, together with a short narrative and answers to your questions by wine experts. Executive chefs prepare the elegant cuisine, while sharing “insider” tips and ingredients.

At the Beer & Food Pairings, each recipe comes with a different craft beer. These beer and food pairings are created by American Federation of Culinary Arts chefs and include recipes featuring beer as an ingredient.

Mark your calendars for the wine and beer tastings and be sure to reserve your tickets for either or both events.

While you’re in Temecula for the Festival, why not explore the neighboring wineries? Here are some recommended wineries (look here for a full list of Festival-recommended wineries):

Beach House Winery – Featuring the 2012 Viognier, a highly aromatic white wine, aged for six months in French oak.
Canyon Crest Winery – A boutique winery boasting the Vidal Ice Wine, made from grapes allowed to freeze on the vine.
Emerald Creek Winery – Offering premium artisan wines, including a 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2013 White Riesling.
Lorimar Vineyards and Winery – Featuring hand-made specials such as a 2013 Muscat Canelli and a 2012 Quintet Red Wine Blend.
Thornton Winery – Using the Méthode Champenoise process to make fine quality sparkling wines and champagne.

Your Choice of Lodging

There’s plenty of comfortable lodging in and around Temecula. Festival organizers recommend these hotels and rentals:

Hampton Inn & Suites
Quality Inn Temecula Valley Wine Country
Holiday Inn Express Temecula
Temecula vacation rentals

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, check for available camping reservations on the Festival grounds or stay at one of many nearby campgrounds, including:

Golden Village Palms RV Resort
Indian Oaks
Lake Elsinore Campgrounds
Pechanga RV Resort
Tucalota Springs RV Park
Vail Lake Resort

Admission Essentials

Here’s what you need to know about admissions to the 2015 Temecula Balloon & Wine Festival:

General Admission (includes admission to all concerts):

Online – Friday $23, Saturday $25, Sunday $18
Juniors 6-12 $5
Children 5 and under FREE
Weekend Combo: $50.00, (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) available online only
Sunday GATE ONLY: Active Military Discount $10, with military ID
At the gate: Friday $25, Saturday $30, Sunday $20, juniors 6-12 $5, children 5 and under FREE
Balloon Launch Special $10 Saturday and Sunday only, 6:00-9:00 a.m. (restrictions apply)

It’s not too late to register for this unique, once-a-year wine, culinary and mind-blowing atmospheric event. To learn more, visit tvbwf.com.

The post Local’s Guide to Temecula Balloon and Wine Festival first appeared on WineCountry.com.