|
Wine Country Gallery |
 |
Ashland Springs Hotel Ashland, Oregon Standing proudly in the heart of downtown Ashland, next to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s theaters, is this elegantly restored historic landmark. The hotel offers 70 tastefully appointed non-smoking guest rooms, an English garden, banquet/conference space, and delicious food at Larks, a restaurant that celebrates Oregon’s farms, orchards, vineyards, and chocolates. With superb service and luxurious surroundings, the Ashland Springs Hotel is ideal lodging on a visit to Southern Oregon’s Rogue River Valley. RATES: $89- $269 CONTACT: 541.488.1700; www.ashlandsprings-hotel.com |
 |
Château Faire Le Pont Winery Wenatchee, Washington Located in the beautiful Wenatchee Valley in Central Washington, this boutique winery is known for its innovative, award-winning blends that have been inspired by Old World traditions. Every wine produced by Château Faire Le Pont has exceptional structure and complexity. Its renovated 1920s fruit staging warehouse is also a perfect space for weddings and events. There is a full tasting room and an elegant restaurant, La Bonne Terre. TRY: ’05 Tre Amore; ’04 Provence HOURS: Tasting Room Open Sun-Tue 11-6; Wed-Sat 11-9 CONTACT: 888.874.9463; www.fairelepont.com |
 |
Dunham Cellars Walla Walla, Washington One would not expect to find barrels of wine inside a rustic, remodeled World War II-era airplane hangar, but that is exactly where visitors find Dunham Cellars. The family-owned winery is consistently producing great varietals from prime locations, including its own estate vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley. Their wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Trutina (a Bordeaux-style blend), Three Legged Red (a table wine), Chardonnay, and Riesling. TRY:’05 Lewis Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon; ’05 Columbia Valley Syrah HOURS: Tasting Room Open Daily 11-4 CONTACT:509.529.4685; www.dunhamcellars.com |
 |
Firelands Winery Sandusky, Ohio On the southern shore of Lake Erie lies a spot of land that has been producing grapes since 1800. Today, that same land has been incorporated into the present Firelands facility, which is now the largest winery in the state of Ohio. It pioneered the establishment of European vinifera grape varieties in the east, and beyond the recommendations listed below, also produces Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. TRY: ’05 Cabernet Sauvignon; ’08 Gewürztraminer; ’08 Pinot Grigio HOURS: Tasting Room Open Mon-Thur 9-5; Fri-Sat 9-6; Sun 1-5 CONTACT: 419.625.5474; www.firelandswinery.com |
 |
Hilton Sonoma Wine Country Santa Rosa, California Set on a knoll above Santa Rosa, this Hilton has one of the best views in Sonoma County, where guests have easy access to the many wineries nearby. The beautiful vista features the city’s landmark red Round Barn and much of Santa Rosa to the south, as well as the high hills that form its eastern limits. Although it’s a large 250-room facility with several wings, the Hilton’s architecture and interior design successfully evoke a more intimate feeling. RATES: $139-$239 CONTACT: 707.523.7555; www.winecountryhilton.com |
 |
Hunter Hill Vineyard & Winery Soquel, California Many guests at Hunter Hill winery stroll through the vineyards up to the gazebo to enjoy a picnic, taking in the beautiful view of the Nicene Marks Forest. Others rest comfortably on the patio, among the vines, with a glass of wine. It’s a great place to sample many estate varietals, from a dark Merlot to a light Sauvignon Blanc. Located just two miles up the road from downtown Soquel, the winery is only open on the weekends, but welcomes groups by appointment. TRY: ’06 Cabernet Sauvignon ”Proprietor’s Reserve”; ’07 Pinot Noir Estate HOURS: Tasting Room Open Sat-Sun 11-4 CONTACT:831.465.9294; www.hunterhillwines.com |
 |
Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa Kelseyville, California Providing 90 acres of paradise, the Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa is Northern California’s premier lakefront resort. It features 250 guest rooms, hot tub suites, apartments, beach cottages, and all the amenities to accommodate the entire family; including two Olympic-size swimming pools, two wading pools, the full-service Dancing Springs Spa, picnic and barbecue areas, a marina with rentals, waterfront nightclub with live entertainment, miniature golf, tennis courts, arcade, and the Classic Rock Café... And more. RATES: Can be found on website or by calling resort CONTACT: 800.660.LAKE; www.konoctiharbor.com |
 |
The Lodge at Sonoma Sonoma, California As a Renaissance Resort & Spa, The Lodge at Sonoma Valley offers complete tranquility among some of the country’s finest wineries. The resort combines authentic artisan surroundings with contemporary facilities, making it perfect for meetings, social events, weddings, or a romantic getaway only an hour north of San Francisco. The Raindance Spa offers relaxation and revitalization, and the Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar serves local wines and innovative California cuisine. RATES: $219-$795 CONTACT:707.935.6600; www.thelodgeatsonoma.com |
 |
Summerwood Winery Paso Robles, California Set amid majestic oaks and rolling vineyards, the Summerwood estate is a comfortable haven to enjoy its small lot, ultra-premium wines, available exclusively at the winery. The estate also includes the Summerwood Inn, which offers nine guest rooms for a tranquil wine country getaway. With each vintage the goal of Winemaker Jeff Cohn is to craft the best wine possible, utilizing fruit entirely from Westside Paso Robles. TRY: ’05 Diosa; ’05 Syrah; ’07 Viognier HOURS: Tasting Room Open Daily 10-6 CONTACT: 805.227.1365; www.summerwoodwine.com |
 |
Thornton Winery |
 |
Vineyard Estate Rental Sonoma, California This private vineyard estate can sleep two to ten people in the heart of Northern California’s wine country. Although Sonoma County’s many wineries and leisure activities are located nearby, there’s really no reason to leave the estate. With a pool, a spa, two waterfalls, acres of beautiful gardens and vineyards, a private chef, and spa services all available, this villa is the ultimate wine country getaway, perfect for families, couples, or corporate retreats. Touring & Tasting Wine Club members receive a ten percent discount. RATES: $1,000-$1,250 CONTACT: 707.933.8125; www.napavalleyvacationrentals.net |
 |
VJB Vineyards & Cellars Kenwood, California Wine has been a constant in the Belmonte family for many generations. From the rolling hills of the Sonoma Valley, VJB wines express the unique qualities of the land and a strong family tradition. Its annual case production of just 5,000 cases is sold exclusively from the tasting room or their wine club, Club Enoteca. Estate Wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, and Aglianico. TRY: ‘06 Dante; ‘07 Sonoma Valley Sangiovese HOURS: Tasting Room Open Daily 10-5 CONTACT: 707.833.2300; www.vjbcellars.com |
){kind=link}