The Holiday Season is a great time to relax and explore new wineries across the US. After a fantastic and exciting harvest season, the holiday festivities are ready to begin! There are endless events and locations to explore. This list is the perfect guide to wine country events, tastings and places to stay to get the most out of your holiday season!
Elizabeth Chambers CellarElizabeth Chambers Cellar – Willamette Valley, OR
Elizabeth Chamber Cellars is an excellent winery to visit this holiday season. Their tasting room is located in their newly renovated historic power plant building. Originally built in 1926, the brick building maintains the industrial feel of its previous incarnation, yet has been updated for its new role to give guests a warm welcome. Acquaint yourself with their 92-point signature blend, a collection of renowned single vineyard Pinot Noirs, and classic Willamette Valley Pinot Gris during one of their tastings. Visit today or request a private event for an unforgettable experience anytime of the year!
Le Puy A Wine Valley Inn – Willamette Valley, OR
With spectacular views of Chehalem Ridge and peeks at the Coastal Range, Mt Hood and Mt Jefferson, the views from Le Puy will take your breath away! Host to eight unique guest rooms inspired by nature such as fire, mountain and air, every aspect of this inn has been well thought out and designed to give their guests the most memorable experience possible. Stay the night and receive a complementary breakfast made from the best ingredients or come visit for one of their tasting or hiking packages. Whichever experience you desire, a visit to Le Puy will accommodate you with an exceptional experience.
Beau Wine Tours – Napa and Sonoma, CA
Whether you are touring Napa Valley or Sonoma County, Beau Wine Tours is sure to guarantee a fantastic experience. Treat yourself to a luxurious tour this holiday season and let one of Beau Wine Tour’s knowledgeable chauffeurs escort you through wine country and introduce you to some award winning wineries. Take advantage of their Harvest Special – a six or eight-hour wine tour for up to twelve people in one of their luxurious Sprinter Limousines!
Ledson Winery & Vineyards and Ledson Hotel – Sonoma, CA
Emerging like a gothic blast from the past out of acres of rolling vineyards and pastoral calm, the 16,000 square foot French Normandy winery is known as “The Castle” around the world. Visit “the Castle,” and receive a tour showcasing the sweeping staircases, marble fireplaces, cathedral-style windows, coffered ceilings and several tasting bars as you sip from their specialized wines hand-crafted in small lots reflecting Sonoma Valley's uniquely diverse terroir. The month of November is the perfect time to visit this wine country standout as that’s when they host their annual Holiday Open House. Savor the tradition and holiday cheer as you sip award winning wine and shop at their Gourmet Market place of fine wine, sauces, mustards and olive oils. After you’ve had your fill, stay the night at the Ledson Hotel located just a short drive awayf in the Historic Sonoma Plaza. With an antique grandeur and modern amenities combined with personalized service, the Ledson Hotel provides the perfect compliment to the Ledson experience!
Etude Wines – Napa, CA
Visit Etude Wines for their Holiday Open House on December 10th to toast the joys of the season. Etude specializes in a selection of white and two classic red varietals””Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, they offer an incredible “Study of Pinot Noir” experience offering six Pinot Noirs from six distinct growing areas including Etude's Estate Vineyards in Carneros, Sonoma Coast, Willamette Valley and Santa Barbara County all made by Etude winemaker, Jon Priest. Reservations required. What a lovely way to toast the holiday season!
Jamieson Ranch Vineyards – Napa, CA
When you need a break from the holiday frenzy, slip away to Jamieson Ranch Vineyards. Easily accessible at the gateway to Napa Valley, you can recharge your spirit with one of their many food and wine pairing experiences. Let their renowned Estate Chef, Scott Ekstrom and their expert winemaker, Juan Jose Verdina show of their talents and delight your palate! The natural beauty of the ranch and the sweeping vistas will make you want to linger for the day and return again and again””long after the holiday season!
Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards – Lodi, CA
If you are a white or rose enthusiast, Acquiesce Winery and Vineyards is the perfect location to visit. Made from the best Rhone varietals, and vines sourced from the famed Chateau de Beaucastel of Chateauneuf du Pape, France, the wines show a timeless elegance fused with great fruit expression. With awards such as a Gold Medal in Sunset Magazine’s International Wine Competition, their methods have proven successful. Located in the Lodi Appellation of California, Acquiesce’s 18 acres of wine grapes make for the most amazing view as you sip their award winning wines. Visit their 100 year-old converted barn tasting room to get the full experience!
Macchia – Lodi, CA
Macchia’s “Military” Fall Release Party on November 19th and 20th is the event to be at this holiday season. Listen to live music provided by Big Booty Bob and the Backside Kickers as you receive an exclusive barrel tasting of their 2016 handcrafted wines. With picnics, games and vendors spread throughout their beautiful location in Lodi, California, the fun never ends! Try their “Adventurous” Zinfandel, “Righteous” Barbera, and “Dangerous” Port from the finest grapes possible from one of California’s most prestigious wine growing regions.
Las Positas Vineyards – Livermore, CA
Located in Livermore, California, Las Positas Vineyards is a family winery that produces small lots of estate grown wines with unique character and exceptional quality. Create the perfect event to include on your next trip to the wine country with one of their pairings complete with: cheese, chocolate truffles and cheesecake cupcakes! Experience Gold Medal wines such as their 2015 Estate Rose or their 2015 Verdelho in a beautiful setting. All of this and more is waiting for you at Las Positas Vineyards.
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines – Paso Robles, CA
With an extensive collection of wines and gift packages, two visits to one of J. Lohr’s estates can never be the same. Founded in 1972, J. Lohr has a rich history with years of experience. Visit their location in Paso Robles, California, and you and will see how exceptional of a wine brand they truly are. With events from October to December ranging from Vineyard Wine Dinners, Vintage Library Tastings, Holiday Feasts, and wine and food pairings, there is an event for everyone this holiday season. With countless awards for exceptional wine, the experience is guaranteed to excite.
The following article was provided by our contributing partner — Touring and Tasting Magazine.
Cheers — Ken