Book by: ASAP
Travel by: Through November 2009
The deal
Fall is our favorite time for vineyard hopping – it's prime harvest season in most US wine regions and the turning leaves provide a colorful backdrop to the bucolic stretches of vineyards. From the popular grape-growing regions of California to the lesser-known vintners of Texas Hill Country, we've rounded up five intoxicating wine-country getaways that will have you feeling positively tipsy. Pick from Sonoma County, Napa Valley, Long Island's East End, and more. Fall rates start from $85/night and include tastings and other oenophile perks.
Although it’s only 30 miles long, Napa Valley is internationally recognized as one of the world’s foremost wine regions. Over 300 wineries comprise this remarkably tiny area, and many offer free tastings and public tours. Two must-see destinations for wine lovers include Robert Mondavi’s world-renowned winery and the Beaulieu Vineyards established by Frenchman George de Latour. Just a short drive away, the Gaia Napa Valley Hotel and Spa has reasonably priced guestrooms with a full-service spa. Stay any night from Sunday through Thursday this September 7-30 to receive special discounted rates from just $85/night (down from $119/night).
Surrounded by gorgeous redwoods and quaint historic towns, Sonoma County yields an impressive variety of bottles: Chardonnay, berry-rich Zinfandel, and world-renowned Cabernet Sauvignon. Situated within 92 acres of lush countryside vineyards, the Vintners Inn has 44 elegantly furnished guestrooms with private patios or balconies, an acclaimed restaurant, and a luxurious spa. The Silver Anniversary Package honors the inn’s 25th anniversary with discounts of up to 25 percent off stays through November 5. Discounted fall rates start at just $185/night and include perks like a $25 credit towards dinner, $25 off on any massage treatment, and 25 percent off green fees at the nearby Windsor Golf Course.
Southern California’s Temecula Valley produces an unusually diverse range of world-class vintages, from cool climate grapes such as Riesling and Chardonnay to warmer climate Mediterranean varietals like Syrah and Sangiovese. Winner of the state’s Best of the Best Winery of the Year award for two years running, the South Coast Winery Resort and Spa offers 76 richly appointed villas tucked away among the vineyards, each with its own fireplace, spa tub, and private outdoor terrace.
Try the Temecula Wine Country Picnic Tour package for an insider’s look at this remarkable wine region. Starting at just $380/night per couple, it covers your villa stay and a full-day tour of the valley’s largest wineries, including wine tastings, a gourmet picnic lunch for two, and special discounts on wine purchases.
An affordable alternative to an Italian vineyard retreat lies just west of Austin in the heart of Texas Hill Country. Surrounded by crystal-clear rivers and gorgeous rolling hills, the 24 wineries of this fast-growing wine region offer year-round tours and tastings of newly released wines. Less than ten minutes away from six popular wineries, Rose Hill Manor provides upscale accommodations in the heart of historic Fredericksburg. All sunlit guestrooms and individual cottages have private porches with additional perks like in-room massages (available at reasonable rates).
Book your 3-night stay at the classic country inn for the low price of $635. Available year-round from Sunday through Thursday, the 3-Night Special includes three full breakfasts and one 4-course gourmet dinner for two.
Long Island’s scenic wine country has emerged as one of the country’s hottest new wine producing regions – and it’s only two hours by car from New York City! Located within easy walking distance of several award-winning wineries, the Vintage B&B on the island’s North Fork has three romantic guestrooms with wrought-iron furnishings, queen-sized feather beds, and whirlpool baths. The VIP Wine Enthusiast Tour package covers two nights’ accommodation with full breakfast for two, plus a VIP wine country tour with tastings and boxed lunches. The year-round package costs $675 per couple.
The dollars
Based on double occupancy. Taxes and fees are additional.
The catch
Some wineries charge to taste. Call ahead for details and fees.
is a guide to top travel deals and destinations. which features the best editor-screened deals from hundreds of travel providers and is delivered to over 2.5 million subscribers, free, each week. ShermansTravel also publishes to inspire, guide, and go.