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Sweet treats in California’s wine country!

Rates at delightful inns now start from only $195 a night, with freebies
Supreme Court Strikes Down Ban On Interstate Wine Sales
People taste wine at the Vianasa Winery in Napa Valley, California. David Paul Morris / Getty Images file
/ Source: Sherman's Travel

Book by: ASAP
Travel by: Various through June 2006

The Deal
There’s no better spring welcome than a bucolic escape to California’s wine country. We’ve screened a threesome of wonderfully priced specials at scenic inns in the wine regions of Napa, Sonoma and Santa Barbara. All include wine treats and other goodies, plus hefty discounts over regular room rates. In fact, these overnights now start at only $195!

Sweet delights at five-star Auberge du Soleil in Napa Valley
Set in a 33-acre olive grove perched above the Napa Valley, this stunning property comes with exquisite guestrooms, a highly acclaimed restaurant, a spectacular spa, and just about any amenity you’d ever dream of. Frommer’s describes this winner of many awards as “quiet, indulgent, and luxuriously romantic” where you’d certainly be paying an exorbitant price for an overnight. But thanks to the Culinary Escape package currently on offer by the hotel, you can afford such a treat. For just $500/night per person, you will get all of the following: accommodation in a luxurious king-size bedroom; a four-course dinner with champagne greeting; and an in-room wine amenity. Note that taxes and gratuities are also covered, but the package is only valid for Sunday through Saturday stays.

Just $259/nt at four-star Sonoma resort and spa, with breakfast
We found more sweet treats in California’s wine country. Case in point: you can enjoy unmatched luxury at one of the most prestigious overnight addresses in Sonoma Valley, at a heavily reduced price. The mission-style Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa currently features incredibly low spring rates of just $259/night, with breakfast for two in the top-notch Sante restaurant on the premises. Fodor’s writes, “California Mission-style architecture combines with the elegance of a European luxury spa at this beautifully landscaped estate”. In fact, so beautiful that you’d normally have to dish out a minimum of $350/night to enjoy the beauty, with no extras included. There’s no denying this B&B package is a real steal of a deal!

Wine freebies at Santa Barbara wine country inn for $195/nt
For a more affordable experience that still includes wine freebies, we recommend Santa Barbara wine country where you can save a serious bundle with the special we spotted! The charming Ballard Inn has a well-priced package valid for stays this spring. For just $195, you can spend a midweek night in one of the inn’s cozy rooms, with a wealth of extras thrown in. Those include a signed bottle of wine from a local winery; a complimentary wine tasting at the winery; hors d'oeuvres at the inn; turn-down service with homemade cookies; and breakfast the next morning. This package saves you more than $35 on accommodation only – standard nightly rates start at $215 and don't include all of the above additions!

The Dollars
See details above.

The Catch
Do count those glasses of wine or hire a driver to chauffeur you to the area's top vineyards.

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