WINE ROAD
Sonoma County, Winter 2020
All Wine Roads Lead to 28th Annual Winter WINEland this January
For almost three decades Winter WINEland has kicked off an exciting year of Wine Road events from Barrel Tasting Weekends in March to the Wine & Food Affair next fall.
The stockings have been stowed for another year, the presents moved to new resting spots and the holiday playlist replaced with other tunes. The seasonal celebration is just beginning along Sonoma County’s Wine Road, however, starting with the first event of the season. More than 100 wineries will participate in the 28th Annual Winter WINEland on January 18-19. For almost three decades Winter WINEland has kicked off an exciting year of Wine Road events from Barrel Tasting Weekends in March to the Wine & Food Affair next fall. The two-day event offers the opportunity for seasoned oenophiles and casual wine enthusiasts to taste what’s going on in wineries and replenish their personal cellars while luxuriating over a lovely weekend in the Sonoma wine country, Wine Enthusiast’s “Wine Region of the Year.”
January is known as the “sale month” across the retail universe, and Sonoma County wineries are no different. You may come across some wonderful after-holiday specials. Finding something special at an end-of-season price adds an extra nugget to a weekend of discoveries. The holiday theme also resonates throughout the illuminated estates and tasting rooms, as most wineries continue to cast a festive atmosphere throughout the winter months.
Coming in January, Winter WINEland offers a wonderful opportunity to spend time with the winemakers who may not have the same work commitments as they do during the summer, harvest, and crush. In keeping with the educational tone of the weekend, the winemakers traditionally showcase limited production wines or highlight a specific vintage or varietal. Vertical tastings, the chance to compare the same varietals over several vintages, are also popular among the winemakers – a great conversation starter with other wine lovers as well as an invitation to drill down on your personal tasting notes.
In addition to rare vintages, you'll also have access to another unique experience, access to over 100 tastings from a single ticket. Plotting your weekend from well-known labels like Kendall Jackson and Francis Ford Coppola Winery to scores of boutique operations is definitely part of the fun. The Wine Road makes it easy to chart your way through the Winter WINEland weekend, as well as on any other weekend this winter. Sonoma County wineries are definitely open for business and ready to pour. Many, though not all, of the wineries also offer small bites as part of the tasting experience.
Like other signature events in Sonoma County, Winter WINEland has evolved into a full spectrum visit that begins with great lodging. Known for the popular “Wine Country Date” and other popular packages, Camellia Inn is creating a custom ensemble of offerings for Winter WINEland.
READY TO POUR
The Hope-Merrill House will launch their weekend special with a Friday wine tasting followed by a hearty soup & salad dinner. After a complimentary breakfast Saturday morning you just pick up your pair of tickets and off you go. The Honor Mansion Winter WINEland package also sets two tickets aside, as does the Haydon Street Inn, where you’re also invited to the popular pizza wine hour on Friday and a three-course breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. Wherever you choose to lay your head, check the respective websites for the latest Winter WINEland package and other great offers throughout the winter.
Visiting Sonoma County has recently become a group sport, as a set of friends or extended family members head out on the Wine Road together for a weekend of reminiscing and new memories. The intimate lodging here adds a special component, as folks join together at breakfast to chart the day then come together in the evening to review new discoveries and share in more mirth and good cheer. A visit to Sonoma wine country exemplifies a life well-lived, blending this good fortune with friends, family or a favorite person only adds to the experience.
Whether it’s college basketball or gardening, there is nothing more fun than sharing your passion with others who feel the same way. Wine lovers may actually top this list, oenophiles who can’t wait to share a special vintage or an ounce of winemaker wisdom. Of course, you don’t have to be a sommelier-in-training to enjoy the weekend. The 28th Annual Winter WINEland will turn your hobby or interest into a two-day seminar for your palate, an opportunity to celebrate over a relaxed weekend in Sonoma County. Visit the Wine Road website to uncork your Winter WINEland weekend getaway.
"I can't tell you how much we look forward to this event every year. I think this was our 17th year attending!"
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You can settle into the quaint Fern Grove Cottages within the Russian River forest or head to the modern Harmon Guest House in the heart of historic Healdsburg.
Question
How do you like to taste wine?
A Traditional tasting at the bar (30 minutes)
B Wine flights and charcuterie boards (1 hour)
C Seated wine tasting, in-depth educational experience (2 hours)
uS TOO!
tHANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN OUR SURVEY.
