Spotlight's Wine Country Guide

Spotlight's Wine Country Guide is published monthly and can be found at over 650 locations including hotels, wineries, AAA offices, rental car agencies, and airports. Each issue is full of up-to-date information to help visitors get the most out of their wine country visit. So whether you are looking for lodging, restaurants, wineries, maps, events, or informative articles on the Wine Country, Spotlight's Wine Country Guide has you covered. If you can't wait until you get to the Wine Country to pick up your issue, you can order a copy for $3.50 by filling out our contact form here...

November 2006

Wine Country Guide November 2006

Holiday Escape to Sonoma Valley

One of the best times to visit the Wine Country is after the hectic crush season. Visitors can combine holiday shopping with their favorite Wine Country activities in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Sonoma Valley makes for an ideal holiday Wine Country destination. Although it is less than an hour from San Francisco, Sonoma Valley looks and feels like you’ve been transported to a different country, especially during the busy holiday season. Our favorite reasons to visit include:

1 Shopping for presents

Sonoma Valley offers an opportunity to find unique gifts without having to fight crowds and parking problems in the City. Stroll downtown Sonoma or head out to the many winery boutiques to find that perfect Wine Country gift.

2 Holiday wine shopping

Many wineries produce special release wines in unique packaging during the holidays. Some of these wines can only be purchased directly from the winery and they make excellent gifts and party favors. Additionally, wineries tend to release new vintages during this time of the year. Because Sonoma Valley is home to over 73 wineries and grows over 50 varietals you are certain to find everyone’s favorite.

3 Getting into your favorites

With fewer people, you are likely to find reservations at your favorite restaurant, inn, or spa a little easier to obtain. If you have some flexibility in your schedule, be sure and take advantage of specials and discounts during the holiday season, especially for mid-week travelers.

4 Wine education

Less traffic in the tasting rooms means that winery staff can take extra time with visitors. This is a great time to bone up on wine information, learn about the recently completed harvest, and gain insight into what makes Sonoma Valley the ideal location to grow so many different varietals. Be sure and investigate the features and benefits of joining wine clubs.

5 Fun events

Sonoma Valley wineries offer a variety of events at this time of the year. For example, the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Association presents “Holiday in the Vines” that will spotlight winery holiday events, after-hours celebrations, women’s nights out, special shopping assistants for men, holiday winemaker dinners, and even a winery holiday decoration contest! Visit www.sonomavalleywine.com for details.