Leaf peeping may not exactly be a quintessential California experience, but our Golden State sure does present a unique way to partake. We champion the opportunity to witness the seasonal transformations in other parts of the country, but for those looking for an at-home autumn, you can experience the harvest season right in state— and with a little bit of wine. As the end of the year ushers in, vineyards transform, which presents the perfect chance of experiencing fall and having a winery getaway. For the ultimate vino fall travel, consider the below wineries and hotels.
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Looking for a pre-Halloween rendezvous? Visit Auberge du Soleil Oct. 24 to 30 for Champagne Week. Special events include executive chef Robert Curry’s six-course prix fixe tasting menu in The Restaurant for dinner and a three-course lunch with each course paired with exceptional champagnes selected by wine director Kris Margerum and complimentary champagne during daily Courtyard Wine Tastings.
This award-winning winery is the spot to go for champagne lovers. It boasts Temecula Valley’s only sparkling wine produced in the méthod champenoise, the traditional method used in the Champagne region of France. What’s more— between taking in the onset of fall— guests have the opportunity to experience the recently-redesigned luxury bungalows and suites, complete with soaking tubs and fireplaces, private patios and more.
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The newly reopened Sonoma County luxury resort has created the Reconnect in the Redwoods packaged for friends to have a special getaway together.Offering the chance to experience the tranquility of the redwoods and Russian River, the two-night experience includes breakfast for four; custom itinerary highlights the interests of each friends; three private meditation sessions with topics focused on friendship and a private dinner for four from Agriculture Public House in Dawn Ranch’s Kitchen Garden. Activity options including wine tasting, bird watching, kayaking and yoga.
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Even though December screams Christmas, it is still in fact fall until the 21st, making for the perfect opportunity to book Jordan’s Holiday Tour & Tasting. Available select days from Dec. 1 to 16, the onsite tasting experience includes a walking tour through the barrel room and Jordan’s historic oak tanks and a sampling of Jordan wines alongside the fireplace. You’ll also be treated to an older vintage of Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon, homemade holiday cookies and Jordan hot cocoa to complete your Christmas in Healdsburg experience.
Recently named Golden State Winery of the Year, take a quick trip to Temecula and enjoy the wine tasting rooms, pampering at Grapeseed Spa and contemporary California Cuisine in the Tuscan-inspired dining room or terrace with vineyard views at The Vineyard Rose Restaurant. What’s more, you can delight in the onset of fall as vine leaves transform from green to shades of red, yellow and orange.
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Napa’s newest destination is celebrating the harvest season with immservie guest experiences. A Stanly Ranch stay can include custom-tailored private wine tours; visits to design-forward wineries and complimentary bubbles every Friday evening at the Halehouse Pool, among others.
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This 82-room hotel truly embraces Solvang’s place in Santa Barbara Wine Country. In partnership with three nearby wineries, guests can book specialty wine suites for exclusive access to the region’s top tasting rooms. Your visit will include complimentary in-room bottles of wine upon arrival; tasting vouchers and unique views of the Valley or downtown Solvang.
Nothing says California fall like a good glass of wine while taking in the seasonally-transformed vineyards. But when you’re ready for a new autumn experience, see our list of where to travel to witness the full-on seasonal change.
Photography by: Greg Coll; Courtesy Carter Etstae Winery and Resort; Courtesy South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
