Building an entire vacation around the central concept of wine seems like something we should all be doing. After all, besides the time-honored pleasure of tasting wines, these vacations usually involve beautiful vistas of rows of vines, rolling hillsides, quaint wineries: all things that please the eye. You’re likely to have a deep discussion or two with passionate vintners whose whole lives are caught up in the vines… much more meaningful than just opening a bottle at home. Wine lovers are often food lovers, too, and sitting with a carefully arranged charcuterie board and a row of tastings in front of you is surely one of the best and most relaxing things you can do on vacation.
Many wineries offer events and experiences to deepen the fun (we’re looking at you, Santa Barbara County, with your DJs spinning tunes to accompany tastings), and depending on the time of year, you can watch—or even participate in—harvest and all its crush-worthy merriment. Finally, you don’t have to think too hard to conjure up souvenir ideas or to know what to bring home for your dog-sitter to supplement their payment! Check in advance with your airline to see if it lets you fly home a case of wine for free, like you can with Alaska Airlines in Willamette Valley or Yakima Valley.
Dining and Cooking