Wine Down for the Holidays | Wine Country Luxury Resorts

Skip the typical holiday filled with crazy shopping and even crazier relatives, and celebrate the season with glasses of the best wines in hand and the bucolic vineyard landscape of California or Texas all around at these ICONIC wine country luxury resorts.

TEMECULA

Within the rolling hills and expansive valleys of California’s Temecula Valley lies a bustling wine country boasting nearly 50 wineries to swirl and sip at. The region produces many varietals from Cabernet Sauvignon to Chardonnay. Some of my favorite off-property wineries to visit include Callaway Vineyard and Winery, Leoness Cellars and Hart Family Winery. When it comes to a home base in Temecula, it has to be one of two properties that are also both working wineries.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa is the only full-service resort spa in the area. Villa accommodations boast patios rimmed by vineyards and provide a perfect space to enjoy a sunset glass of wine. The 63-acre property has its own winery that is a five-time winner of the California Winery of the Year and offers a mind-boggling 45 Estate-grown, sustainably produced wines for tasting.

When you need to detox from all the wine samples, head to the luxury resort’s Grapeseed Spa for its seasonal Chai Spice & Vanilla massage. Afterwards grab a chaise and enjoy the heated, saltwater pool.

With the Vineyard Rose restaurant onsite, there’s no reason to venture out for dinner. Executive Chef Albert Park crafts California cuisine, perfectly paired to Southcoast’s wine portfolio.

Carter Estate Winery and Resort

Carter Estate Winery and Resort is an intimate property nestled in the 112-acres of vineyards of the luxury resort’s award-winning winery. Just like at South Coast, the 60 bungalow accommodations offer direct patio access to the vineyards.

Carter Estate is known for its méthode champenoise sparkling wines, creating a Blanc de Blanc, Blanc de Noir, Brut and Prestige cuvee. I highly recommend trying all to find your favorite style of bubbles.

NAPA

The most ICONIC destination in wine country, Napa is ideal during the holidays, with less tourists and wineries decked out in festive décor.

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Silverado Resort and Spa

For a classic Napa experience, stay at the historic Silverado Resort and Spa. The resort started out in the late 1880s as the mansion of Civil War General John Franklin Miller. Today the mansion is the main lobby building at Silverado. Accommodations are in both the mansion and surrounding cottages.

The resort is in close proximity to the over 400 wineries of Napa and hosts Best of the Valley Wine Tastings every Saturday. During the 2.5 hour event held on the Mansion Terrace oenophiles are treated to a sommelier led journey of Napa’s best bottles.

Continue the grape immersion at the luxury resort’s spa with the Chardonnay Sugar Scrub designed to exfoliate and hydrate the skin.

Even in winter, the weather allows outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the resort’s two championship golf courses, 10 tennis courts and hiking and biking trails.

CENTRAL COAST

Home to the emerging wine regions of Arroyo Grande, Edna Valley, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo and Cambria, the Central Coast of California allows wine lovers the chance to pair a beach and wine getaway.

Vespera Resort

Stay at the boutique Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach and you’re easily within striking distance of the 250 wineries in the area. The hotel’s Vespera Vintners Club celebrates the area’s wine culture with wine dinners, complimentary wine tastings and discounts for tastings at local wineries like Daou Vineyards, Hope Family Wines, Wolff Vineyards and more.

Enjoy daily wellness classes at the resort, complimentary use of beach toys and fishing gear and stargazing at night.

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TEXAS WINE COUNTRY

Come to where Texas Hill Country meets Texas Wine Country at Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa. While wine might not be your first thought about Texas, the state has eight AVAs, with popular varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Grenache and Chenin Blanc produced.

Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa

At Carter Creek the very warm growing season and early harvest produce soft, earthy wines. This year the winery won 12 medals at the Texas International Wine Competition, and 10 at the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Guests can enjoy the award-winning wine at the onsite tasting room, or paired with dinner at the luxury resort’s Old 290 Brewery & Restaurant.

Accommodations are in 78 villas just steps from the vineyard and tasting room. Each villa includes a separate living and bedroom space, electric fireplace, and private patio.

This summer the resort introduced The Spa at Carter Creek. The spa features products from the spa manager, Gulcin Johnson’s own Gulcin Botanicals, which are created in Texas.

No matter whether you head to the Golden State or The Lone Star State, this holiday you’re sure to have visions of Chardonnay and Cabernet dancing in your head celebrating the season at one of the country’s top wine country luxury resorts.