Activities by Region: August 2010 Archives

Tri-Valley, CA - Do you know what you're doing this coming Labor Day Weekend? Why not make a last minute getaway to Tri-Valley. Several hotels, restaurants, wineries and shops are offering discounts and specials. In addition, There are three great events and festivals happening the same holiday weekend. See below:

29th Annual Wine Harvest Celebration
The wineries of Livermore Wine Country have opened their doors Sunday, Sept. 5th and Monday, Sept 6th to celebrate the harvest. Come join the fun and enjoy music, food, arts & crafts and of course wine throughout wineries in Livermore Valley and at Robertson Park. Some wineries will even be offering complimentary vineyard tours and winemaking seminars. Tickets range in price from $10-$65 and can be purchased online.

There's no perfect way to celebrate Labor Day Weekend then with a wine food extravaganza in Sonoma Wine Country. The fun starts on September 3rd with a lineup of great winemaker lunches and dinners held at wineries throughout Sonoma County. Then gear up for the signature Taste of Sonoma event on Saturday, September 4th at MacMurray Ranch. It's a wine lover's and foodies paradise like no other.

Finally, top off your weekend with the annual Sonoma Valley Wine Harvest Wine Auction. If you're in the know, you've already gotten your tickets because some have already begun to sell out! If you're looking for an unforgettable weekend, then CLICK HERE to buy tickets.

More details about the weekend, when you read more.

By Deirdre Bourdet

Looking to celebrate harvest 2010 with rural scenery, friendly people, and hand-crafted food and wines?  Of course you are.  Curious about wines grown in appellations right next door to Napa Valley, which top out at around $35 per bottle?  If you're not, you should be.  Harvest season is the ideal time to find out what's going on in Suisun Valley and Green Valley, which lie immediately to the east of Napa and just off Highway 80.

If you could pick just one weekend, go August 14-15, 2010, when a slew of free or nearly free harvest-themed events compete for your entertainment.  The award-winning Fairfield Tomato Festival begins at 10am on Saturday for two days of tomatoey delights.  Sample gourmet tomato products, ogle and taste more than 50 heirloom tomato varieties, shop for locally grown produce, and compete for cash prizes in the tomato eating contest.  Tons of free rides and activities are also on hand to occupy kids less enthralled by the tomato gluttony.  Admission is free to all.

Read everything you want to know about the Yakima Valley! Wine Tasting, Outdoor Adventures and Farmers markets are only a few reasons you should travel to Washington wine country.  Click below, read all about this wine region and get your traveling shoes ready!

• Wine Tasting-Discover Washington's Yakima Valley
• Outdoor Adventures in Yakima Valley
• Recreation on the Yakima River
• Tour Yakima Valley by Bicycle
• Yakima Valley Farms
• Yakima Valley Shopping

Ready to go now? Enter to win a getaway to Yakima Valley. Here's your chance to enjoy the region in a truly unique way-by exploring the vineyards with a winemaker, wine tasting via horseback and by dining alfresco at a winemaker's dinner!

The lucky recipient will be awarded with:

•  4 nights stay at Hilton Garden Inn*
• Gift certificates to Ummelina Yakima Valley Spa Retreat ($500 value)
• Gift certificates to Gasperetti's Restaurant, Tony's Steakhouse, Santiago's Gourmet Mexican Restaurant & Hilton Garden inn restaurant ($100 value)
• $450 gas card
• $450 Visa card

To enter to win this package you must reside 100 or more miles away from Yakima, WA (zip code 98901). One entry allowed per day. Must be 21 or older to enter. July's Wine Country Getaway is sponsored by Madden Media and the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau and will be awarded on August 15th.