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April ushers in a month of arts and special events in the Napa Valley. Blending wine and art throughout the area, the month-long festivities beckon culture-cravers from around the world. In honor of this once-annual event, Milliken Creek Inn & Spa, a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Napa, has curated a package sure to satisfy wine and art lovers alike.

The "Arts in April" package includes:

• One night's accommodations in a Milliken Creek Inn & Spa Room
• Bottle of O'Brien Estate Seduction upon arrival
• Wine tasting for two at the O'Brien Estate Winery 
• Renowned artist,Tim Howe's work is on display and for purchase at both Milliken Creek Inn & O'Brien Estate
• Daily gourmet breakfast for two served in-room or anywhere on property
• Concierge assistance in planning Napa Valley outings including winery visits and dinners
• Two guest passes to Synergy Wellness and Fitness Center
• Daily sunset Magic Hour wine and cheese reception
• Late-night cordial bar

To book this special package, use booking code "ARTS"  online or call 800.822.8418 and mention the package. The "Arts in April" package starts at $320 (plus tax) per one night stay. Offer valid on stays April 1-31, 2013. Package is subject to availability and change. Higher rates may apply on weekends and during holidays. Tax and service charge are not included and upgraded accommodations are available at an additional cost.

"You Choose Your Prize" SWEEPSTAKES

At Farmhouse, the beloved Barn is turning three! This calls for a celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with gifts! The sweepstakes is simple. Just share the Farmhouse Love with  friends, coworkers, whomever, and every time one of them "likes" Farmhouse Inn on Facebook, you are entered to win . . .again, again, and again.



THE PRIZES

1. Visit Farmhouse for the ultimate Wine Country Getaway*. Two nights in a Luxury Barn Room, a four-course dinner and wine pairings for two in our Michelin starred restaurant, and a private tour and lunch at one of our exclusive winery partners. (Value approx. $2500) *does not include airfare or travel cost.

or

2. Sip Farmhouse-style at home. You and Farmhouse's Wine Director, Master Sommelier Geoff Kruth, will collaborate to create your dream wine cellar*.  We ship you the cellar - we loan you Geoff and his expertise to help you choose, and procure, your dream collection.   *Does not include the wine itself. We promise up to 6 hours of Geoff's time. (Value approx. $2000)

or

3. Sleep like you've never slept before - at least not since you left Farmhouse. The famous and much sought after Farmhouse Bed*- the mattress and our luxury layers of feather bedding and pillows delivered to your door. You choose the size. What's a perfect nights' sleep worth anyway? (Value approx. $2000) *does not include your bed frame or linens.

or

4.  Farm for yourself.  Dine on those farm-fresh eggs that are such a part of a Farmhouse stay, every day, at home!  We'll send you a custom built chicken coop, six heritage breed chicks, and a sack of organic chick feed to get you started. Six fresh eggs a day...imagine the possibilities. Includes a selection of Farmhouse breakfast recipes. (Approx. value $1800)

Winner will be announced by email and on Farmhouse Facebook page August 1, 2012.

ENTER NOW!

This February, "Epicurean Winter" is enticing food and wine-lovers to head to Healdsburg, Sonoma for a romantic and effortless escape to wine country. Widely considered a culinary mecca situated in the scenic Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River Valleys, Healdsburg has put together an amazing new winter program with 100+ food & wine events - perfect for a fanciful Valentine's celebration. 

Culinary couples can choose from hundreds of world-class wineries to visit, dine on upscale Sonoma cuisine, and take in the luxurious blend of arts and culture, boutique shopping, and charming hotels that this idyllic yet sophisticated town has to offer. Take advantage of Valentine's Week events and lodging specials:

Epicurean event highlights include:

• 23rd Annual Wine & Chocolate Fantasy at Rodney Strong - Feb 4th - The barrel room is transformed to showcase chocolate, wine, live music and savory appetizers; $65/person, includes souvenir glass.

• Friday Night Guest Sommelier at Dry Creek Kitchen -  Feb 10th - Acclaimed Sonoma County winemakers offer diners complimentary tastes of their wine and tips on pairing it with dinner at Charlie Palmer's Dry Creek Kitchen.

• Winter Farm to Table Dinner and Wine Class at Quivira Vineyard & Winery, Feb 11 from 4pm-8pm - Upscale seasonal farm to table dinner with local chef; exclusive wine-blending session with highly-respected winemaker Hugh Chappelle; $125 per person

Silverado Resort & Spa will help you create that perfect romantic wine country getaway you've always wanted.

Available through the entire month of February, book the "Create Your Own Romance" package that includes a one-bedroom fireplace suite, a bottle of Napa Valley Sparkling wine, and breakfast for two in the Silverado Grill. In addition, add one of the following to complete your package:

Dine & Relax
Enjoy a three-course dinner for two to include a bottle of white or red wine (house selected), two 50-minute massages, one 50-minute couples massage or a couples massage lesson to learn the fine art of massage with a romance blend of oil to take-away, all at the Spa at Silverado

Take a Wine Tour
Enjoy a four-hour private limousine tour of wine country. You select the wineries or we'll do it for you. Your tour begins with a private tasting and tour at the William Hill Winery.

All around California, restaurants are celebrating the month of January with fabulous dining specials and savings for lunch and/or dinner. Splurge, savor, and save is the name of the game. See if your favorite restaurant or one you always wanted to try is on the list in the regions below.

Gold Country. You may not find gold, but with savings on food like these, you might as well have! Restaurant Week in Gold Country is January 32-30 with a grand finale on January 30th where the area's finest chefs will offer a unique opportunity to be an El Dorado Epicurean in a countywide progressive dinner. More Details

Monterey County. Catch some fresh seafood in Monterey during Restaurant Month. Participating restaurants are offering prix fixe dinner menus for $20.11 all month long. More Details.

Napa Valley - see our Food Writer's top restaurant picks for deals and steals. Or see the full list of Napa Valley restaurants and their specials here.

Santa Barbara Wine Country

• Santa Barbara -Dubbed "Film Feast", the prix fixe restaurant program coincides with the Santa Barbara International Film Festival all happening January 27-Feb 6, 2011. Film goers and foodies are invited to choose from "Short" (two-course), "Feature" (three-course) and "Epic" (four-course) length seasonal menus at participating restaurants. MORE DETAILS.
  
• Santa Ynez Valley - The foodie fun begins January 23rd and ends January 29th. It's this region's first time participating in Restaurant Month and they will be featuring special 3-course tasting menus for $20.11. A list of participating restaurants is listed, but you will need to contact restaurants directly for specific days, dining hours and to make reservations. MORE DETAILS.

NAPA, CA - The Bay Area has spent the past few weeks following the Giants on their post-season run and River Terrace Inn in downtown Napa is now providing three great ways to celebrate the Giants winning the world series.

First Base - "Uuu-Mazing" Giants Napa Getaway Rate
It's a great time to plan a "Uuu-Mazing Giants" Napa getaway since the "torture" is finally over.  River Terrace Inn is offering a special celebratory rate for stays from now through November 23.  Score an extra homer when you wear your Giants gear and receive a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine so you can toast a truly great season!

• $159 for Sundays through Thursdays
• $189 for Fridays and Saturdays

As special partners of the River Terrace Inn, Chardonnay Golf Club, Napa Valley Wine Train and Beau Wine Tours are offering the following Victory Packages as well.

CALISTOGA, CA - The town's tagline is "Hot Springs, Cool Wines, and Warm Welcome". Warm welcome is exactly what Calistoga is doing this winter when it invites travelers now through Febuary 6, 2011 to enjoy wine tasting, tours, and even the opportunity to meet a winemaker when you visit with your passport!

Passports are only $50 and offer an extreme value to anyone visiting Napa Valley. You can use the passport as many times as you would like throughout the passport season and in addition to wine tasting, it includes discounts at several Calistoga's restaurants, hotels, and B&Bs. Restaurants are waiving all corkage fees and lodging partners are offering special room rates for all passport holders.

CALISTOGA, CA - There are so many choices of places to stay in Calistoga. Between the charming bed & breakfasts and distinct inns that make for cozy, almost like home accommodations, you might overlook the resorts or wine country style hotels. But with the promise of peaceful tranquility and private accommodations that many of them offer and a host of amenities, we urge you to reconsider. As added encouragement, see the list of specials currently available.

Euro Spa & Inn - Economic Relief Package
Offering a unique mixture of old-fashioned Northern California hospitality, deluxe accommodations, and healthy spa services to provide a memorable wine country getaway experience. This package includes Queen bed accommodations, 1 hour signature massages for two, deluxe continental breakfast, 3-course dinner at local restaurant and wine tastings at any two local wineries.
RESERVE NOW

With Fall comes harvest and "the crush." Grapes are harvested and crushed as the first step in the wine-making process. Celebrate this most beautiful of seasons in the wine country with Lavender Hill Spa's unique wine and grape inspired spa treatment collection. Book now as these special treatments are only available through the rest of October!

Grape Escape
Lavender Cabernet Bath Treatment with One hour Lavender Cabernet  Massage.(2hrs) - 
 $165 per person 

Bed & Breakfasts and Inns

One of the hallmarks of visiting Napa Valley, outside of the over 400 wineries, are the charming, distinctive bed and breakfasts nestled among the vines of wine country. Offering a place away from home with gourmet breakfasts served each morning, it's no wonder that many choose to stay at a Napa Valley Inn or Napa Valley bed & breakfast during their wine country vacation.  Fall and Winter are wonderful times to visit and the town of Calistoga is no exception. See the specials being offered right now - some are only available through November!

It's decided. Your next trip is to Napa Valley. In fact, you are going to stay in the town of Napa, because it's a great home base for all of your spa appointments, wine tasting, shopping, and nightlife needs. And of course, easy access to the rest of the Valley. Great! Now where are you going to stay?  Check out the latest batch of specials and package offers from hotels, resorts, and bed & breakfasts in Napa.

Bed & Breakfast/Inns

1801 First
Mid Week Special - Stay Sunday - Thursday in a cottage for only $795. Your stay includes a gourmet breakfast as well as complimentary evening wine and cheese. MORE DETAILS

Arbor Guest House
2010 Harvest Retreat - 2 nights in a luxurious room, 3-course gourmet breakfast each morning, signature couples spa treatment, wine reception each each evening and complimentary concierge service. Expires 10/31/10. MORE DETAILS

Bel Abri - Boutique Resorts
Last Minute VIP Special - 2 Night package. Make reservations five or fewer days prior to arrival and receive $50 off first night.  MORE DETAILS

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.

Traveling to Sonoma Wine Country for the holidays? Or have folks coming to visit and they need a place to stay, play, and eat before the big Thanksgiving Dinner at your house? No worries. Several hotels, b&bs, and wineries are offering fabulous holiday offers to help you out!  See below:

WINE TASTING

B.R. Cohn Winery
Sip, Savor & Shop Thanksgiving Weekend - Visit the winery for holiday shopping, light hors'deourves, and there is a free drawing every hour to win something special! (Nov 27 -29th)

Toys for Tots Toy Drive - Receive a complimentary tasting when you bring in a new toy for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots. Also do some holiday shopping at the onsite store for the full line of B.R. Cohn olive oils, specialty vinegars, other gourmet products, wine, gadgets and much more! (Dec 1st - 6th)

Anaba Wines
Pie Sampling Saturdays - Sample a different holiday pie with our 2008 Late Harvest Viognier every Saturday in November so you can find the perfect pairing for your Thanksgiving feast! Receive 15% off this wine when you purchase 4+ bottles. www.anabawines.com

Mayo Family Winery - Reserve Room
Harvest 2009 wine and food pairing menu features delectable items like:
"Butter paochaed Loch Duart Salmon w/ Yuzu Zest ~ 2007 Chardonnay"
"Cherry Almond Empenada w/ Seared Chanterelle ~ 2006 Pinot Noir"
"Pumpkin Souffle w/ Macadamia Nute & Spiced Whipped Cream ~ 2008 Gewurtztraminer

River Terrace Inn was recently voted as 2009's Best Napa Hotel by the Bay List (SF Gate, The San Francisco Chronicle's website).

Popular among locals, the Bay List says "Discover an exclusive sanctuary nestled among lush, rolling hills, an ocean of vivid wildflowers and radiant vineyards. Set in the heart of California wine country, the River Terrace Inn features luxurious accommodations, personalized services, and a richly indulgent spa".

See for yourself what makes this hotel so special. Right now, River Terrace Inn is offering a Fall Foilage Package this November with room rates just starting at $129 available Sunday - Thursday. Your stay includes a complimentary glass of Napa Valley wine on their outdoor terrace overlooking the Nap River and eucalyptus grove.

River Terrace Inn
1600 Soscol Avenue
Napa, CA 94559
(707) 320.9000
(866) 627.2386
 

By Robert P. Farmer

Those of you who have traveled enough, and even those of you whose adventures take them away from home only occasionally, can attest that the little things a hotel does for its guest can go a long, long way. In today's world of travel incentives--ranging from free night's stays to tickets to the hottest shows, few such lures have the cachet or the staying power as the Complimentary Wine Reception.

This trend--in which a hotel pours wine for its guests each evening in the lobby or other common space, along with, typically, some sort of light fare--is actually something that has been around much longer than most of today's market-responsive hotel incentives. In fact, long before the economic maelstrom prompted hotel GMs to start giving away everything but the bed sheets, the wine reception was a popular means for acknowledging guest loyalty and for helping to make a hotel stay memorable. Now, however, the phenomenon is truly taking off.

By Robert Farmer

I was speaking to a Bay Area hotelier recently who was decrying his abundance of inventory. That is to say, he's got a bunch of empty rooms that, when they sit empty, cost him money--sometimes lots of money. What, I asked, is he doing about it? More to the point, what can he do about it? You'd think the obvious answer would be to reduce the room rates into an "offer you can't refuse" category. But, for several reasons that we won't get into here, that's not the obvious answer. So the question became, What is he willing to concede in exchange for putting people in his rooms.

By Robert Farmer

I know I know. It's all bad news all the time when it comes to the economy. And if you're like me at all, which I think you probably are, the wall-to-wall doom-and-gloom in the press and everywhere else makes you want to head for the hills--or, at least to the rolling hills of California's Wine Country. That in and of itself is a good thing, but it also happens to harbor some even better news for those intrepid travelers who are fortunate enough to get away.

Submitted by the Tri-Valley, California  Convention & Visitors Bureau

Start your day in Pleasanton, CA at the farmers market on Main & Angela Street (Saturdays, 9 am - 1 pm). Browse the vendors and sample fresh fruit and specialty foods. Afterwards, take a stroll along Main street to check out the wonderful art galleries, shops and more.

For a special treat, stop at the Meadowlark Dairy, the only drive-through dairy for a soft serve ice cream cone.  It is only $1.75 for a small ice cream cone.

Then, Head to Tommie's Deli and Sandwich Shop on 2nd Street in Livermore and order the Lite-n-Tasty, a small sandwich with (Bread/meat (4.oz.)/cheese & stuff) for only $6. Armed with your sandwich and maybe a piece of fruit from Pleasanton's farmers market, you are ready to hit the wineries for complimentary wine tasting!

By Courtney Cochran

I can recall, with embarrassing clarity, buying Chuck Shaw by the caseload in the drearily cash-strapped era that followed my graduation from college.  And though I quickly "graduated" beyond the realm of such inexpensive sippers around the time of my first raise, today's tough economic times have many of us - yours truly included - contemplating a reunion with bargain sips like Mr. Shaw's and others of his ilk.

To be sure, the crisis thinking fueling these considerations isn't limited to wine consumption alone.  Wine country visitors, as well, are wondering where they can cut corners on visits in order to spend less while still enjoying their fair share of the pleasures wine country has to offer.  They're looking for easy, smart ways to extend their spending power at a time when all of us are getting by on less.   

And so, in a valiant effort to keep the good times - and the good drink - flowing, we're here to help you do just that.  Read on for our top suggestions on where to save and - as important - where to splurge in wine country this season.    Because if one thing is a constant no matter the economic clime, it's that we can all use a little affordable luxury every now and then to keep our spirits afloat.

By Christopher Nevin Johnston

Looking for a good reason to hit the road and relax for a few days?  Well, look no more.  Every spring the Sonoma International Film Festival draws more than 17,000 visitors to the historic Sonoma City Plaza--located roughly 45 miles northeast of San Francisco--for an extended weekend of laid-back film, food, wine, art and music.

Akin to the more scenic film festival locations like Park City or Santa Barbara, Sonoma has all of the natural beauty of its sister fests but--and here's the kicker--is actually an affordable pleasure experience that won't leave you with a bad case of spender's remorse.  From now until February 28th all passes are on sale for 20% off the regular price.  So, if you purchased a basic Festival Pass (valued at $225) you could attend all the regular screenings and panels for only $180!  Let's see the Sundance Kid offer you a better deal....And if your pockets run a little deeper and you would like a more tailored festival experience, Platinum and Premiere Passes will ensure a hobnobbing good time without a bail-out from the Feds.

NAPA VALLEY, CA - We know a good deal when we see it!  Silverado Resort recognizes times are rough and is responding with the "dream package" making your next Napa Valley trip extremely affordable. 

See details below:

The package includes:

• A picnic lunch for two at V. Sattui Winery 
• Wine tastings at four other area wineries (Black Stallion, Mumm, Artesa, and Conn Creek)
• Resort guestroom Accommodations (King Beds, 340 thread count Egyptian cotton linen, Wireless Internet, and many more amenities)

All of this....drumroll please...is only $139/night for stays through March 15th (including weekends)! The promo code is WINE3 and you can book directly online or call them directly to make reservations at 800.532.0500.

Visit online for more details, terms & conditions and information on upgrading to one of their suites (still quite reasonable).

It's not often you see a deal like this, especially in Napa Valley.  Don't let it pass you by....

 

Sonoma is known for its wines, but it celebrates another major harvest every year during the annual Sonoma Valley Olive Festival which runs through mid-February. A complete list of events can be found at www.olivefestival.com.
 
MacArthur Place, a luxurious 64-room country inn and spa set on an 18th century estate a few blocks from Sonoma's historic Plaza, is offering a special Olive Festival Package to help partake in the festivities.

Through February 12, reserve an Olive Festival Package at MacArthur Place with rates beginning at $199 per night midweek or $249 per night on weekends. It includes welcome Olive Festival martinis and $25 off a Sonoma Olive Oil Body Polish or any spa treatment at the Garden Spa. For reservations call MacArthur Place toll-free at (800) 722-1866. For more information about MacArthur Place, visit their website at www.macarthurplace.com

Party to the wee hours of the morning! Casa Munras in Monterey Wine Country has just the package and party to get ring in the new year!

Includes:

• One Night Accommodation for two
• Bottle of Champagne
• Breakfast Buffet for two
• Two tickets to the First Night Monterey Celebration

Even better - package starts at $199. What are you waiting for?! Book the New Year's Eve Package now!

Casa Munras Hotel
700 Munras Avenue
Monterey, CA 93940

Venture to Central Coast California for a San Luis Obispo/Paso Robles Wine Country escape. Adelaide Inn offers affordable vacation packages for couples and families. To celebrate the wineries of Paso Robles, each month the Inn partners with a local winery. Cozy guestrooms, fabulous wine tasting, all ranging from $112/couple to $132/couple.

Featured Wineries:

• November - Wild Horse Winery
• December - Tablas Creek Vineyard
  

Winery package includes:

• Executive King Room
• Complimentary Bottle of Wine
• Wine Tasting tickets for 2 or Discounts on Wine Purchases

CLICK HERE for more details and to book online.

Adelaide Inn
1215 Ysabel Avenue
Paso Robles, CA 93446

SOLVANG, CA - Hadsten House Inn & Spa is a luxury, boutique lodging destination in Santa Barbara Wine Country featuring uniquely appointed guest rooms with classic French furnishings, decorative fireplaces, and lavish amenities.  Take relaxation to the next level and stay in one of their special spa suites or take a dip in the heated indoor pool and be pampered in the day spa.

Travelers rave about Hadsten House and the food! Book their One Night Dinner Package and experience what all the fuss is about.

ONE NIGHT DINNER PACKAGE
Enjoy a one night getaway in a Deluxe room, continental breakfast for two, complimentary glass of wine with cheese & fruit, and three course dinner for tow in the Hadsten House Dining Room. ($178/couple)

Hadsten House Inn & Spa
1450 Mission Drive
Solvang, CA 93463

Doubletree Hotel Sonoma - Wine Tasting Package

It's not every day you'll find an all inclusive lodging package that takes care of all your wine tasting needs at the same time!  Doubletree Hotel Sonoma Wine Country does just that with their Wine Tasting Package which believe it or not is a mere $165/night. We had to rub our eyes to make sure we saw the price right too!

Doubletree Hotel caters to both the leisure and business traveler and boasts so many amenities, that there are too many to name! You'll just have to book a package and discover for yourself!

Wine Tasting Package
In addition to accommodations, you'll receive 5 tasting passes at a variety of local wineries, breakfast each morning in Bacchus Restaurant, and a box lunch to take on your wine tasting adventure. Did we mention it's only $165/night?!

CLICK HERE to book package.

Doubletree Hotel Sonoma Wine Country
One Doubletree Drive
Ronhert  Park, CA 94928
707.584.5466