Forget the long trek to Napa, and the crowds there too. Southern California’s very own Temecula Valley, about a 90-minute drive southeast of downtown Los Angeles, has over 20 wineries, according to the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Assn. One of them, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, is offering a special midweek package for oenophiles who, along with wine-tasting, could use some pampering as well as relaxing views.
Take advantage of the “Ultimate All-VIN-clusive Vineyard Getaway” and you’ll be put up in a “villa” overlooking a vineyard or citrus grove. The package also features a bottle of South Coast Winery wine; a welcome gift; a couples’ massage of 50 minutes (South Coast Classic Massage) at the onsite spa; a Vintner’s Breakfast in Bed for two (which can be partaken in the restaurant, if you’re not the sort to lie in); unlimited wine-tasting privileges; and a $50 gift card for the resort and spa. Rates start at $124 per person (pre-tax).
With the wine-tasting privileges, note that each time you come in (and you can come and go as often as you wish), you’ll be offered five tastes. Though tasting of the “reserve selection” is excluded from this special, the winery produces over 50 varietals, so chances are good that you’ll find something that will resonate with your taste buds.
If you want to stay here without all these extras, the “best available rate” for September weekdays starts at $179 per night (pre-tax). That’s $69 less than the pre-tax package rate, but you’d missing out on some extraordinary value. The “extras” themselves have a total value of over $281 for a couple: The per-person value for the wine-tasting is estimated at $12 per visit. The massages are valued at $105 per person, and breakfast is a full meal for two valued at $32 total. The resort’s marketing department was unable to give me a value for the free bottle of wine, but the lowest price of a presently available bottle at the winery is $15.
If calling in your reservation, ask for the “Vineyard Getaway,” or book online. You must have a minimum of two adults in your party.
This package is available for stays Sunday through Thursday, now through Sept. 30, 2009.
Source: Los Angeles Times