Reasons to Visit Wineries Other Than Wine

Ah, wine country. Whether those words inspire visions of idyllic rolling hills or cool, silent barrel cellars, people tend to loosen their shoulders a bit, breathe out. Relax. Sigh blissfully while holding a phantom wine glass...After all, it’s wine, right? What about those responsible folks who decide to truck you around to winery after winery, though? They are, after all, choosing to not imbibe--and rightfully so! What is there for them to do? Luckily, wineries have caught on to the designated driver dilemma, now offering all sorts of options that don’t include drinking the latest juice in the tasting room. Here’s your guide to visiting wineries for more than just the wine.

Music

Pairing wine and music is one of those things that just make sense. Many wineries, like Maryhill Winery in Goldendale, Washington, not only produce great, expressive wines, but also host incredible summer concerts. Often taking advantage of their pastoral surroundings, these wineries erect large amphitheaters and invite wine- and music-lovers alike to listen under the stars. In the case of Maryhill, its concert series offers gorgeous views of the wending Columbia River, while big name acts like John Legend, Bob Dylan and Earth, Wind & Fire have taken the stage in the past.

Food

Great wine demands great food, and the least you can do for your beloved designated driver is treat them to a gourmet meal. Many wineries--from Napa to the Finger Lakes – run their own onsite restaurants, and many now offer culinary classes. For instance, Rutherford, CA’s Cakebread Cellars offers a grilling and woodburning oven cooking class at its winery house kitchen.

Relaxation

Oenophiles and spa-goers alike will really relish wine spa treatments, or vinotherapy. While some wineries are slowly catching on to the trend, spas and hotels located around wine country take advantage of their region’s bounty by offering wine-based treatments. One such hotel is the Kenwood Inn and Spa in Sonoma, which rethinks the rejuvenative properties of grapes and wine. Think treatments utilizing crushed grape seeds and skins, which become antioxidant-rich exfoliants and wraps that purportedly soothe and refresh the skin. How about a soak in water enriched with vine extract? Sounds loads better than a Merlot-induced hangover.

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.