Roving Pic: Spring Break Vineyard View

Charleville Winery
Ste. Genevieve, Missouri
March 2012

No beaches. No sun. No tan lines. Just a country winery on a rainy day and a glass of red before noon. Perfection.  

Roving Pic: The Wrath of Grapes

Grape Drying Racks
Castello di Verrazzano, Greve in Chianti
July 2011
Photo: Scott Clark

Ancient grape torture devices hang in the drying room at Castello di Verrazzano. Oak strips spiked with simple nails stretch from the centuries old ceiling to the floor far below. For several months each year, they sadistically dry white grapes in the warm, ventilated air, unknowingly sweetening them, one by one, in pursuit of Holy Wine perfection. 

Roving I Finds: Wine Country Savings

Healdsburg, California
Photo: Jetsetter.com

Amazing Harvest season travel deals to wine country are abundant right now. Below are a few I came across this week that I wish I could take advantage of. Hopefully, you can!

• Healdsburg, California: Smack dab in the middle of Sonoma Wine Country, this charming little town is one of my favorite places to visit in the state. Jetsetter.com has great discounts on the stylish Healdsburg Modern Cottages property. Rates are as low as $255/night. More info here. 
• Willamette Valley, Oregon: Travelzoo.com has a breakfast and dinner package starting at $89/night at the peaceful and picturesque Oregon Garden Resort. Book by August 31st and travel by November 19th.
• Santa Rosa, California: The Vintner's Inn has a Harvest Getaway Package good for a 2-night stay with lots of extras, including a $100 certificate for the incredible John Ash & Co Restaurant on site, starting at $600 through November 20th. We stayed here on our visit to the area and loved it. 
• Paso Robles, California: If you're headed to California in October, check out the Paso Robles Harvest Wine Weekend October 21st-23rd for 3 days of events celebrating harvest and its delicious results.