Got Wine? Vineyard Vacations for Less

A trip to the wineries of Napa and Sonoma in California doesn't normally conjure thoughts of "budget travel." But recently, vacations to these valleys have become much more affordable.

Wineries aren't immune to recessions. And just like retailers, they're trying to lure budget-conscious consumers by slashing prices and offering special promotions. Among the perks: discounted or even free events and some pretty nice deals on bottles of wine. In fact, an activity-filled day trip to a winery in Napa or Sonoma can easily be had for just $20. Play your cards right and you could get away with paying nothing at all.

“We’re trying to be understanding of people’s economic situations,” says Jackie Downer, vice president and general manager of Clos Pegase, a Napa Valley vineyard.

(Don't feel like going all the way to California for your vineyard vacation? Here are six wine regions across the U.S. that industry experts recommend.)

Here are some of the deals to be had in Napa and Sonoma:

Napa
Clos Pegase
The small Napa vineyard named for the mythological winged horse, Pegasus, not only offers true estate wines (where all the wine is made from the vineyard’s own grapes), but also free access to a 1,000-piece art collection, housed in a building designed by architect Michael Graves. Pay just $10 to taste four wines (sharing is encouraged). Before going to Clos Pegase, check for special events, like owner Jan Shrem’s free “Bacchus the Rascal” tour of art and wine.

While on the grounds, visit the sculpture-adorned caves, and be sure to get a picture with the bronze sculpture of a giant thumb by French artist Cesar.

Sterling
Sterling is one of the most popular spots in the valley with more than 200,000 visitors a year. With a $5 off coupon from WineCountry.com you can ride a solar-powered aerial tram that offers panoramic views of the valley, get a tour of the winery and participate in a five-wine tasting for just $15. Want to take some bottles home with you? The winery is currently offering 40% off when you buy 12 or more bottles of its Malvasia Bianca, a light white wine. Sterling will continue to offer in-house sales throughout the year, so call ahead to check for the latest offer.

Napa accommodations deals:

Luxury: The Vino Bello Resort, a new luxury lodging in the valley, offers a half-off special (50% off your second night stay) through March (promotion code: HALF).

Midlevel: Bed and breakfast The Beazley House offers a “Revival/Survival Package” that includes two nights for the price of one through March. The deal includes free sherry every evening for guests and a free wine tasting on Friday nights.

Budget: Just one mile from Napa’s town center,The Discovery Inn offers $59.95-a-night rates Sunday through Thursday until the end of March when visitors use the online coupon found here (regular prices are $85 to $125 during the week and $120 to $195 on weekends). For other discounts and promotions in Napa, go to the visitor's center web site here.

Sonoma
Ravenswood Wine
“No Wimpy Wines!” is the credo of this vintner, known for its bold zinfandels and self-proclaimed “world famous” barbeques. Ravenswood is offering a two-for-one tasting for $15 when you call ahead and mention their ad in WineCountry.com. The deal includes a tour and tasting of five flights, but they “usually have more [bottles] open, so we pour those too,” says Peter Griffith, head marketing director at Ravenswood.

Another insider tip: Plan on taking your time while strolling around this winery. If you show enough interest, staff may take you behind the scenes and let you taste right from the barrels.

Lynmar Winery
Besides the wine, many visitors come to see this vineyard's organic gardens. Tasting rooms offer samplings of the vineyard’s current releases, usually between four and six wines, for $10. Starting in May, they'll be offering “Pinot and Pizza,” which includes unlimited wine and brick-oven pizza made with sourdough crafted from winery yeast. The event costs $40 a person.

Sonoma accommodation deals:

Luxury:  Hotel Healdsburg, located on the northern tip of Sonoma Valley, offers up to $50 per night property credit to be used at the hotel’s spa or restaurant, when you book a king room (rooms start at $295 in March and $340 in April and May).

Midlevel: The Inn at Occidental, a bed and breakfast, offers a special of $199 for a traditional room for those trying to get away during the “stressful economic downturn.” Rooms usually range between $209 and $259 a night.

Budget: For lots of luxury without a lot of money, try the Dry Creek Inn where rooms with a king-size bed, jetted tub and fireplace start at $129 a night, and traditional rooms cost just $69 until April. For other discounts and promotions in Sonoma, go to the visitor's bureau web site found here.

3 Tips on Visiting Wine Country
Travel off-season. Visiting during nonharvest months has its own charm (in winter the valley is quiet and covered in bright yellow mustard flowers) and saves you money. Room rates can drop by as much as 40% during the winter and spring, and even lower during the week. Before you book, call a few hotels about last-minute discounts on unsold rooms.

Go during the week. You’ll get more personal attention from wine makers and avoid crowds.

Call ahead. With a little bit of extra planning, you can get a lot more out of your trip and see what special events and discounts the winery is offering.