Each season in wine country brings something special. During the spring the vineyards begin to bloom and all those baby bunnies begin hopping around the grounds again. Summer means warmth, and the vines are heavy with fruit. It’s a great time to take photos! Fall is harvest time and the winery is in full swing wine-making mode. Fall is probably the best time to take a tour. And, of course, the holiday season brings a special spirit all its own. Finally, there is the winter, which may be the most underappreciated season of them all in wine country. While the vines may be bare, there is one noticeable quality you’re more likely to sense in comparison to summer, spring and fall: it’s quiet. The crowds tend to me lighter and it’s easier to do a lot of things that come with visiting Ponte, like chat with your wine server or get a table without waiting at The Restaurant.
When I worked on site at Ponte, I used to love driving in on crisp January mornings and see the bare, gray vines against the mountain backdrop. I always thought the vineyards had a stoic, rustic beauty during that time of year. Now, with Ponte Vineyard Inn open, I imagine the views from a balcony suite in the morning right now to be breathtaking. Sure, visiting Ponte during winter might mean you have to button up your coat or tote the umbrella along, but we think a winter’s day in the country is just as memorable as a warm, sunny one. Plus, this is Southern California! Is there ever really a cold day? No matter what, you can still expect great service and great wine.
Get the full winter wine country experience by booking an overnight stay at Ponte Vineyard Inn. Wake up to hot coffee on your patio or balcony while bundled up in your robe. Indulge in a stack of blackberry banana pancakes for breakfast at Bouquet before your day of wine tasting at Ponte and two other nearby tasting rooms, both within walking distance. Spend some time playing Wineopoly by the fireplace in the lobby and then enjoy a pre-dinner winter cocktail in the Cellar Lounge. After your meal, cozy up to one of our outdoor fire pits while sipping a glass of Zinfandel Port.
Still need a good reason to visit Ponte this winter? We’ve got one! If you book a room for a mid-week stay in January (any night Sunday – Thursday), we’ll give you a complimentary bottle of wine and a Ponte gift card! It’s our ‘Tis the Season package, Learn more here.
We can’t wait to hear what your winter wine country experience is like at Ponte, so please let us know!
–What is your favorite time to visit wine country?
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