California is blessed with a variety of award-winning wine regions, not only just the Napa Valley. Staying in the heart of the vineyards is one of the best ways to maximize your wine tasting experience, but it can be pricey. If you’re looking for budget-friendly boutique lodging, here are five hotels near different California wine country regions.
The Citizen Hotel, Sacramento
Sacramento is an ideal gateway to several wine regions in California, including the Sierra Foothills AVA, Clarksburg, and even Napa Valley. Located in downtown Sacramento, the Citizen Hotel is close to some of Sacramento’s best landmarks and museums.
Each room is different, so repeat visits will bring a different experience. The onsite restaurant, Grange, is one of the best in Sacramento. Pets are welcome, sans the additional pet deposit, and there is even a dog-friendly park directly across the street.
Dream Inn, Santa Cruz
Renowned for its nearby redwoods and classic boardwalk, it might surprise you to learn Santa Cruz is also home to its own AVA. If you’re looking to explore Monterey or other Bay Area wineries, check out the Dream Inn.
The Dream Inn is located on the site of Jack O’Neill’s first surf shop, next to the wharf and the boardwalk. Enjoy scenic sunsets over Monterey Bay from your room, or at the fire pit in colder months. The Dream Inn’s rooms are retro-chic, all with private balconies or semi-private patios, that overlook Monterey Bay.
Be sure to book dinner at Aquarius, which showcases the best in California cuisine.
Hotel Cheval, Paso Robles
Hotel Cheval is an ideal boutique hotel option for visiting wine regions like Paso Robles and other Central Coast wineries. Hotel Cheval has a luxury SUV available for private wine tours for 2 to 4 people. Hotel Cheval also has its own horseshoe-shaped wine bar, The Pony Club, which serves some of the best Central California wines available.
Accommodations at Hotel Cheval are luxurious, with freshly-baked cookies welcoming you, complimentary breakfast, including a hot buffet on weekends, high-end bedding and toiletries, and evening turndown with organic chocolates.
Ponte Vineyard Inn, Temecula
Located in the heart of Temecula wine country, the Ponte Vineyard Inn is both a 60-room boutique hotel and a vineyard. Enjoy posh accommodations and let them arrange for a variety of excursions like horseback riding, a romantic sunrise balloon ride, spa treatments, and dinner reservations.
Visit the winery, take a tour of the estate, and be sure to dine in one of the hotel’s three onsite restaurants. The Cellar Lounge is a casual spot for small plates, wine, and local craft beer.
Meritage Resort & Spa, Napa
The Meritage Resort & Spa is a Tablet Hotel, and one of Napa’s best budget-friendly boutique lodging options. Conveniently located at the southern end of Napa, it’s ideal for visiting Sonoma wineries as well.
The Tuscan-inspired rooms are elegantly appointed and there is a complimentary bottle of local wine in your room at check-in. The Meritage Resort & Spa has the Trinitas tasting room and Crush Ultra Lounge, which even has bowling lanes. Siena Restaurant offers California cuisine with an Italian influence.
This post is in conjunction with Hipmunk, but as always, all opinions and views are my own.
