Wine Country Archives - Jen is on a Journey

Grab a Friend and Enter the Virtual Grape Stomp: Backyard Edition

August 15, 2020 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

The Calaveras Winegrape Alliance (CWA) has hosted the annual Grape Stomp Competition and Harvest Celebration in Murphys, CA for 26 years. This annual competition and fundraising event has become a tradition for many who meetup for a reunion weekend in Calaveras Wine Country. After careful consideration of current social distancing laws around large-scale events due to pandemic, the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance team has decided to host the first of its kind, “Virtual Grape Stomp: Backyard Edition” on Sunday, September 27th using Zoom meeting services.

What is a Virtual Grape Stomp? Teams of two register online through the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance website for a “Grape Stomp Kit” that includes a stomp barrel, 25 pounds of grapes, juice measuring devices, tasting passes for each adult stomper and stomp instructions. Once registered, teams will receive “How To” tips in an Instructional Video – how to setup Backyard Grape Stomp, how to measure juice as well as secrets from Grape Stomp Hall of Famers. Each team has three minutes to produce as much juice as possible from 25 pounds of grapes and the backyard stomp will be recorded using Zoom online meeting services. Official stomp results will be reviewed in the Zoom video recordings and each team will enter their stats in an online form provided with instructions. The Top 10 Virtual Stomp Teams will be awarded prizes and bragging rights. Costumes are highly recommended and judging will be based on skills, spirit and style. During registration, stomp teams will select their kit pickup date/time for either the Friday or Saturday before the virtual event. Kits will be ready for pickup at the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance Wine Information Center at 202 Main Street in Murphys.

To get stompers pumped up about the virtual event, teams will enjoy a day of wine tasting in Calaveras Wine Country with their 1-Day Tasting Pass provided at time of kit pickup. Team entry fee is $120 and includes Grape Stomp Kit items, 1-Day Tasting Pass for each stomper, Measuring Supplies, access to Virtual Grape Stomp event hosted using Zoom and a few surprises. A limited number of 400 registrations are available for the first virtual stop and will sell out. Advance registration is required at: https://www.calaveraswines.org/grape-stomp. All registered stompers get advance access to the online silent auction.

The CWA will also host an online Silent Auction. Each year, local owners of wineries, adventure companies, shops, service providers, restaurants and hotels donate incredible items and gift certificates to the Grape Stomp Auction. Annual contributions raise between $8000-$10000 that gets donated to local organizations and high school scholarship programs. “Thanks to the support of our board of directors, we have put our heads together to develop a virtual program that will ensure this annual event continues,” explains Sandra Hess, Executive Director, Calaveras Winegrape Alliance. “Each year we sell out of Grape Stomp team registrations at 120 maximum slots and with the virtual grape stomp we can open up to 400 stomp teams from the comfort of their backyards – what fun!” she shares.

To learn more about the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance or the annual Grape Stomp & Harvest Festival, visit www.calaveraswines.orgor email info@calaveraswines.org.

Summer in Sonoma Wine Country: Broadway Under the Stars

April 27, 2017 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

Broadway Under the Stars, Sonoma — Photo by Rebecca Call

I love a Broadway style performance and appreciate the song and dance especially because my girls are dancers! I’m looking forward to this summer when I get to check out Broadway Under the Stars in Sonoma Wine Country! From June through September on select weekends, visitors to Sonoma County can enjoy a day of wine tasting and end it with Broadway Under the Stars, the signature musical concert series presented by Transcendence Theatre Company amidst the vineyards at Jack London State Historic Park.

The Huffington Post raved that “Broadway Under the Stars completely blew me away. It was the most unforgettable evening of my summer.” Presented in the open-air ruins of 150-year old Kohler & Frohling Winery, the award-winning series of Broadway-inspired concerts feature performers from New York and Hollywood.

The artists come to the Sonoma stage directly from recent Broadway appearances to perform more than a standard musical revue, each concert combines an eclectic mix of popular music and Broadway songs into a spectacular performance.

A must-do in Sonoma Wine Country this summer, a high point of the evening is working in a pre-show picnic, think food trucks or bring your own gourmet picnic baskets and sit in the meadow, local wineries pouring and pre-show music filling the air.

Sunset heralds the start of the show and the stage begins to sparkle as dusk descends and the Broadway stars sing and dance under a starlit nighttime sky.

Since their inception in 2011, Transcendence Theatre Company shows have been experienced by over 81,000 patrons and raised over $267,000 for Jack London State Historic Park partners with the Boys & Girls Club, the Mentoring Alliance, Willmar Grief & Healing (SAY), Teen Services Sonoma, and many more on free projects for youth.

For more information and how to purchase tickets for this summer’s events, visit https://transcendencetheatre.org/single-tickets/.

Visit Paso Robles Wine Country: Four Great Places to Stay

July 8, 2014 by The Mom Jen 11 Comments

Located half-way between San Francisco and Los Angeles and with nearby attractions such as the historic Hearst Castle, over 180 local wineries, and gourmet restaurants located downtown, Paso Robles has something for everyone. Named Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Region of the Year in 2013, Paso Robles is quickly becoming a desired California destination similar to Sonoma, Calistoga, and Napa Valley.

I was thrilled that a location so close to home has so much to offer. I remember growing up as that town just before SLO and now I’m eager to head back and take in all that Paso wine country has! Grab your loved one or your group of girlfriends and plan a trip to the area, but first and foremost, here are some great Paso Robles hotels to check out!

Paso Robles Inn
Romantic charm and history can be found at the Paso Robles Inn, and it’s within walking distance of shopping and dining and more. With 98 non-smoking guest rooms, you’ll find 18 all-new or newly-remodeled rooms featuring local winery-themed decor and photos as well as a unique and private hot springs mineral tub in your room or on the patio overlooking the gardens.

During the summer, the Inn offers a Wine and Tapas event and a Wine Maker Dinner series on select Thursday evenings. The property garden grows food for their steakhouse and there’s a whole new menu of signature drinks offered at the Cattlemen’s Lounge.

La Quinta Inn & Suites
I stayed in this location for the 3 days, two nights of our trip. Driving south on Hwy 101, it’s right off the freeway and easy to find. The staff was warm and welcoming and helpful with questions I had. My room was huge with a king bed and sofa sleeper Also there was a balcony overlooking the property. I had a fridge, bar area, with in-room coffee and a large bathroom. The hotel was super clean, and I especially enjoyed the evening wine hour with breads and cheeses and local wines. In the morning breakfast was offered in the lobby with an abundance of choices of hot and cold items. Breakfast and the wine hour are all included in the price of your stay, always a bonus for me! Across from the front desk is a gift shop that carries lots of local wines, jams, spreads and also sodas, waters, and some toiletry items. It was in the nineties during our trip, so I took an afternoon of free time to swim a few laps to cool down. There’s also a hot tub and plenty of tables and chairs about the pool area. This spot is perfect for couples, girlfriends, and would be ideal for families traveling to the area!

La Bellasera Hotel & Suites
This luxury boutique hotel looks amazing from the outside, and I chatted with one of the girl’s on our trip that stayed in this location and she enjoyed it, especially the whirlpool spa in-room! I always love this option, especially on a romantic getaway, or just when the hot tub by the pool is full or closed for the night! A spa offering high-quality services via soothing massages, facials, body scrubs and more is available on site as well as having the treatment done right in your room! La Bellasera has Enoteca Restaurant & Bar offering 3 meals a day plus Jazz music Thursday nights. *Dining available at additional cost.

The Oaks Hotel
On the west side of 101, The Oaks Hotel offers nicely appointed rooms and suites for travelers to Paso Robles. With a full breakfast buffet (included), pool/jacuzzi, fitness room, and also dog-friendly, you’ll find something unique for guests with eco-friendly vehicles! The Oaks just installed 6 brand new SemaConnect Electric Vehicle Chargers. These charging stations are a complementary service and completely free of charge. Non-guests can feel free to use our charging stations for a small fee of $15. The Oaks has complimentary wine tasting on Friday and Saturdays and a bar and restaurant, Indulge open for gourmet dinner nightly.

For more information on where to stay in Paso Robles, visit http://www.travelpaso.com/.

My stay at the La Quinta was hosted as part of our media tour, all opinions my own.

Sonoma, CA: El Pueblo Inn Review

August 8, 2012 by The Mom Jen 6 Comments

In the heart of wine country, El Pueblo Inn in Sonoma, just a mile from the square, is a gorgeous place to rest after touring around the beautiful area.

On first sight, you’ll notice the colorful landscape of lavender, cannas, and more that surround the tranquil waterfall.

Having been to many Hawaiian island resorts, the surroundings at the El Pueblo Inn mimick tropical design, especially the view from the lanai (patio balcony) from our room, the Japanese maples and palm trees just complete the atmosphere.

Just around the way from the lobby, you’ll follow a path that reaches an expansive lawn and garden area approaching the pool. Lawn chairs are scattered so you can enjoy them by the pool or in the shade on the grass.Before we even hit the room, my younger kids wanted to swim. We explored the pool area which has plenty of room and chairs/tables for many guests. Also included is a covered area with chairs and tables if you want to get out of the sun or have a take out meal outdoors. Also at the pool area is the fitness rooms, don’t forget your towels from the front desk.We crossed paths with housekeeping and other personnel of the Inn and the hospitality is just so loving and kind! You feel like you’re staying with family.

Finally checking out our room, we were pleased with the size and all the amenities. The patio is so nice to have, our weather that weekend was blissful to enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the waterfall. There is plenty of seating aside from on the bed, plus a nice desk for those needing space to work! TV, fridge, complimentary wi-fi, and ceiling fan add to the home feel.The beds were really comfortable giving us a comfortable night’s sleep! Lastly, we enjoyed a continental free breakfast, though due to the busy weekend and event at the nearby Inferion raceway the eating area was full. The receptionist happily let us know we could eat in the adjoining lobby. The breakfast included fresh fruit, pastries, cereal, juices, milk, coffee, and more to satisfy your hunger before starting the day!

If you’re in wine country and looking for a great place to stay, check out the El Pueblo Inn, you won’t be disappointed! http://www.elpuebloinn.com/