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California wine country meets taste of conventioneers
Napa and Sonoma Valley in California have long fostered a reputation for getting away from the general hustle and bustle. Relax with a glass of wine.
The wine niche has expanded but it remains popular with planners in areas way beyond California.
"Going to a winery is the best way to taste the local area and treat attendees to something that makes them feel very appreciated," Linda Vernon, CEO of the Bakersfield Association of Realtors, told Meetings Focus. "They serve others all year, so this is their chance to be served."
Wine country is no longer confined to California. And planners have many choices when it comes to wine appreciation.
Thirty five years ago, there were only 579 wineries in 34 states. But WineAmerica says today, there are 6,700 wineries in all 50 US states.
What one can experience at a wine country meeting is as varied as wine itself.
"More compact destinations such as Napa Valley tend to be groomed and resort-like. Neighboring—and far larger—Sonoma features a greater variety of scenery and price points," says Meetings Focus.
Many areas such as Sonoma combine wine with other culinary experiences such as cheese and bread making. Wine also goes well with outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.
In Virginia, the focus is on the state’s history as the original wine country. Early settlers in Virginia were required to plant grapes so, of course, the state markets itself as a wine Mecca with more than 300 wineries.
"We all to want to meet outside the box," says Carol Torricelli, director of domestic sales at the Virginia Tourism Corporation. "Going to a vineyard is a perfect recipe for enhancing any meeting."
By David Wilkening
David
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