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Meeting-goers get a taste for the winery experience
Not so long ago, when meeting planners wanted wine, they looked to Northern California’s Napa and Sonoma.
But in recent years, wine and its offer of an escape from big-city life, has been extended to Florida, Alaska, Hawaii — even New England and the Midwest or just about anywhere.
"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 MeetingsFocusWEST.
"Guests feel like they’re a million miles away, even if they’re only 45 minutes out of a major city," said Michelle Gilman, a regional sales director for the Fairmont San Francisco.
Wine-themed MICE sites have proliferated in recent years.
Some 35 ago, there were 579 wineries in 34 states. Today, there are 6,700 wineries in all 50 states, says the trade association WineAmerica.
But many sites in addition to offering wineries also include related areas such as cheese making, bread making and even in some cases zip lines through wineries.
Some sites even offer meeting delegates the chance to make their own wine. These include the Sunset Hills Vineyard in Virginia.
Small groups are easily accommodated in most wine-related destinations but even larger groups can find a temporary home.
By David Wilkening
David
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