Join fellow OCWS members for a three-day trip when they will sample wines, experience original dining experiences
and more Nov. 8-10.
Have you ever wanted a slice of Sideways? Are you a fan of Pinot Noir from the Sta. Rita Hills? Do you enjoy the quaint charm of Solvang, Buellton or Los Olivos?
If any of that sounds fun, come November it can be yours. The Orange County Wine Society is inviting members to uncork a new adventure in the Santa Ynez Valley that will feature discounts and other benefits at select wineries using a special passport being created for the trip.
A committee has spent the last few months creating a top-flight itinerary that will include:
- Two-night stay at Hotel Hygge
- Santa Maria BBQ buffet with wine at The Hitching Post
- Three-course, wine-paired dinner at The Inn at Zaca Creek
- Discounts at wineries such as Liquid Farm, Future Perfect, Story of Soil, Lucas & Lewellen and more!
We have reserved all 20 rooms at Hotel Hygge for the trip. If all the rooms are booked, we will likely be able to get 10 or more additional rooms at the nearby Sideways Inn but the price will be higher.
The tentative plan is as follows:
Sunday, Nov. 8: Arrive in Santa Ynez Valley. Afternoon wine tasting (TBD as a group or on your own). 5-8 p.m. Dinner at Hitching Post, featuring owners Frank Ostini and Gray Hartley, who will be pouring a selection of their wines.
Monday, Nov. 9: Wine tasting in Los Olivos. A list of wineries in the passport will be provided. Tasting reservations must be made on your own and are not covered in the trip price. 5-9 p.m. wine-paired dinner featuring Foxen Winery at Inn at Zaca Creek.
Tuesday, Nov. 10: Checkout or tack-on tastings at wineries (TBD).
Breakfast is not provided in the cost of the trip. We are currently working on getting discounts at restaurants that provide lunch and updates will be provided to those who sign up for the trip.
Signups will begin at OCWS.org on August 15 and members are encouraged to act early as spots are expected to fill quickly.
The cost for the hotel and two dinners (wine included) is $700 per couple and $425 if you are going solo. The registration deadline is Sept. 24 and the drop-dead date for refunds is Sept. 27. No refunds will be given after Sept. 27.
There also will be a waitlist during signups for those wanting to go and can either replace someone who can no longer go or additional rooms become available. (no splitting costs of hotel or restaurants).
The passport will be valid Nov. 8-12.
There will be more details to come and if there are any questions, please reach out to Greg Risling at editor@OCWS.org.