Paso Robles Wine Country – Domestic Travel

“Not being able to travel has been difficult but we’ve found safe and effective ways to get out, help local economies, and see the state. We wear our masks and practice social distancing. We make sure where we are going isn’t crowded and others, if anybody is around, are being safe as well. Family or personal road trips are the best way to get around right now and see local areas in your state! 

My family and I recently went to Paso Robles to enjoy the beautiful hills and wineries. We traveled to two wineries this trip and I can honestly say I have not felt safer out in public than I did at these two places. Social distancing was in full-effect and all guests were wearing masks the entire time. There were not many people on site when we were there, and those that were on the premises were quite far from us. The two wineries we visited were Justin Cellars and Daou Vineyards.

 
Justin Cellars is world renown and the wine options are stellar. They offer a lovely tour of the vicinity and gives you the chance to explore the vineyards. They planted the vineyards in 1981 and have been making wines for over 30 years. Scott Shirley, the current winemaker, has been making wine their for over 13 years. At the restaurant, they offer farm-to-table food options as well as a beautifully crafted and wonderfully tasting charcuterie board to pair with your Bordeaux-style wine blends. If you’re an avid fan of theirs, they have a wine society for you to join.

If you look at my personal pictures, you can see that I was staying safe as no others were even close to us! We had pretty much the patio to ourselves and the view was beautiful.

 

Next on our wine tour was Daou Vineyards which was also incredible! The wine tasting was amazing and social distancing was again in full effect. We had the opportunity to try their home-made olive oil as well which was unbelievable. Daou wines do a fabulous job of mixing their two cultures together with both French and Lebanese style food and wines. The brothers, who own the winery, offer wines dedicated to their Lebanese roots and French home. On top of wine, they make a wonderful olive oil based on their own personal love for their grandfather’s olive grove they used to visit as a child. Daou puts a strong emphasis on the entire wine tasting experience such as entertainment, comfort, and hospitality. Each summer they throw a gala that lasts an entire weekend with cirque-style entertainment and amazing wine and food options to share. Daou also offers a membership option for anyone wanting to join the Daou club. 

 
Please call us today to plan your wine tasting adventure in Paso Robles.”
Lynn Hakam
L & M Travel

Italy Honeymoon

Italy– Considered one of the world’s most iconic travel destinations, from Florence’s artistic past, evident from atop Il Duomo to the Uffizi Gallery, to Rome’s Trevi Fountain. Find romance in Venice, cutting edge fashion in Milan, or for an alternative to cosmopolitan Italy travel, savor the beauty of the Lake District, Amalfi Coast to romance under Tuscan sun.

Italy Honeymoon

Land of la dolce vita (the sweet life), Italy is one of the world’s best-loved destinations, and no wonder—two-thirds of the world’s historical artistic heritage is there. Tuscany alone possesses more artistic treasures than the whole of Spain, which is the second country in the world for cultural heritage.
Whether you crave culture, gastronomy, cutting-edge design, sybaritic pleasures or simply the art of il dolce far niente—the sweet doing nothing—this is a country for lovers of all that is good in life. A visit to Italy is a lesson in living well. Open-air vegetable and fruit markets, neighborhood bakeries and fresh cheeses made daily are fixtures of Italian life.
Some of our most recommended area not to be missed:

  • Rome- explore hidden piazzas and colorful neighborhoods. Tour the Eternal City, and glimpse Via Veneto’s cafes and boutiques
  • Venice- drift along enchanting canals and explore winding pathways while the faint echoes of local dialect fill the crescendo of intimate conversations.
  • Florence- City of unique charm, symbol of the Renaissance, famous throughout the world for its architectural beauty and the extraordinary works of art in and outside its museums.
  • Tuscany- tour the scenic Tuscan countryside and sample renowned wines. Discover intimate trattoria, enjoy chic cities, gentle hills, and medieval towns.
  • Amalfi Coast– discover a stunning coastline and lounge on a private beach or sun deck against a backdrop of dramatic cliff sides and verdant green mountain peaks.

To be matched with your Destination and Romance Specialists, try our fun interactive matching tool: www.Virtualhoneymoon.com

Sonoma Wine Country – Destination of the month!

Sonoma Wine Cave

Sonoma Wine Cave

Have you ever romanticized about wine country during harvest?
Find out what it’s like this September in the heart of Sonoma Valley.
Join us for an intimate harvest experience – our 2016 Sonoma Valley Crush in Sonoma Wine Country.
You’ll not only get a behind-the-scenes look at what happens during harvest, you’ll have the opportunity to get involved.
For three days, wineries will be offering a variety of Harvest Activities including Grape Sampling in the vineyards, Crush Pad tours, and samples of Fresh Pressed Juice. You may even taste a wine while it’s fermenting.
Meet with and ask Winemakers questions about harvest. This is your opportunity to learn all about harvest.
Join in with the locals for harvest and experience why Sonoma Wine Country was chosen Destination of the month!

September 16, 17 & 18 11 AM – 4 PM both days
Advance tickets: $35 per person (includes a souvenir wine glass and access to all participating wineries)
$10 for Designated Driver passes

Click here for Map of participating Wineries
Click here to purchase tickets

Thank you to our local singer/song writer Pete Stringfellow, for allowing us to use his music with our wine country video!

Honeymoon Planning made easy!

Honeymoon Planning - Beach
Honeymoon planning can often be very stressful and overwhelming for couples,  keep in mind that perfect honeymoons don’t just happen, and planning requires thoughtfulness, patience, careful attention to details, and a lot of decision-making along the way. This is why we highly recommend using a certified honeymoon specialist who don’t charge any fees for their service and will save you alot of stress along the way, honeymoon planning made easy!
Here’s some of our top honeymoon spots from 2015:

Honeymoon Planning Sunset Beach OahuTop Honeymoon Hotspots

Your honeymoon can be the most romantic trip you’ll ever take, and it can also be a lot of fun. Look for a destination that offers everything you want. Remember that there is no “ideal” destination – the personality of you and your partner will determine where on the planet your honeymoon should be. However, the following locations traditionally are considered the greatest spots to honeymoon and top many newlyweds” travel wish-lists………BUT we recommend finding your personal honeymoon match, just take a quick fun interactive quiz together and find out your top 2 destinations match, you will be able to virtually explore together, try it now: www.VirtualHoneymoon.com
Once you find your perfect match with our new honeymoon planning tool, our honeymoon designers will help you find the best resort match based on our likes and dislikes, its complimentary to use one of our honeymoon designers, they have all traveled and been certified in every destination we recommend!

Hawaii – Hawaii remains the number one destination for honeymoons year after year because of its romantic sunsets, magnificent beaches, and luxurious hotels. Visitors to Hawaii can also conveniently hop from island to island to experience just about any climate and adventure under the sun, including kayaking, mountain climbing, surfing, scuba, and even hiking in a rainforest.

Mexico – From the Yucatan peninsula to the Pacific Coast, Mexico is all at once romantic, adventurous, and laid-back. A collection of spectacular land- and seascapes larger than almost anywhere else in the world, reasonably priced attractions and an easy-to-reach location make a Mexico vacation hard to beat. Honeymooners can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including eco-tourism, water sports, horseback riding, diving, and touring ancient Mexican ruins.

The Caribbean – The islands of the Caribbean have long been favorites for honeymooners. While we mention a few below by name, your travel consultant can assist you with destination materials that provide a wealth of information for helping you choose the perfect spot.

Bahamas – With over 700 separate islands, you”ll find numerous resorts with all the water sports, pampering, night clubs, fine dining, casinos, and beaches you could possibly want. Many amazing islands in the Bahamas can also be visited easily in one trip by booking a cruise. If you”re seeking a truly romantic paradise for your upcoming honeymoon, look closely at the Bahamas.

Jamaica – If you”re eager to just get away and relax after hectic wedding planning, Jamaica is the place to be. From the famous reggae music festivals to the beautiful shorelines, it”s easy to get into the Jamaican state of mind. Whether you stay on the island in a luxurious resort or simply visit for a couple of hours on a cruise ship stop, Jamaica”s culture of fun, sun, and romance will make you feel welcome.

U.S. Virgin Islands – Replete with sailing, snorkeling, sports fishing, and tons of shopping, honeymooners have long been attracted to the Virgin Islands for an active escape.

Tahiti and the South Pacific – These islands are becoming an increasingly popular destination for couples (including celebrities) seeking an exclusive honeymoon experience and are the closest most ever get to a private island retreat. The sheer beauty and history of the land and the people allows couples to participate in awe-inspiring eco-tourism and cultural activities. Many also opt to stay in traditional style burés, some of which are directly over the water, to take advantage of the unparalleled views.

Fiji- Is the magical isles with the friendliest people on earth! From glistening white sand beaches and crystal clear lagoons and unique atmosphere to world class diving, The Soft Coral Capital of the World has epic surfing and untouched rain-forests to explore. They have some of the most romantic beach bure’s from Treetops to the beach.

Wine Country, Ca. – Many couples are drawn to distinctive locations throughout the United States. California, one of the most popular, offers marvels ranging from San Francisco”s Golden Gate Bridge to Wine Country. Its incredible range of world-class hotels, entertainment, and shopping venues gives honeymooners an exciting vacation from home. Offering fun and romantic tourist attractions that welcome visitors year-round. Traveling within the U.S. is an excellent opportunity to experience the unique diversity for which America is world-renowned.

Honeymoon Planning - Costa Rica HotspringsPlanning a Stress-Free Honeymoon

For honeymoon planning, the best prices and availability we recommend booking 6-12 months in advance also considering your budget, know that all-inclusive resorts take care of most of your meals, athletic equipment, and tips. Some also include liquor and bar costs as well as resort-specific activities. These arrangements vary widely, however, with some including roundtrip airfare, so find out exactly what is and is not included in the price.
Speaking of budget, we recommend using a honeymoon registry, where your guests can help pay for your honeymoon, check this out here, its free: Honeymoon Registry

Once you have a budget, decide when to go and for how long. Figure out how many vacation days you have and how many you”ll need before the wedding to take care of odds and ends at the last minute. Decide whether you want to leave immediately after your wedding, or wait a few days or weeks to give yourself more time to focus on the trip. It”s usually a good idea to give yourself at least a day or two to continue the honeymoon after returning home, before you head back to work and settle into your everyday life.

Have questions with honeymoon planning or need more ideas, feel free to contact one of our honeymoon designers at info@virtualhoneymoon.com
Call us at 707-824-8826!

Wine Country Honeymoon ~ Giveaway!

Virtual Honeymoon is working with some amazing vendors in Sonoma Wine Country in giving a dream honeymoon away to a lucky couple for help with launching our new interactive honeymoon tool: www.virtualhoneymoon.com  enter to win, take our quiz and fill out contact form.

One lucky couple will win our “sip, zip & stay” 4 day honeymoon package!
Stay in our favorite vineyard house with a romantic picnic and  zipline tour for 2 through the redwoods!

See details below, and get to know our wine country partners…….

Occidental Road Cellars - Rich & JoelleOwners Richard & Joelle Prather of Occidental Road Cellars  who not only have beautiful vineyards and amazing award winning wine, they also have a breath-taking house situated within a beautiful, private 20-acre vineyard that grows award winning Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah.

Wine Country Honeymoon - RJ ToastThis property is in close proximity to all that Sonoma County Wine Country has to offer!

The winning couple will experience the winemaker’s lifestyle for 4 glorious days………
Relax on the deck with a glass of wine while looking at the spectacular views or take a leisurely stroll through the vineyards.
Wine Country Honeymoon - RJ Vineyard Walk                                    Wine Country Honeymoon - RJ HJouse
Wine Country Honeymoon - Rich VineyardThe lucky couple will get to personally meet owner/winemaker Richard, he will take them on a private vineyard tour, followed with a personal wine tasting, choose your favorite bottle for a romantic vineyard picnic!  

 

 

Next, meet our zipline partners……

Alliance Redwoods Sonoma Canopy Tours - Zipline

Nestled off the coast of Northern California and deep in the Redwood forest, Sonoma Canopy Tours is high adventure and completely unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.

The winning couple will enjoy a two-and-a-half hour Guided eco tour that includes 7 ziplines, 2 sky bridges, a majestic spiral staircase, a rappel to the forest floor, and the unparalleled beauty of the world famous California Coastal Redwoods.
California Ziplines“Winning couple will be drawn at Occidental Road Cellars on Feb. 14 ~ Good luck honeymooners!”
Please share with your friends and enjoy the journey @ www.VirtualHoneymoon.com
*accommodations based on availability through 2016

Sonoma County Wineries

We LOVE Sonoma County Wineries! Not only because we live and grew up here, but for what its turned into, from apples to grape vines to perfect wines! A peaceful, beautiful valley full of breathtaking vineyards, majestic mountains, quiet rivers, towering redwoods all close to the pacific ocean. There are different areas in Sonoma Wine Country and over 700 wineries at last count, so choosing which ones to visit can be a little overwhelming to say the least.  No worries, we will break down the best areas and list our favorite and highly recommended wineries for you. 

There are basically four Wine Regions you should not miss! 

RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY– This is the appellation best known for its Top- Pinot Noirs, Old Vine Zinfandels, Chardonnays, also known for Merlot, Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah.   The grapes, for the most part, grown and produced here in Russian River Valley.  This valley set the standards for California Wine Country back in 1983.  Because of the sunny yet cool protected coast line, Russian River area has some of the finest wines ever produced, in my humble opinion!
Here are some of our favorites & highly recommended Wineries:

Russian River Vineyards – Russian River Old Winery
Love this place! Its a very unique destination winery! Hands down, the best wine!  But don’t take my word for it.   They were just voted best wine north of the Golden Gate.   Their wines are all organic.  The winery has great prices and a friendly staff.  Stop by and meet the Winery owners, Gio & Chris, the most down to earth friendly guys who love to share their stories and wine with you!
They also have a amazing onsite Restaurant -Corks.  The restaurant, which grows it’s own organic produce, was just voted best outdoor restaurant in Sonoma County.  Seriously, this is a must when in Wine Country!
Occidental Road Cellars-
Ultra-premium wines from lands farmed by their family for four generations. The vineyard site is a rolling ridge near Occidental, with a southern aspect and spectacular views of the hills beyond, the moderate climate allows for fruit maturity with exceptional depth and balance with amazing wines, great prices.
Hook and Ladder-
On 375 acres, their vineyards produce cool climate grapes widely recognized as some of the finest in the world. They have a really quaint winery which you can go to and taste right in a old barn style room alongside the wine barrels, sometimes you get lucky and get to taste right out of the barrel!
Lynmar Winery-
Situated on a unique and picturesque site with rolling vineyards, their vines are over forty years old, 15 clones of Pinot Noir and 4 clones of Chardonnay . They also have breathtaking gardens which border the vineyards that attract beneficial insects and hummingbirds, providing a natural barrier from pests, they practice sustainable farming which lends itself to amazing wine.

DRY CREEK VALLEY– Known for its idyllic undisturbed beauty, Dry Creek Valley is home to over 9,000 acres of vineyards, with a grape growing history going back 140 years. Because of the valley a little more heated, they boast one of the best Old Vine Zinfandel in the world!  Most the wineries, at least the ones we recommend, have a commitment to land stewardship with the valley’s farming practices, they follow sustainable, organic and biodynamic practices in the vineyards.
Here are some of our favorites we recommend:
Truett-Hurst Winery-Truett-Hurst Winery
One of our favorite and most highly recommended wineries in Dry Creek area! They are located on a quiet river, complete with farm animals and gardens, bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a tasting creek-side or grab a table and enjoy the gardens! They specialize in making Zinfandel and Petite Syrah, they also produce delicious Port, this is a must stop when in Dry Creek area, love this place!
Bella Vineyards & Wine Cave-
Located on West Dry Creek Road, enjoy estate grown, award-winning Zinfandels and Rhone varietals. Explore the wine caves and enjoy the incredible serenity and breathtaking views while tasting small-production wines in their underground tasting room. Their wine tasting can be done in their quaint county barn or in their wine cave, either one is really unique and fun
Sbragia Vineyards-
The end of Dry Creek road, this winery is located on a hillside, overlooking the entire valley with sweeping views,  wine taste varieties which include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Bring a picnic and enjoy wine tasting with the sunshine and vineyard views in the tasting room or request a tasting on their scenic wrap around deck!
Wilson Winery-
A small, family-owned and operated winery. Specializing in estate-grown red wines only.  Visit the tasting room with one of the finest panoramas of Dry Creek Valley, enjoy a tasting in their quaint tasting room or on the panoramic deck over looking the vineyards, very friendly, great wine, bring a picnic lunch and enjoy!

ALEXANDER VALLEY–  Located at the north end of Sonoma County, is about 22 miles long, the valley is best known for the world-famous Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that thrive from the valley floor all the way up the rolling hillsides and mountain ridges.
Soda Rock Winery-SODA ROCK WINERY
Taste a erray of delicious wines with a focus on Bordeaux varietals. Enjoy the historical buildings that have been beautifully restored using green building and recycling practices, a realistic feel of a historic old town. They inspire to regain its place in the community, by providing spectacular venues for social gatherings, and to promote local agricultural products, cuisine and artisanal specialties.
Hanna Winery-
Founded in 1985 by Dr. Elias Hanna, a world-renowned cardiac surgeon, eager to find a place in the country to continue the farming heritage of his upbringing. His daughter Christine has run the operations of the winery for 20 years and has has lived in  Sonoma all of her adult life. Hanna owns 600 acres of land in the Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley and Alexander Valley and the Mayacamas Mountains, the winery has evolved and blends the diversity of fruit cultivated in its four vineyard estates in unique appellations.
Alexander Valley Vineyards-
Located on Highway 128 owned since 1963 by the Wetzels family, they planted premium grape varieties, they bottled their first vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon in 1968 which was given to friends and family. In 1975 the family built a small winery , which they produced thier first wine in 1975. They now produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot constitute over one-half of total production.
Clos Du Bois Winery-
After traveling France’s wine regions, founder Frank Woods returned to California inspired to marry the French style of winemaking! In 1974 their classic Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, 1980 Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc were added and early 1900’s Zinfandel release and the winery were born.

SONOMA VALLEY-Also known as The Valley of the Moon, is located in the southern portion of the county. The appellation is bordered by two mountain ranges: the Mayacamas Mountains to the east and the Sonoma Mountains to the west. This area is known for its unique terroir, with Sonoma Mountain protection from the wet and cooling  Pacific Ocean, and Sonoma Mountains to the west, that protect the valley from excessive rainfall. The cool air that does affect the region comes northward from the Los Carneros region and southward from the Santa Rosa Plain.
Deerfield Wine Cave-Wine Cave
Our favorite Wine Cave! They have the best organic fruity wine, perfectly balanced, soft tannins, low acid and cleanly made with low sulfites, they are located in the center of 23,000 square feet wine cave. You walk through the crush pad, around the fermenting tanks through beautiful Redwood portal doors into the cave. Stroll past hundreds of barrels full of wine to the center of the wine glass shaped cave and into the Grand Room.
ST. Framcis Winery-
Established in 1971 with four decades of wines that reflect the finest mountain and valley vineyards in Sonoma County. The founder, Joe Martin, fell in love with Sonoma Valley and planted 22 acres of Chardonnay and 60 acres of Merlot in Sonoma Valley. After achieving great success as a grower, Joe opened his own winery in 1979 with his business partner Lloyd Canton, thus known as St. Francis. certified as a sustainable  family-owned winery!
Landmark Vineyards-
In the heart of Sonoma, founded in 1974 in Windsor, CA and in 1989 relocated from Windsor, a town that was slowly being smothered by urban sprawl, to a spectacular piece of land at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain in the Sonoma Valley. Practicing old tradition of handcrafted wines, producing rich, balanced wines perfect for pairing with a multitude of cuisines.
Ledson Winery-

Known as the Castle Winery, this 16,000 square foot French Normandy winery originally designed as their family home, specialize in small varietal lots that reflect the genuine diversity of their select vineyards and appellations, taste Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, Petite

Find Your Perfect Honeymoon Match on www.VirtualHoneymoon.com

Virtual Honeymoon is born!

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VirtualHoneymoon.com is a God given vision, and was born out of years of frustration in working in the glorious world of Travel. I’m incredibly passionate about working with couples in planning their dream come true honeymoon! My heart thrills to see couples in love and I am blessed when they come home from their honeymoon even … Continue reading