While much of the country bundles up for winter, California’s wine regions come alive in an entirely different way – quieter vineyards, cozy tasting rooms, fire-lit patios, and scenic backroads free of summer crowds. For travelers craving a winter escape that blends relaxation with exceptional wine, these destinations offer the perfect mix of calm, flavor, and California sunshine.
Temecula Creek Inn | Southern California Set on more than 300 acres of oak-filled hillsides, Temecula Creek Inn offers a serene winter retreat at the heart of Southern California wine country – with over 50 wineries just minutes away. The resort blends approachable luxury with a deep connection to nature, featuring spacious rooms and suites that open onto private patios or balconies with mountain or garden views. Guests can spend crisp winter mornings on the resort’s 27 holes of championship golf, explore the walking trails and seasonal Butterfly Habitat, or enjoy hyperlocal, garden-driven cuisine at Corkfire Kitchen. Its close proximity to both Old Town Temecula and the region’s acclaimed wineries makes it an ideal base for uncrowded tasting experiences, limited-release winter pours, and intimate vineyard tours. With its historic Stone House, peaceful grounds, and immersive sense of place, Temecula Creek Inn is the perfect gateway to Temecula’s under-the-radar winter wine season.
The Ava Hotel, Paso Robles | Central Coast
Recently opened in August 2025, The Ava Hotel evokes charming Paso Robles hospitality with an authentic, community-driven spirit. Rooted in the region’s rich viticultural heritage, The Ava Hotel serves as a living homage to the region’s terroir, owned and operated by passionate locals embedded in the wine and hospitality industries. The brand-new, four-story property features 151 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, versatile event spaces, Paso Robles’ largest rooftop destination, and a curated collection of retail spaces on the ground floor. Anchoring the corner of Pine and 10th Streets in the heart of downtown, The Ava Hotel is home to three distinct dining experiences: Esperanza – a poolside rooftop bar featuring firepits and lounge seating – lobby bar/café Pine St. Bistro, and EMRE, an elegant Mediterranean coastline-inspired restaurant, with a menu developed by beloved local Chef Julien Asseo. Designed for connection and inclusivity, The Ava Hotel invites both visitors and locals to experience the essence of Paso through curated events and artisanal collaborations that celebrate the region's creative spirit.
Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs| Northern California
A beloved Calistoga icon for more than 70 years, Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs brings a fresh, design-forward approach to Napa Valley wellness. Steps from the region’s top wineries, the resort blends playful mid-century charm with its famed geothermal mineral pools, mud treatments, and a full-service spa rooted in relaxation and restoration. Guests can immerse in the Better You! wellness program, featuring nourishing culinary offerings, mineral-rich therapies, and mindful activities, or explore wine country with their four-legged companions thanks to the resort’s pet-friendly accommodations. Through its partnership with Sterling Vineyards, guests also receive 50% off the Sterling Stroll experience, creating a seamless blend of wellness and wine country discovery. Equal parts rejuvenating and approachable, Dr. Wilkinson’s remains one of Napa Valley’s most welcoming wellness-focused escapes.
The Sea Ranch Lodge | Sonoma Coast
Set on 53 acres of spectacular Northern California coastline in Sonoma County, the iconic Sea Ranch Lodge offers a restorative winter escape where wine country meets the wild Northern California coast. Its 17 reimagined guest rooms embody elevated simplicity, from natural materials, panoramic ocean views, and the soothing soundtrack of the Pacific, creating a serene home base for exploring Sonoma’s tasting rooms and scenic backroads at their quietest. Winter at the Lodge also brings thoughtful wine-driven programming: Vino & Vinyl sessions pair handpicked Sonoma wines with classic records, while Sip Like a Somm workshops led by Wine Director Chloe Tula offer guests a chance to deepen their palate and understanding of the region. After a day of coastal hikes or uncrowded tastings, guests can settle into the Dining Room, where hyperlocal, farm-driven cuisine, sourced in part from The Sea Ranch Farm’s closed-loop system, is served with sweeping ocean views. With weekly yoga, rotating art exhibits, and hands-on workshops, The Sea Ranch Lodge is an immersive, design-forward retreat for the winter wine traveler.
