Thinking of a trip to wine country this summer? Get the full Napa experience at these newly-opened hotels and wineries to visit…

Head to South America for world-class sparkling wine and some of the best Italian food outside of Italy. The Southern Hemisphere is world-renowned for its wines from Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. But Brazil—famous for Ipanema and Copacabana, not malbec and sauvignon blanc—remains a quiet underdog, despite the fact that it’s the fifth-largest wine producer in the Southern Hemisphere (ahead of New Zealand).

"From Gold Rush towns preserved in time to 140-year-old grapevines, the Sierra Foothills area keeps one foot in the 19th century. In this region, known as Gold Country and the Mother Lode, you will uncover rich history, best explored via raft or wine glass."

Eugene is to Portland as Oakland is to San Francisco. It’s less populated, less polished, but rapidly shedding its former bad-boy rap and gaining notoriety as the cooler little brother.

One hour north of San Francisco, all of life’s greatest indulgences — wine, food, relaxation, and adventure — can be experienced all at once in Napa Valley, one of the top Wine Country destinations in the world.

“A poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream.” That’s how John Steinbeck describes the down-at the-heels district at the center of his 1945 novel, Cannery Row. The smells and sounds of the sardine canneries have long disappeared from Ocean View Avenue in Monterey. Those factories now house gift shops, chic wine-tasting rooms and seafood restaurants..."

Winter might just be Napa Valley's best kept secret: Free of crowds and traffic, the off-season also promises steals at Wine Country's hottest luxury hotels.

Often referred to as Napa Valley’s younger sibling, Sonoma wine country is all grown up. Now with more than 400 wineries scattered throughout its world-class growing region, plus renowned restaurants like the Girl and the Fig and Michelin-starred Single Thread, Sonoma County has forged its own identity as the cooler, mellower family member, who also happens to be an easier and more scenic drive from San Francisco.

You could say that the wine world nearly missed out on Heidi Barrett and her elegant, expertly-balanced cult cabernets.

The Del Dotto family, notorious for their opulent style, caves and barrel tastings, has opened up a third winery in Napa Valley, Piazza Del Dotto Winery and Caves.

The size of your head, the elevated chile relleno isn't fried as usual, lending a lightness to the gloriously cheesy dish.

Roll Back to Simpler Times at the New Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa