More Wine, Less Whine with Southwest®
Reds, whites, and rosés flow all day at the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival, bringing everyone from master sommeliers to first-time dabblers together for the best pours on the market. It’s natural when thinking of the best wines to think first of traditional California wine country… but while Napa Valley and Sonoma County are well-represented, it would be a mistake to overlook the other up-and-comers of the wine world! Sampling the wide selection of wines available at the festival will have you itching to travel to lesser-known wine destinations as well as classic viticulture spots, in California and beyond. As these wineries are all an easy trip from a Southwest Airlines® destination, there’s no better airline to fly you to your wine flights! Pack your palate and your carry-on!
PORTLAND, OREGON
Beyond its lush Pacific Northwest scenery, renowned food scene, and proudly weird vibes, Portland and its surrounding countryside play host to several wineries of note. In Carlton, less than an hour’s drive from Portland, Anne Amie Vineyards features a tasting room with breathtaking views of its Willamette Valley vineyards and the Pacific Coast mountain range. After tasting Anne Amie at the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival, we won’t be surprised if you find yourself booking one of Southwest’s daily flights to Portland!
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA
Far from playing second fiddle to San Francisco, Oakland boasts a lively arts and cultural scene with myriad of theaters, music venues, galleries and restaurants. But of course, one of its most important advantages is its proximity to some of the most acclaimed vineyards in the Napa Valley area. Tasting Barlow Vineyards at the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival will whet your appetite for their infamous Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. Once your Southwest flight lands at Oakland’s conveniently located airport, take a winding 90-minute drive through wine country to Barlow Vineyards – and don’t forget to book your private tasting in advance!
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA
Northern California wines have gained international fame for a reason, and California’s capital of Sacramento provides unparalleled access to some of the best. While you’re at the San Diego Bay Food and Wine Festival, don’t miss sampling Klinker Brick Winery. We bet you’ll come away wanting to taste their full lineup of world-class wines, from Albariño to Zinfandel. Your Southwest flight into Sacramento will leave you with just a quick 45-minute drive to their tasting room in Lodi – A.K.A. the “Zinfandel Capital of the World”!
EL PASO, TEXAS
Did you know that New Mexico’s southwestern corner, right across the state border from El Paso, is recognized for its viticulture? That’s right – in addition to discovering historic Old West Country with its hot springs, colorful towns, and heritage museums, you can sip New Mexico’s finest vino straight from the source. Get a preview at the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival, where D.H. Lescombes Winery will be pouring their award-winning New Mexican wines. Then immerse yourself in the full experience by visiting the D.H. Lescombes’ Winery and Tasting Room in Deming, NM – just a 90-minute drive after your Southwest flight lands in El Paso.
MAUI, HAWAII
Even Californians need a warm escape during the winter months! Catch a flight to Kahului Airport on the island of Maui, known for its spectacular beaches and waterfalls – and check out its unique winery, MauiWine. While they may not be pouring at the wine and food festival this year, we can’t miss the opportunity to share that this winery is perched on the slopes of a dormant volcano! A beautiful 40-minute drive from Kahului Airport will take you to MauiWine’s historic estate, where you can settle into its taproom and enjoy your pours with scenic south coast views. Aloha!
*Southwest Airlines® service from San Diego to Maui begins 4/14/2020.
