Last weekend, I went on a girls trip with a few fun friends. We drove up north to Solvang / Santa Barbara, CA area.  We stayed in Solvang at Hotel Corque. This town looks like it was straight out of a Disney movie for Hansel & Gretel. It’s a short drive to Santa Maria Valley and many of the wineries in this region. We were fortunate and have a connection through the Corona del Mar Wine Gallery. We had a few private tastings set up for us as well as an amazing dinner on Friday night. We met the various staff and interns from Tantara Winery and Presqu’ile Winery. Not only did we get to sample the wine but we mingled with the on site crew to see how the sorting process of grapes was actually done. We learned about the fermentation, and the various steps towards bottling the wine. Did you know that the wood for one barrel from France can cost up to $1,100 – this doesn’t even include it assembled!

Of course if wasn’t all fun and drinks- we did contribute some hard work… by stomping the grapes at Presqu’ile Winery.  Each of us; myself, Andrea, Lisa and Michelle slid into these rubber waiters and stomped around the container of grapes. It was definitely an experience to cross off the bucket list. To see more photos, view the album here.