Travel Tuesday: The Frugal Wine Taster

”The discovery of a wine is of greater moment than the discovery of a constellation. ~ Benjamin Franklin

A voyage of discovery is a fun experience in and of itself but add to the fact, uncovering finding great new wines makes the trip all the merrier. But for many, the cost of wine-discovery can add up quite quickly, so many opt to just stay home and drink the same wines they have always enjoyed.

But what if I told, there was a way to get some complimentary wine-tastings in a great location known and loved by many, called Sonoma County. Would you hoot, would you holler or perhaps just load up the wine-wagon with friends and family and make your way out to wine country for the weekend?

I think that you, in fact, would find a way to free-up sometime on that busy work-free weekend. So here's the good-news; Visa Signature and Sonoma County Vintners offer cardholders the following year-round benefits at over 60 select Sonoma wineries:* 

• Two unique complimentary tastings per cardholder 
• Savings on wine purchased same day in Tasting Room and non-wine purchases 
• Discounted savings on Reserve tastings and unique wine-and-food pairings. 
• Complimentary tasting details and benefits vary by winery, and you may wish to call ahead to confirm winery benefits.

So if you happen to have a Visa Signature Card* then you are lucky; as any cardholder is going to be able to get a sip of the good life for free. Yep, you heard me right "free," however, see their website for complete details [because restrictions do apply].

To make this great offer, even easier there's a printable map which directs you to all the participating wineries. With over 60 included on the list; I'm pretty sure you'll find one that floats your boat. After quickly perusing the menu; I see many of my favorites like Rodney Strong, Roth, Rued, Seghesio and Twomey Cellars to name a few.

Seems like a pretty good deal for the wandering wino and great way to kick-off what might otherwise be just a dull weekend. So you get your empty glass over to Sonoma and give those wines a swirl.

The weather is perfect right now, and again it's a great time to hang in Sonoma County. While you're there, I would recommend having lunch or dinner at The Girl and the Fig a fun gastronomical experience not to be missed. So until next time sip long and prosper cheers!