There's never been a better—or more philanthropic—time to glamp-out in Wine Country, while enjoying a fine glass of red, white, or blushed wine.
As they adage goes: by buying local goods and services, you indelibly help support the communities of which house them. And, even though the fires that swept through Wine Country and East Bay have long been put to rest, buried under millions of gallons of water and fire retardant, the small businesses; the "side-hustles"; the artisan shops that once helped spur local economic growth have, in many cases, been reduced to rubble and ash. However, there are still ways you can help foster Wine Country relief efforts in this pressing time; like, for example, uncorking a favorite Wine Country wine while embracing all things glamping. Pack up the hatchback and head north for a little R&R; with Mother Nature. Here are some of our favorite adventures to unwind and enjoy a glass of Napa Valley or Sonomoa wine from just north of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Camp Valhalla @ Odin Wine's Camping
For those who can't be bothered with pitching tents and cocooning inside sleeping bags, than look no further than Camp Valhalla's glamping wonderland. Offering over 100 square-feet of livable space, the on-site safari tent is equipped with two oversized coats, each implement with their own high-quality air mattress, personal solar-powered battery supply to help keep your phones and other miscellaneous gadgetry fully charged; outside, glampers can warm their feet by a fire ring, lounging comfortably from their choice of four directors chair. So, go ahead, enjoy a second or third glass of your favorite blush wine—because you'll be only a walks away from your glamped-out bed once the bottle runs dry. // From $150/night for upwards of 4 adults, feel free to ask the host if you need more chairs or tables for dining; details at Hipcamp.com
Vino tip: Santa Rosa's Ancient Oak Cellars suffered major damage during the fires earlier this year—so help spur their business and on-going rebuilding efforts by swinging by to pick up one of their bright, semi-sweet blushes scoured from Pagnano Vineyards.
Hetch Hetchy Cabin @ Reinstein Ranch
Erected more than a century ago, wake up to the sounds of a gallivanting horse from your own cabin the in woods. Inside Under Hetch Hetchy Cabin's tin roof—which lends itself to soothing percussions when rain drops dance and refract atop its oxidized surface—you'll find an indoor sink, copious light fixtures to use at your discretion, a single comfy, king-sized bed, and more situational, tiny-home charm. Also, renters will have full access to the adjacent main house—where hot showers can be hand and food can be either stored or cooked. Between exploring all the nooks and crannies of the boarding green space, you'd be remiss not to take up the gorgeous hiking at Morgan Territory Regional Park, a mere hop, skip, and jump away from the cabin's welcome mat. And there's (arguably) no better way to wind down from a long day's hike than watching the sunset, full glass of wine and warm conversation in tow. // From $130/night for upwards of two adults, dog-friendly, details at Hipcamp.com
Vino Tip: Just because this glamping rendezvous is situated in East Bay, it doesn't mean you still can't enjoy a Napa Valley sourced varietal, such those bottled by the now recovering William Hill Estate Winery, many of which can be ordered online and delivered to your door for a rather nominal amount.
Platform Glamping @ Happy Valley Ranch
Planted along the foothills of Mt. St. Helena, Happy Valley Ranch sits on several acres of secluded NorCal terra firma and offers glamped-out yurts to help get some seasonal R&R.; (The area, too, has great places to let your furry-friend run wild and free, without fear of getting lost.) The platform tent perched at Happy Valley Ranch mirrors a well-canvassed, airy safari tent, complete with a mahogany bed and Persian rugs; you'll also find inside a litany of amenities, such as a few conveniently placed electrical outlets, LED and incandescent lights, a wood burning stove, cooling fans, deluxe bedding, an extra full-size air mattress, all of which is to help you feel right at home. We can, for sure, cheers a well-rounded zinfandel to those consoling, welcoming vibes. // From $250/night for upwards of 5 adults (there's a nearby, well-equipped outhouse within walking distance); details on Hipcamp.com
Vino Tip: On your way up, stop by and support nearby Storybook Winery, siding to splurge on their zinfandel blends—like their barrel-fermented, dry zinfandel rosé Zin Gris—they're famous for bottling-up by the pallet.
Windhorse Tipi Camp @ Chanslor Vista
Perched along the ascending hills of the Chanslor Vista, Windhorse Tipi Camp offers a more striped-down glamping experience, one where you're pushed toward appreciating the waxing viewsheds. The yurt itself is populated by two cots (plus padding), an electric lantern, battery pack, small table, and outdoor chairs for use in or out of the teepee. And, just outside the teepee's opening, you'll find a generously sized fireplace shouldered by an equally large picnic table. So, after a long day's hike filled with breathtaking views of the nearby coastline, enjoy a fire-cooked meal as you gaze up at the stars above. Windshore Tipi Camp, too, sits in a area unpolluted by urban light structures. Bathrooms and showers are less than a five-minute walk away at the main house. But remember that glamping at Chanslor Vista is a BYOC (Bring Your Own Corkscrew) outing. // From $100/night for upwards of two adults, details at Hipcamp.com
Vino Tip: Complete your up-scale, eco-chic trek up the coast with an equally luxurious wine in your overnight bag, courtesy of a full-bodied, well-balanced offering from VinRoc's, which can be either ordered online and delivered to your door or picked-up beforehand at Ferry Plaza Wine Merchants and Cask in the Embarcadero.
