Discover California's Untapped Wine Destination - the Santa Cruz Mountains - at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay, California (PRWEB) September 29, 2017 -- The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay — the iconic oceanfront resort overlooking 50 miles of Northern California coastline — invites travelers and wine lovers alike to experience the best of California harvest season with distinct offerings that showcase the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountain wine region.
From sipping a glass of wine around the fire pit on the resort’s Ocean Terrace during Sunset Hour, to exclusive wine tastings with expert sommeliers, and immersive overnight packages – including private tastings at one of the most acclaimed wineries in the country – The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay offers endless opportunities to embrace wine country on the coast.
While Napa and Sonoma are well-known California wine hotspots, the Santa Cruz Mountain wine region – situated between San Francisco, Monterey Bay, and Silicon Valley – is home to more than 70 wineries and produces some of the finest wines in the world. With award-winning Cabernets, Pinot Noirs, and Chardonnays that consistently rank on par with its Napa and Sonoma counterparts, this “wine country on the coast” is a hidden gem that has been deemed by many as the next hottest wine destination in California.
This harvest season is the perfect time to escape to the coast, and guests who stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay can experience the most celebrated wines of the Santa Cruz Mountain wine region with the resort’s exceptional wine program and carefully curated packages.
Offerings include:
Sommelier Wine Tastings in Cork Wine Bar:
As wine tasting is the perfect activity for the autumn season, guests can visit Cork Wine Bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay to sample the best wines of the moment through exclusive flights and tastings guided by the resort’s knowledgeable sommeliers. With breathtaking ocean views, Cork offers an ideal setting for trying a variety of new and interesting wines, as well as learning more about each one. Head Sommelier Todd Brinkman has compiled his Santa Cruz Mountain wine recommendations for this season, which are available for tasting at Cork, among many other delicious wine selections:
- Ridge “Monte Bello,” Santa Cruz Mountains
- Beauregard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ben Lomond Mountain
- Rhys, Pinot Noir, Horseshoe Vineyard
- Thomas Fogarty, Chardonnay, Portola Springs Vineyard
Wine by the Coast on The Ocean Terrace:
Relax by the fireside, take in the fresh ocean breeze and beautiful sights of the calming waves at The Ocean Terrace – the premier outdoor dining area at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. Guests are able to enjoy the highest quality selections of wines paired with melodic sounds of the resort’s very own Sunset Bagpiper, who plays traditional piping music at sunset. Dotted by cozy fire pits and featuring sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, The Ocean Terrace is the perfect spot for guests to indulge in a glass of wine while taking in the coastal scenery.
The Fire and Wine Experience:
Complemented by a tasteful recommendation by one of the resort’s sommeliers, the romantic Fire and Wine Experience allows guests to enjoy the company of their significant other to create unforgettable memories along the coast.
This package includes:
- Terrace Fire Pit room accommodations with private fire pit
- A bottle of wine from the featured winery in the Vintner Series
- S'mores kit for two to roast on the fire pit
- Rose petal turndown
- Overnight valet parking
- Resort fee, including guestroom internet access
The Fire and Wine Experience starts at $870 per night.
Ridge Vineyards Experience:
Experience a private wine tasting at Ridge Vineyard Monte Bello Estate – a favorite spot for locals and wine experts alike. Situated amidst the northern reaches of the Santa Cruz Mountains and surrounded by historic vineyards, Monte Bello provides guests with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to taste exceptional wines, including the vineyard’s most acclaimed Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon. This two-hour, exclusive tasting incorporates a tour of the vineyard where guests will see the petite verdot, merlot, and cabernet vines, as well as the historic knoll covered with 66-year-old cabernet sauvignon vines. To complete the experience, a carefully curated five-wine flight and library pour of the Monte Bello is presented, along with a gourmet cheese and tapenade plate.
This package includes:
- Overnight accommodations at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
- Reservations for an exclusive two-hour private tasting for two at Monte Bello Estate (Monday through Friday)
- Daily breakfast for two (in Navio or through In-Room Dining)
- Overnight valet parking and resort fee
The Ridge Vineyards Experience starts at $805 per night.
About The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay:
Set atop a rugged bluff overlooking 50 miles of pristine California coastline, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is a 261-room spa and golf resort offering a relaxing and romantic setting. As the San Francisco Bay Area’s only oceanfront resort, the timeless estate provides guests with a relaxed yet refined experience for a romantic getaway. For more information, please contact The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay at 650-712-7000. For room reservations, contact your travel professional, visit ritzcarlton.com/HMB or call Ritz-Carlton worldwide reservations at 800-241-3333. Visit ExperienceHalfMoonBay.com to learn more about the destination.
Photos available upon request.
Shelly Auyeung, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, http://www.ritzcarlton.com/hmb, +1 (650) 712-7007, [email protected]
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