Celebrate California Wine Month Monterey-style with a "Sea Breeze Sipping" Package

2010 marks the sixth consecutive year that California Wine Month will be celebrated in September. This is an important event in California, as wine plays a large role in California's economy. Our state makes 90% of all American wine, is responsible for $18.5 billion in retail wine sales in the U.S., and despite being only three-quarters the size of France, is the fourth largest wine producer in the world! California’s wine history can be traced back to the 18th century when Spanish missionaries planted the first vineyards. Californian wines became internationally known, and shocked the wine world, during the 1976 Judgment of Paris wine competition, when the underdog California beat out French wines in both red and white categories. Today there are more than 1,200 wineries throughout the state, ranging from small boutique ventures to large, world-wide distributing coporations. So sip proudly, California! In celebration of September’s California Wine Month, and the beginning of the grape harvest season, Monterey’s Spindrift Inn has created an exclusive ‘Sea Breeze Sipping’ package in conjunction with award-winning Scheid Vineyards. The one-night wine-lovers package includes romantic oceanfront or Cannery Row views, a welcome bottle of Scheid’s ’07 Pinot Noir (retails at $30), two complementary tasting passes at Scheid’s Cannery Row Wine Lounge, and continental breakfast delivered in-room on a silver tray each morning. Available only in the month of September, the package starts at $199 for Cannery Row views and $269 for ocean views. For reservations, please visit https://reservations.synxis.com/XBE/rez.aspx?hotel=11316&Chain=6017&shell=GCO&Promo=CTTC Scheid Vineyards Wine Lounge on historic Cannery Row is just steps from the Spindrift Inn providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere for guests to relax and taste the award-winning wines of Scheid Vineyards. Amid coffered ceilings, recycled hickory floors and the rustic Carmel Valley stone fireplace, the stylish venue offers educational classes and a regular schedule of both Wine Club and open-to-the-public events. For more information about Scheid Vineyards, please visit www.schiedvineyards.com. While you’re here, be sure to visit some of Monterey’s terrific wineries. Monterey Wine County includes nine appellations that have been officially identified as having unique characteristics that impart special character to the grapes and eventual wines. For a map or more information, please visit http://www.montereywines.org. Earlier this year, TripAdvisor named Spindrift Inn the number one hotel ‘Best for Romance in the U.S.’ on its list of Top 10 Hotels for Romance in the United States. The annual TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards honor the world’s best hotels, earning their distinction from those who know them best – real travelers.