Looking for once-in-a-lifetime Wine Country experiences? How does someone find these incredible experiences? Read on.
To kick-off the Wine Road’s 50th anniversary, the member wineries are offering 15 online auction lots that are exactly what you’re looking for — relaxing, once-in-a-lifetime Wine Country experiences along the Wine Road. Winning bidders can enjoy a stay in a vineyard-lined guest house with a gourmet kitchen and a lap pool, or a safari vineyard tour and elevated tasting, or a tour, tasting and lunch with the winery owner — who might also be the winemaker and vineyard manager. Maybe a vacation home in Croatia would be the perfect holiday gift to yourself, or to share with friends, family or someone special?
Extraordinary, Elevated Tasting Experiences
The wine tasting auction lots offer above-and-beyond experiences along with exceptional wines and incredible views.
Gary Farrell Winery’s auction lot includes an in-depth tasting of their renowned wines, plus two bottles of stellar wine for the group of four to take with them.
Maybe you’re looking for an in-depth vineyard “safari” tour that includes a tasting and artisanal charcuterie. That’s exactly what Ehret Family Winery is offering for two people to enjoy. Sounds like it would be the perfect adventure during a romantic getaway, and be prepared for breathtaking panoramic views.
If you’ve always wanted to learn how to open a bottle of sparkling wine with a saber, the auction lot at Cast Wines should be on your must-bid list. This lot include a vineyard tour, their Prestige Tasting and, of course, saber lessons.
Bocce and wine at Landmark Vineyards’ Hop Kiln Estate is a great way for four friends to hang out, sip wine and nibble on carefully selected cheeses and charcuterie to pair with the wines. The tasting room and grounds are so inviting you’ll want to relax and linger after bocce. Read more about this auction lot and the other tasting adventures on the online auction page.
Lunch and So Much More
Savoring a meal and exquisite wine with the winemaker or owner allows you access to the wine world’s inner circle. Here are three opportunities to spend authentic quality time getting to know the people behind the wine and hear their stories.
If you want a tasting and lunch with the winemaker, Russian River Vineyards’ auction lot is a private, curated tasting with winemaker Giovanni Balistreri along with a lunch designed to perfectly complement each wine.
How about an e-bike tour through the scenic vineyards of Dry Creek Valley? But that’s just the start. After the tour, you’ll savor a picnic lunch paired with the estate wines from Mounts Family Winery, hosted by the winemaker and family owners. The stunning hilltop vistas, delicious wines that capture that sense of place, and authentic hospitality of the Mounts family will deliver a day of lasting memories.
Peterson Winery’s Bradford Mountain Estate is the setting for an auction lot that includes an in-depth vineyard tour and lunch for eight. Owner and winegrower Fred Peterson and his partner Kathleen Stewart, the former owner and baker of Downtown Bakery and Creamery in Healdsburg, will provide a lunch incorporating locally grown, seasonal produce. Fred will be opening magnums (1.5L) of his estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah to pair with the meal. An added bonus, the mountainside location offers incredible panoramic views of the Dry Creek Valley.
Intimate Guest House Stays
Ever wanted to stay at a winery? Moshin Vineyards’ studio apartment is located at the winery. This auction lot also includes a seated wine tasting experience. This adorable apartment has room for two guests, a lovely kitchen and killer views.
Nestled among the vineyards, West Wines’ newly renovated Big Oak house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, sleeps four and has a Sundance spa. This auction lot for a three-weeknight stay, also includes a private wine tasting with curated charcuterie.
If you’re looking for a romantic two-night getaway, consider the Alexander Valley Vineyards guest house auction lot. This quaint winery guest house offers the perfect couples’ getaway retreat. This auction lot also include a tasting paired with local artisan cheeses.
Luxurious Lodgings
These auction lots offer once-in-a-lifetime rejuvenating retreats in the heart of Wine Country.
Dutcher Crossing is offering the ultimate Wine Country escape with their estate house. Their house has the perfect blend of luxury, comfort and seclusion nestled in their Dry Creek Valley vineyard. This auction lot stay is for up to six people, so it’s perfect for a family getaway or friends who love to travel and taste together. The house has a gourmet kitchen, fully equipped outdoor barbecue area and a private lap pool. There is also a curated private tasting with food included.
The Viszlay Vineyards guest house is ideal for a large group, as it sleeps up to 10 people. The house includes a gourmet kitchen, pool, hot tub, barbecue grill, fire pit and gorgeous Russian River Valley vineyard views. Guests will also an enjoy a tasting of Viszlay wines. Get together with your friends and put in your bid!
The modern three-bedroom, two-bathroom Farmhouse at Limerick Lane is located on the winery property and surrounded by vineyards. This three-night stay auction lot includes a tour of their estate Rocky Knoll vineyard, a creekside wine tasting, and if the weather permits, a dip in the wine bottle shaped swimming pool. This package is for up to six guests.
A weekend stay at the GC Lurton Vineyards Villa will have you wondering if you’re in a French chateau or a Tuscan villa in the picturesque Chalk Hill region of northeast Sonoma County. The villa feels like a little bit of both. Eight friends can enjoy this incredible stay, which includes a private tasting. If you’re seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, be sure to secure this auction lot for yourself and your friends.
Escape to Croatia
Enjoy a two-week stay in the serene fishing village of Sućuraj, Croatia, located on the sun-drenched eastern tip of Hvar on the Dalmatian Coast. This auction lot includes a two-week stay at two private apartments that accommodate up to eight guests. If you’d love an authentic European getaway, be sure to read the details of this incredible auction lot, donated by Frane and Janae Franicevic of Sunce Winery.
So Many Spectacular Options
Every auction lot offers a one-of-a-kind experience, with options for every budget and interest. If you’re longing for a truly unique Wine Country vacation in 2026, secure it now by placing your bids for the Wine Road’s 50th Anniversary Auction. Remember, you can schedule a tasting or a winery lunch while staying at one of the guest houses, so don’t limit your bidding to just one item.
The auction ends Dec. 14, 2025 at 4:00 pm PST, so don’t wait to dive into the description and more photos. Now’s your chance to place the winning bid for your next extraordinary vacation and make your Wine Country dreams a reality. Good luck!
Happy Sipping!
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- Tagged in: Alexander Valley, Alexander Valley Vineyards, Along the Wine Road, Cast Wines, Croatia, Dry Creek Valley, Dutcher Crossing, Ehret Family Winery, Fred Peterson, Gary Farrell Winery, GC Lurton Winery, Giovanni Balistreri, Hop Kiln Estate, Landmark Vineyards, Limerick Lane Cellars, Moshin Vineyards, Mounts Family Winery, online auction, Peterson Winery, Russian River Vineyards, Sućuraj, Sunce Winery, Viszlay Vineyards, West Wines, Wine Road's 50th Anniversary, wine tasting,
