Well, we survived Black Friday and even Black Friday Eve, which used to be known as Thanksgiving Day until certain retailers decided to open for business and lure shoppers with seemingly unbeatable deals.
Watching the crowds at the malls on TV made it a bit challenging to get into the holiday spirit, but now that December has officially dawned and virtually every part of the country has experienced at least one cold snap, it’s a bit easier.
If your holiday plans include a trip to the Napa Valley, consider purchasing a “Winter in the Wineries” passport. Depending on where you decide to stay, eat and sample wine, it could save you a lot of money.
The passport costs $50 and is good from December 3 – that’s this Friday – through February 6. It’s a multi-use passport that can be used for discounted lodging, meals and wine tasting in and around the town of Calistoga.
The more you use it, the more you save. (Of course, as my Dad used to say, if you just stay home, you’ll save a lot more. But that’s not really in the spirit of the season, so never mind…)
The list of participating businesses is impressive.
Wineries accepting the passport and offering special deals include Castello di Amorosa, Bennett Lane, Chateau Montelena, Clos Pegase, Envy, Lava Vine, Zahtila, Madrigal, Sterling, Summers, Tudal, Twomey, Von Strasser and W.H. Smith.
Participating restaurants include All Seasons, Barolo, Brannan’s Grill, Calistoga Inn and JoLe.
For a complete list of lodging options and other information, visit www.calistogavisitors.com or call 866-306-5588.
And if you’ll be in the valley this weekend, don’t miss the 15th annual Lighted Tractor Parade, which will take place in Calistoga on Lincoln Avenue between Cedar Street and Fair Way.
Local farmers will dress up their vintage and modern tractors – as well as antique trucks, construction equipment and assorted human-powered vehicles – with holiday lights and other festive decorations.
It’s a small-town Christmas experience like no other, and it takes place this Saturday beginning at 7 p.m.
