Families should consider taking a short drive to nearby Santa Rosa, where they will find Safari West – a little piece of Africa in the middle of wine country. At this 400-acre wildlife reserve, visitors have a chance to see more than 400 exotic animals up close.

As Safari West is not a zoo, those who visit the reserve can see giraffes, zebras and other African animals in their natural habitats. On a Safari Drive, travelers will hop into an open-air safari vehicle for a three-hour adventure through the reserve’s rugged terrain. Passengers will pull up alongside zebras, giraffes, ostriches, wildebeests and many of Africa’s other magnificent creatures as they roam freely.

A portion of the Safari Drive also requires passengers to follow their tour guide on foot, in search of cheetahs, primates and exotic birds.

Before families return to their Napa vacation rentals, they may want to take advantage of the opportunity they have to take a picture with one of Safari West’s residents. After all, what better way to remember a trip to Napa than a photoshoot with a cheetah?

Presented by the 20-30 Club of Santa Rosa, this year’s event will add two new competitions to the festival itinerary. In the first annual Craft Cup, some of the most prominent micro-breweries from around the country will offer judges their best specialty craft beers to compete for the title. Additionally, the Bite Club Eats ‘Wich Hunt will highlight the most delicious sandwiches from local chefs.

Over 30 breweries, 20 different food vendors and live music performances will satisfy guests all day long.

While guests on timeshare vacations are enjoying themselves at the indulgent affair, they will also be actively participating in a charitable organization, as all of the proceeds of the event directly benefit the lives of young children in need in Sonoma County through the Active 20-30′s Youth Benevolent Fund.

The chefs of the Wine Train have spent years practicing to prepare an exquisitely presented and delicious meal on a moving train. With three kitchens on board, the options are plentiful and the glass-plated doors allow guests to witness the chefs chop, boil and fry all while in motion. The food on the gourmet train matches some of the state’s most pristine cuisine and is an enticing reason to board the train during timeshare vacations.

Of course, the Wine Train would not be complete without a vast selection of local wines. Including libations from Silverado, Vintner’s, Robert Mondavi and more, vacationers can choose special lunch or dinner packages according to their preferred tastes. Also on board the train is a Napa tasting bar, stocked with approximately 30-40 Napa Valley wines. For a small price, guests can choose four of the boutique wines during their train trip tasting.

Visitors interested in pursuing an associate degree in baking and pastry, receiving certificates in the accelerated culinary arts and wine and beverage programs or simply expanding your knowledge of cuisine and fine wines in a Continuing Education class can find it all at the CIA at Greystone. The institution offers a one-of-a-kind educational experience for food and wine connoisseurs with timeshare vacations in Napa Valley.

Wine Lovers’ Boot Camp
Booking Napa Valley vacation rentals in February can be an exciting endeavor for those interested in broadening their wine tasting skills. The two-day class offered from February-May begins with a systematic process for tasting and evaluating wines and how to apply that process to the various kinds, including still, sparkling and sweet. Common terms that are second nature to the pro sommeliers will become part of your everyday language after a session in the boot camp course.

Professionals leading the course will also explain the process of crafting wine, including the fermentation process, oak barrel use and fortification. Then, the fun part begins – class participants will engage in blind tasting challenges with fellow classmates to compete for the Camp Champ medal. Some of the course experience will take place outside actual vineyards and wineries, so appropriate dress during the winter season is recommended.

Napa Valley foodies unite at Greystone
Classes and demonstrations showcasing the finest cuisine from all over the world are available to visitors in Napa Valley’s food and wine country while staying at California rental resorts. A live demo will take place every Saturday and Sunday, paired with a taste of Greystone Cellars wine. In February, expert chefs at Greystone will offer options including spiced beef empanadas with olives and raisins, crab and shrimp cakes with smoky spiced mayo, Latin-spiced pork tenderloin with grilled pineapple-citrus salsa and more.

If you find yourself more of a hands-on learner, you can sign up for one of the CIA’s wide selection of gourmet cooking and baking classes. An Italian Cooking at Home course will explore the flavors of every region of Italy and offer methods of cooking traditional favorites such as creamy risotto as well as more obscure – yet equally tasty – meals.

Gourmet Walks is a company that offers food and wine tours at various California locations, including three-hour walking tours of downtown Napa. Offered year-round, the mile-long route provides seven stops with tastings at each spot.

The 12-person tour begins at Oxbow Market, a public community of vendors who pride themselves in selling only fresh and local products. Visitors will taste the season’s specialty foods and produce, then cross the Napa River to visit 19th century historic buildings to learn about and sample the latest trends in California food and wine.

Travelers can learn the rich history of Napa Valley on the walking tour with the knowledgeable and educated tour guides on staff. According to tourist reviews of the tours, past vacationers enjoying their timeshare rentals in Napa Valley learned of the city’s offerings beyond its traditional wine culture and encourage others to do the same.

For a traditional Napa Valley wedding, couples may choose to hold their ceremony and reception at Merryvale Vineyards. A reception at the winery begins with a tasting before guests head to the Cask Room, the venue’s main attraction. The Cask Room is lined with barrels that tower two stories high, and guests can enjoy the romantic atmosphere as they savor fine wines paired with a menu crafted by acclaimed local chefs. In the summer, couples may also hold their receptions on the winery’s veranda, an open space that overlooks the rows of vines.

Couples looking for a different kind of experience can hold their wedding at the Napa campus of the Culinary Institute of America. The esteemed cooking school’s landmark building features soaring stone architecture and magnificent views of the nearby vineyards, while the institute’s in-house special events chef can help guests plan a perfectly crafted menu that blends local wines with delicious dishes.

Perhaps, there are few times in our history when it has been so stressful to be a loving father and provide for a family. Our dads are our heroes. So, why not treat dad to a Father’s Day Vacation Rental? It truly is a great Father’s Day idea. Rather than buying travel gifts for dad, why not book him a golf vacation rental or a vacation rental where he can go and relax. He deserves it, and we all know it.

So, let me throw out a few locations worthy of note? Palm Desert CA, which is near Palm Springs CA, is located in a Valley with 150 golf courses! Yes, that’s correct 150 golf courses, a golfer’s paradise – heaven on Earth for the avid golfer enthusiast. And if mom is coming along, there is a world class shopping district called El Paso, it’s like Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles is the best way to describe it. If this sounds good book a vacation rental at The Westin Desert Willow, the place is awesome. Westin Resorts really out did themselves on that property – it’s a show case – and it has one of the nicest golf courses in the valley on the property.

What about Las Vegas, everyone loves to get away to Las Vegas for a few days – maybe a week would be nice, especially if you are staying at The Polo Towers on Las Vegas Blvd. Do your mom and dad like wine? There are excellent wine tours and wineries to visit in Napa Valley. If you stay at the RiverPointe in Napa Valley, they have all the details ready, all you have to do is show up.

Another great father’s day idea and location tip for a vacation rental would be Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe is in season during Father’s Day – well, Lake Tahoe Red Wolf Lakeside Lodge is great any time of the year actually. In the winter there is nearby skiing and snow surrounding the rentals. Close to casinos – gambling, great restaurants, and entertainment. In the Summer Lake Tahoe is spectacular, what a relaxing location destination.

You know, I really cannot think of a better father’s day gift idea, why stick to travel gifts for dad, golf clubs, or the proverbial gift certificate when you can send him to a golfing resort vacation destination or a destination he’ll never forget. Your dad deserves to smile he’s been through a lot. Think on it and make this Father’s Day count.

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Old World Tuscan charm blends with the surrounding vine-covered hills to welcome you with style and grace to Vino Bello Resort. At Napa Valley’s newest luxury resort, you will find luxurious accommodations, fine amenities and gracious service, all designed to make your visit to Napa Valley a memorable one.

These luxurious Vino Bello accommodations includes 168 units located in the shadow of the Grape Crusher statue in Napa Valley. Enjoy spacious studios, or one and two bedroom suites, all with upscale appointments like plasma screen televisions, in-room Jacuzzi’s and five-headed showers. Each unit features a fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette, high speed Internet access, balcony or patio, premium bedding, and spacious living and dining areas.

Vino Bello Resort

Resort amenities include two heated swimming pools, two fitness centers, a water spray playground for children, and banquet and meeting spaces. Vino Bello Resort also has a partnership with the adjacent Meritage Resort by providing guests with a variety of unique options. For a one of a kind experience, visit Spa Terra, a new state-of-the-art spa underground cave spa, for a relaxing massage or facial. Explore a remarkable selection of American wines at the Estate Wine Cave and Meritage Wine Tasting Bar. Or enjoy fine dining at The Meritage’s Siena Restaurant, featuring delightful wine country cuisine accented with Tuscan flavors.