Get in the Spirit With Food and Wine at Vintner’s Holiday at Yosemite National Park

Kelly Fay

Northern California gets a little sweeter (or dryer, depending on your taste) as the Vintner’s Holiday at Yosemite sweeps through the stunning California National Park as autumn scatters into the winter months. The event gives winemakers a chance to highlight their talent during one of the seven sessions that pack the calendar during the months of November and December. Each session will feature wine tasting, a chance to meet the vino-maker and a gala complete with a five-course meal created by The Ahwahnee Culinary Team. Combining the holiday spirit with alluring vinos in one of the most beautiful backdrops worldwide is perhaps Santa’s greatest gift for those who have been “nice” all year long.

DO:

Due to the chill beginning to blanket the park, you might find more solitude in your stay during the holiday months while still having access to most trails throughout the park. In Yosemite Valley, the Half Dome, El Capitan and Yosemite Falls are must-sees during your trip to Yosemite, regardless of the season. Weather conditions make trail availability subject to change daily.

Vernal Falls and Nevada Fall Trails range from moderate to strenuous and the 1.6 to eight miles will be well worth the expended energy. The views of the falls are spectacular year-round so don’t forget your camera.

Curry Village Ice Skating Rink adds the perfect touch to the wintertime ambiance providing a dash of fun blended with cheer. The rink opens Nov. 21 with skating sessions lasting in increments of two and half hours from morning until night.

STAY:

As one of Yosemite’s only four Diamond hotels, The Ahwahnee has been the destination for many world leaders, by no accident as the property perfectly reflects history and sophistication. The most notable feature in the exquisite lodge is the external architecture that uproots feelings of pure wonder and enjoyment.

The Victorian style lodge known as the Wawona Hotel is a National Historic Landmark that embodies history and nature. Large Sequoia trees and a trickling stream accompany the restful vibe of the surrounding area. The rates start at $114 per night.

If you are planning to see Yosemite Falls during you stay, Yosemite Lodge at the Falls is the perfect starting and ending point to your sightseeing days. Glass and wood décor fill the lodge to compliment the overflow of natural beauty spilling in from all angles.

EAT:

Ahwahnee Dining Room is easily the area’s star of the dining game. The dining rooms give guest many reasons other than the award-winning food and simple elegance to join the crowd. The floor to ceiling windows let diners take in the surrounding natural beauty.

Resting at the base of Yosemite Falls, Mountain Room offers guests a stunningly perfect view of the 2,424-foot wonder that graces the area. Guests can expect to feast on organic and local ingredients while biting into a juicy steak, fresh seafood, or rich pasta.

Wawona Dining Room’s is a culinary treasure thanks to Chef McFann tastes include seasonal treats as well as old-time favorites. The Victorian gem fits nicely into the scenic Wawona area offering an additional rustic tang to the neighborhood with its interior décor. The lighting is provided by the hanging sequoia cones strung together throughout the restaurant that mimic the lighting of the 1800s.

DRINK:

By now, I’m sure you’ve noticed the stellar performance from the whole Ahwahnee property so it should come as no surprise that the Ahwahnee Bar is the best in town. The actual bar is framed by cobblestone rocks, painting the edges of the barkeep’s nook. The drinks are spectacular as is the delicious bar food that many boast is the best in town.

Mountain Room Lounge gives guests a chilled-out atmosphere and a menu of well-crafted cocktails. The cozy interior makes it easy to sip a glass of red vino or a hot beverage during the colder months.

Hidden between Curry Village Pizza and the buffet, The Curry Village bar is a local secret. The full bar is large in liquor but small in size as the establishment only houses six bar stools and a small outside patio that is popular among the patrons. Make your reservations soon for a sparkling holiday.