We can feel summer slowly winding down to a close, but this week we’ve decided to fight that feeling by reminiscing about our favorite places to spend our vacation time. Whether it’s just down the road, or across an entire continent, here are the women of the Wine Sisterhood’s favorite summer getaways (with wine pairings!): 

Natalie: Lake Tahoe

Nothing beats Lake Tahoe in the summer!  There are fun activities like paddle boarding and hiking, as well as lots of places to cocktail looking out over the lake. Lake Tahoe is big so there are many different areas to explore and stay. We prefer to stay on the West Shore “Best Shore” near Sunnyside, and never miss having a Chambers Punch at Chambers Landing.

Wine Pairing: Middle Sister Forever Cool Merlot 

Mary Ann: Sonoma

I like to take a day-cation to the Sonoma Coast. Walk on the beach, hike the trails, eat some oysters, do a little wine tasting or go horseback riding. There’s always something new to see and it’s a great place to escape the heat since it’s usually foggy during the summer!

Wine Pairing: Middle Sister Goodie Two-Shoes Pinot Noir

Sue: North Fork of Long Island

In the past, my favorite summer getaway was the North Fork of Long Island. Happily, I live there now! I also love the mountains and lakes of the Adirondack Mountains in northern New York. It’s beautiful, peaceful and the hiking and canoeing can’t be beat. We also like to grab a weekend in NYC as often as possible. The summer is a great time to take a boat ride on the Hudson River.

Wine Pairing: Middle Sister Drama Queen Pinot Grigio

Chelsea: Florida Keys

I grew up in Florida and it’s about that time of year when I often find myself daydreaming of sky-blue oceans, sand between my toes and a cold beverage in hand. One of my favorite getaways is the Florida Keys, including, but not limited to Key West. The scenery, boating, snorkeling and fishing in Key Largo and Islamorada are fantastic. Pick up a paddle board in Big Pine Key and get a workout in for the day while you soak up the sun. Then top it all off with sightseeing and cocktail tasting in Key West! 

Wine Pairing: Middle Sister Blushing Beauty Rosé

Aliza: Alaska

Having lived in Alaska, I truly appreciate how vast, breathtaking and pristine it is. Since I’ve moved to a hotter climate, Alaska is my ideal summer getaway. Too many people save Alaska for their bucket list when in reality, the cost of visiting Alaska is comparable to a trip across the country to visit San Francisco or New York City. Flight prices aren’t astronomical, hotels and food are fairly comparable, and renting a car and driving around will get you much more adventure for your money than a cruise.

Wine Pairing: Middle Sister Wild One Malbec

Angeles: Cape Cod

Living in the Deep South means I get a whole lotta summer – and I love it! My “summer getaway” spots are usually someplace north of me so I can get some relief from the humid hot air. One of my favorite spots is this lighthouse cabin in the Cape. It takes a bit of thought – you have to plan appropriately for low tides so you can drive over the marshy areas to get out to the point; there’s no electricity or running water (the hand pump is part of the charm), so you have to get creative with meals and entertainment; and you want to have everything you need before you get there, because you’re not going to want to leave! Once there, though, you can revel in the blissful quiet (no electric hums), the peaceful walks along the sandy shores, the icy water, simple meals (grilled meats + salad), and beautiful sunrises and sunsets. This front porch has a cozy comfy chair just waiting for a person, a paperback, and a glass of iced tea.

Wine Pairing: Middle Sister Sweet & Sassy Moscato

Kaysha: Southern California

Being a typical desert gal, my favorite getaway is the ocean. I’d sneak off to the beach every weekend, if only I could afford it! I enjoy the crowded warm beaches of Southern California and the windy, cooler beaches of northern California. I love the forests,  mountains, seclusion and hikes on the beaches in Oregon and Seattle too! The salty air makes my hair run wild and I could listen to the waves all day.

Wine Pairing: Middle Sister Surfer Chick Sauvignon Blanc