Ghost Wineries Have More Spirit

Sunday morning was off to an EARLY start. For the third day in a row, I watched the sun come up, which is way out of the normal for me. We rented a car across the street from our hotel and began the last leg of our journey- wine country.

Growing up a short drive away from Temecula our whole lives, wine country was never really a must-do for us. Until we learned about ghost wineries. That's right, ghost wineries! The people who brought you "ghost town" now introduce "ghost winery" it means essentially the same thing. During prohibition, these successful wineries were abandoned and left to crumble. And suddenly, prohibition was lifted! So some wineries picked right back up and continued to produce wine. But for some wineries, the phrase "ghost winery" takes on two meanings. Yes, it was for all intents and purposes abandoned during prohibition, but it is also haunted! Some would argue that most places that old are purportedly haunted.

And lucky for us, Flora Springs is a winery that takes advantage of just that! Built originally in 1885, Flora Springs has changed hands three times, finally ending up in the loving hands of the Kome family, who names the winery in honor of the charismatic matriarch, Flora. Having met her husband at a Halloween party, the holiday was always very special to Flora and husband Jerry. Which is why they offer so many fun things to do and taste during Halloween, including elaborately decorated hand-painted and etched seasonal bottles. Click here to see the full Flora Springs historical timeline!

One one of these events we were able to take advantage of was the Sixteen Spirits Historical Ghost Winery Tour and Tasting, with the ghost tour led by local paranormal experts Napa Ghosts. With the tour beginning at 10am, those who arrive early are treated to a pour of the white wine to encourage more...spirit, if you will. The tour portion is very interactive, as you are handed ghost hunting equipment and given a quick crash-course on what to say if your K2 meter goes off. Along the tour of the barrel cave, you are introduced to 3 ghosts who demonstrate their abilities in various ways. You are encouraged to participate and communicate with these spirits using the dowsing rods, and the spirit box.

Once the tour is over, you exit the cave and are greeted by the most beautifully set table! With a glass on the right and a glass on the left, you know you're in for a sensational time. Your guide on this wine adventure is Ted, formerly the wine purchaser at the Four Seasons, Ted knows his stuff. What followed was a parade of delicious red wines! With each glass, he explains he history behind it as it pertains to Flora Springs, as well as any interesting fact you may not know about that certain type of wine. It was fun, educational, and the wine was delicious! It's easy to say the day had peaked at noon as we were invited to pick figs off of a tree in the courtyard. Where would we even go from here?

We knew EXACTLY where to go- bubbles! I love bubbles, so we headed over to Domaine Chandon and tried a few different types as we relaxed on their outdoor patio overlooking the vineyard.

With champagne wishes and caviar dreams, we headed off to Calistoga to check in at the Eurospa and Inn. Quiet, quaint and walking distance to Calistoga, we loved our large, hot-tub, king-sized bedroom. We took a nice walk through Calistoga taking in the sights and sounds before calling it a day.

in perfect 85 degree weather, we spent Monday by the pool watching the leaves change color and fall from the trees. It would be a lie to not admit that there was nowhere else I would rather be at that exact moment in time. The pool itself is modest and the water seemed to collect an impressive amount of bugs, but the day was perfection and the staff at the hotel and spa were just the warmest, most welcoming folks.

Our trip to wine country had everything we could possibly want- ghosts, champagne, wine, great company, amazing views. We had an amazing time and we can't wait to go back!