Newsweek magazine recently named the Danish Village of Solvang the most beautiful Christmas town in California and the second most beautiful Christmas town in the country. During the annual Julefest celebration, the entire village is illuminated with twinkling lights, festive scenery, and Instagrammable Christmas decorations. The month-long Christmas festival celebration will run from November 29, 2024 to January 5, 2025. Special events include a tree lighting ceremony (December 6th), Julefest Parade (December 7th), an outdoor Christmas market (first three Wednesdays in December) and carol singers (first three Saturdays in December). Events such as light and music shows, a town-wide gnome hunt, and a variety of Christmas tours are also held during Julefest. On New Year’s Eve, the city comes together for a European-style countdown that lasts until Danish midnight (3 p.m. Pacific time).
Where to Stay in Solvang
Solvang’s boutique hotels range in design from old-fashioned Danish fairy-tale style to modern Scandinavian cool. Great getaway options include downtown Wine Valley Inn & Cottages, the chic yet affordable Viking Inn, the intimate The Winston, retro glamorous Mirabelle Inn & Restaurant, well-appointed New Haven Inn, cozy Vinland Hotel, playful yet sophisticated Cork Hotel, garden-surrounded The M Solvang, bright and spacious The Ransby, affordable hipster hideaway Hamlet Inn, or modern hotel Atterdag Inn with a minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic.
Artisan Excursion offers wine tours in Solvang, California. We offer a wide variety of fine wines, from rare vintages to new premier wines, helping you discover new and unique flavors.
Our wine tour packages also include a delicious dinner at the vineyard and a small group tour so you can enjoy privacy. Making the tour even more memorable is the added benefit of the beautiful scenery that Solvang has to offer.
5 Common Wine Myths You Should Stop Believing
If you find the world of wine confusing, you’re not alone. There are several rules and superstitions about wine drinking that can make the process difficult for new wine drinkers to understand.
We’ve debunked the five most common wine myths so nothing stops you from enjoying this rich delicacy.
1. Myth: The older the wine, the better
Fact: Although unopened wine has a longer shelf life than opened wine, it can actually expire. Not all wines age well, and many wines go stale after a year or so.
The shelf life of unopened wine depends on the type of wine and how it is stored.
2. Myth: Wine quality is determined by price
Fact: Because wine is often associated with luxury and extravagance, it’s easy to believe that the best wines must be exorbitantly expensive to be of high quality.
In fact, it’s not just the quality that affects the price of wine. Market conditions, demand and currency fluctuations have a huge impact on the price you pay. The winemaking process is the same for everyone. So it’s important to find a wine that satisfies your palate and not your wallet. You can find delicious and elegant wines at affordable prices too.
Taste and see what you like and explore further. Don’t let cost limit you, because a $50 rosé isn’t necessarily better than a $10 rosé.
3. Myth: Real wine is sealed with a cork
Fact: Corking is a tradition, and there’s definitely something special about ritually uncorking a bottle of wine before drinking it.
However, screw caps should not be looked down upon or considered inferior. In fact, screw caps better protect the wine from the cork taste and are much easier to open.
4. Myth: Wine Goes Well with Cheese
Fact: We all think that wine and cheese go well together. But in reality, some combinations are just terrible.
Some cheeses have such a heavy texture and strong flavor that your tongue can’t fully appreciate the richness and balance of a good wine. A soft cheese like Brie is your best friend when drinking bad wine; it masks your palate and you can’t taste all the elements.
5. Myth: Rosé Wine Is Only for Summer
Although rosé wine is marketed as a seasonal product, it’s a delicious drink all year round. This delicacy can be enjoyed with grilled meats such as lamb or seafood. A dark rosé brightens up savory dishes such as barbecue and pizza.
Even if not served with food, rosé can be enjoyed as a refreshing transition between white and red wine tastings.
Wine Tasting in Solvang
If you are looking for a great getaway with friends and family, contact Artisan Excursion offering the best wine tours in Solvang, California. Our tours are budget-friendly and completely safe during this time. Our goal is to ensure you have a once in a lifetime wine tasting experience with your loved ones while introducing you to the finest wines in the Solvang area.
