California Travel & Tourism Commission Announces Special California Wine Month Hotel Deals for September

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Aug. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Need a break from the so-called "lazy days of summer?"  The California Travel & Tourism Commission (CTTC) has what you need – more than 80 accommodation packages that invite you to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of the wine country lifestyle during California Wine Month this September.

Whether you're looking to explore California wine country on a bike or in a Bentley, there are packages to indulge your fantasy getaway no matter how big your wallet. Established or aspiring oenophiles can access great budget or extravagant getaways while saving up to 35 percent on overnight packages in premier and emerging wine regions such as Napa, Sonoma, Lodi, Monterey, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara and Temecula Valley.

"Whether you're a passionate wine lover or just a dabbler in our state's signature beverage, there's nothing quite as exciting as visiting California wine country just before and during harvest time," said Caroline Beteta, CTTC president & CEO. "The beautiful valleys are abundant with the fragrance and colors of grapes and vines, and the bustle of vintners getting ready to create their next great vintage.  With these great California Wine Month offers, there's no better time to visit our wine country – whether you want the ultimate bargain or luxury experience."

California is the leading destination for wine and food travel in the U.S., producing 90 percent of American wine and nearly 400 different crops, inspiring a playground for the culinary arts, which translates to a gourmet paradise for foodies yearning for a deeper connection with California's great wine and fresh produce. In 2009, travelers in California spent $21.3 billion on food and beverages, more than for any other spending segment and constituting 26 percent of all visitor spending last year (Source: Dean Runyan Associates). According to the Wine Institute, nearly 21 million local and out-of-state travelers visit California wine regions each year.

For information on special accommodation deals for California Wine Month, check out www.visitcalifornia.com/winemonth.

CTTC is a non-profit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs – in partnership with the state's travel industry – that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. According to CTTC, travel and tourism expenditures total $87.7 billion annually in California, support jobs for 881,000 Californians and generate $5.3 billion in state and local tax revenues. For more information about CTTC and for a free California Visitor's Guide as well as California Road Trips 2010, go to www.VisitCalifornia.com.

SOURCE California Travel & Tourism Commission