Historical castle offers free wine on tap for guests

When thinking of castles, many people imagine kings and queens, old-world architecture, and decades of history. In New York, however, there is a castle that is not only a historical structure, but also a wine-lovers retreat.

The Belhurst Castle is located in the town of Geneva in the Finger Lakes region, overlooking Seneca Lake. Built in the 1800’s, it still contains beamed cathedral ceilings, mosaic tiled fireplaces, and period decor. And for the oenophiles, it is also home to the Belhurst Winery.

The winery itself has won numerous awards, such as Best New World Riesling, two Best in Class, two Gold, and one Platinum from the 2011 Jerry D. Mead’s New World International Wine Competition. Visitors to the winery can sample these elite wines as well as take part in an array of wine and dinner pairings.

Okay, so while having a castle on a winery isn’t too new of a concept, what is really cool about Belhurst is their wine spigot. For those staying at Our Chambers in the Castle, an on-site hotel, there is a complimentary wine tap built into the wall of the lobby that allows guests to enjoy a glass of wine whenever they please. Yes, you read that right. Free wine. On tap. For guests. Now, you can take in history while taking in a glass (or three!) of quality vino.

Daily Pampering: Unlimited wine for ladies at Sugar Ridge Antigua


Sugar Ridge Antigua
wants to host your “Girlfriends Getaway” and is totally trying to entice you with wine. I feel okay with that, don’t you?

Ladies booking the Girlfriends Getaway package, a four-night all-inclusive, will get two one-hour massages per person, free breakfast, lunch and dinner (none of that “choose two meals and suffer” nonsense), and unlimited wine and house beverages. If you’ve ever wanted to do a trip with your gal pals but felt you would all eat and drink yourselves into the poor house, you should jump at this!

So, what are you going to do while you’re not drinking wine (or, let’s face it, while you’re drinking wine)? Well, you can lounge by the infinity pool above — which also has a view of the ocean, but I liked this shot of the rolling green hills better — or your can put down your glass and take the complimentary shuttle to the white, powdery sand beach, head to the Jolly Harbor Marina for boating excursions, tennis, squash and golf, or go on a historical trek to Nelson Dockyard and Shirley Heights.

The cost is reasonable for all it includes, at “$1,120 per person for a single occupancy room and $920 per person for double occupancy for a minimum of two rooms.” The offer is valid for travel through September 18, 2010.

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