Lower prices, less traffic and that sense of discovery are often the best reasons to consider alternatives to the familiar destinations when it comes to wine. In the case of four off-the-beaten-path wine regions, add small-town charm and big-time hospitality to the top reasons for groups to visit.

It’s been six months since the wildfires in Sonoma and Napa counties were extinguished, and the message from locals to planners is clear: Spring is in the air, and it’s business as usual in Wine Country—as beautiful and bucolic as ever.

One of Southern California’s oldest and most important wine regions, the Inland Empire, particularly Temecula Valley, is filled with winery venues and wine-related activities for groups.

There's more to Napa and Sonoma than just wine.

Wine venues are raising the bar on ways to provide groups with life-enhancing knowledge.

Northern California is blessed with some of the Golden State’s most diversely rich destinations.

Napa and Sonoma counties are dishing out even more magnetic experiences.

For meetings and events, wine has evolved into more than just an impressive facet of an elegant dinner.

Some exciting options for meeting planners seeking an offbeat group wine experience.

New wine regions are emerging all over the place and adding bonus options for meeting planners seeking great venues.