The Carriage House at Avio Vineyards

The Carriage house at Avio is a one-room guest lodge with capacity for two people. In this upscale authentic western-themed room, you'll enjoy complete privacy while enjoying amenities such as a private full bath, king size bed, fireplace, TV, DVD & CD player, and use of the pool. There is also a seperate private kitchen with a refrigerator and microwave for your use. CLICK HERE to see pictures. We've paid attention to every detail to ensure your stay with us will be a memorable one. Custom features abound; from the authentic cowhide headboard and chenille throw on the full-length overstuffed leather sofa, to the burlap walls and the old galvanized pail sink. At the end of the day, you'll feel you're truly the master of the estate as you enjoy the sunset's glow on the vineyard.

Reservations:
Click Here to view the availability calendar, or call for availability at 209-267-1515 or email: info@aviowine.com We are currently accepting reservations, high-season prices (May-October) begin at $195 per night during the week, and $225 per night on the weekends (Friday & Saturday nights).

Off-season prices (November-April) begin at $175 during the week, and $195 per night on the weekends (Friday & Saturday nights). Maximum capacity of two adults. We have a 2 week cancellation policy year round.

During your stay, enjoy a complimentary bottle of champagne, wine & barrel tasting, snacks, fruit, sodas, coffee & water. Enjoy your wchampagne on the balcony overlooking the palm trees and Pinot Grigio vineyard. During your stay, feel free to:

· Hike & picnic through the 30 acres of vineyard or 47 acres of pasture

· Pick and enjoy any fruit in season

· Visit the historic old western town of Sutter Creek, voted one of the Top 10 Places to Visit in the WORLD, by Frommers. Additionally, Amador County was recently voted as The Best Place to Vacation by Money Magazine.

Located just 5 minutes from your room, Sutter Creek offers extraordinary dining, antiquing and shopping, a walking tour, gold mine tours, wine-tasting at boutique wineries in the area, a live theatre and more.

Click here to visit Sutter Creek's website for additional suggestions and locations of attractions in the area.

View from the balcony

My wife and I recently subscribed to Sunset Magazine for the first time. I have always enjoyed the magazines while visiting the doctor or dentist, but we are very excited to already be reaping the benefits of our new subscription. We decided to take a much needed vacation from our work and home responsibilities(5 teen-agers!) and we followed your Gold Country route from last month's magazine. We visited some of the profiled attractions and enjoyed the beautiful Fall colors.

I am reluctantly mentioning one of the greatest secrets we discovered on our trip, because although we would have liked keeping it to ourselves, we knew it would not be a secret for long. We visited Avio Vineyards in Sutter Creek. This family winery is managed by a young couple who left the corporate world after 9/11 to seek a simpler and more satisfying life. Their life may be simpler and more satisfying but definitely not easier. They work diligently to meet the high standards they have set for themselves.

The Italian theme vineyard and winery are wonderful. The one room guest lodge is decorated in a rich western theme. We enjoyed a tour of the winery and a private tasting. Their wines are great and since we live in Napa, we have the opportunity to taste many wines from many winemakers. We went home with several bottles. The grounds are impeccably maintained, with roses, fruit tress, hiking trails and world class views. They also do weddings and other special events.

Both Lisa and Stephano Watson are friendly and service oriented. They seem to have found the balance between making us feel comfortable and at home, while allowing us privacy to enjoy our weekend. We wanted to keep this oasis a secret, but we know that other Sunset Magazine readers should enjoy time there too. Avio was the highlight of our trip and hopefully this can be added to future articles about the California Gold Country or maybe addressed in your letters to the editor. Please view their website because you will see that they reflect the same commitment to quality evidenced in your magazine for so many years. Your readers would not be disappointed!

Sincerely, Andy and Alison Mazzanti, Napa, California