Tuesday Travel Ticker: Sipping in Sonoma

For the first two weekends in March, visitors to Sonoma County can check out unfinished wines still in the barrel at Wine Road Northern Sonoma County’s annual barrel tasting. Many of the wines sampled throughout the weekend are produced in such limited quantities that they are sold exclusively as “futures.” For a complete list of participating wineries, click here . . . . Enjoy a 20-minute sightseeing helicopter flight of Big Bear, in a Valentine’s promotion that includes a linen-lined picnic basket complete with Champagne or sparkling water, a box of fine chocolate, a stuffed teddy bear, and a single rose. Calll (909) 585-1200 to book . . . . The Valentine’s Special at the Old Monterey Inn includes a one-night stay, roses and truffles , wine and hors d’ oeuvres, and a fireside gourmet breakfast in the privacy of the guests’ room. Prices start at $199. For more Valentine’s bed and breakfast deals, visit www.cabbi.com/specials.. . . The MGM Grand in Las Vegas is offering spring break packages starting at $52 . . . . Santa Barbara’s “1st Thursday,” an evening of art, culture and music, takes place this week. For info, go to www.santabarbaradowntown.com. . . . . The Spa at Pelican Hill is holding Mother-Daughter Salon Sundays, 1-5 p.m. Daughters accompanied by their mothers enjoy a 30-minute manicure, along with a pampering shampoo and “princess hair styling” in the salon. Mothers receive a 30-minute manicure, plus a salon shampoo and style treatment. From $110 per person. Call (800) 820-6800 . . . . Diamond Peak Ski Resort in Tahoe hosts its popular Last Tracks on Saturday,at 4 p.m. Guests take the last chairlift up to Snowflake Lodge and enjoy wine tasting and appetizers before skiing or boarding down a groomed run at sunset. Must be 21 years or older. Tickets are $29. Click here for details . . . . Spots are still available for wolf-viewing packages at Yellowstone. Winter Wildlife Expedition has spots available on trips beginning Feb. 8 and 15. This package is priced at $629 per person based on double occupancy. For futher information and reservations, call (307) 344-7311. . . . Travel quote of the day: “Always carry a corkscrew and the wine shall provide itself.” (Basil Bunting)