If you enjoy wine tours and wine travel, you'll be pleased to know that there's a U.S. wine trail within a half day's drive of your home, just waiting for you to experience and enjoy. With over 6000 wineries now active in the United States, many of these wineries are clustered all across the country in small groups in grape growing areas. These groups of wineries are often designated as a wine trail, and are perfect for visiting as a weekend excursion.
Many states you wouldn't think of as wine producing states do in fact boast wineries that welcome you to taste and experience. Since wine growing is dependent on ideal grape growing conditions, you'll often find several wineries within easy driving distance from one another. From New England to the west coast and just about everywhere in between, you can experience some of America's finest award winning wines by touring a wine trail.
A wine trail is usually designated by a state's tourism commission, with signs and routes marked for easy navigation. Since wine making is both art and science, you'll experience different offerings and tastes at each winery. The spirit of entrepreneurship and passion for excellence is evident when you visit, and the experience of tasting new wine is an enjoyable experience to share with friends.
When most people think of wine, they think of traditional wine producing states like California. And while California wine is the best known of all U.S. varieties, other states are equally proud of their wineries. Over two dozen states have officially designated wine trails, and most of these states contain several groups of wineries, perfect for tasting and touring.
Visiting a wine trail is the very best way to experience regional wine specialties. Many locales produce wines according to the grapes and fruits most suited to their area, with palate pleasing results. Since wine shipping laws are still evolving (thankfully for the better), some wineries can't ship their wine to certain states. Even still, getting acquainted with wines from small independent wineries is akin to trying local food specialties ... it's fun, interesting, and educational.
Very often, these scenic wine trails offer quaint comfortable overnight accommodations at local bed and breakfast inns. Weekends are particularly lively at these small local wineries, and chances are the winemaker will be present to discuss and share their wines. Almost every winery has a tasting room and gift shop, making it possible to take home your favorite choice.
The best quality to bring along on a wine trail excursion is an open mind. As there are thousands of grape varieties being grown, there are equally as many wines. Leave any preconceptions about wine at home, and relish the chance to try new things. The experience of trying new wines from a new region is not only educational, but liberating and fun!
Whenever we travel a wine trail, we always add in an overnight stay. This allows us to relax and enjoy wine as it was meant to be enjoyed. It's particularly enjoyable to try local restaurants and their regional specialties. You'll even be able to break up the wineries into two seperate days, which will help keep you and your palate sharp.
Exploring a U.S. wine trail is a highly enjoyable weekend getaway, one you'll want to duplicate again and again. With so many small boutique wineries, you'll appreciate the chance to allow your palate and tastes to blossom. Best of all, no matter where home is, chances are there's a wine trail within a half day's drive. No matter the season, small friendly wineries are waiting for your visit, ready to share their handcrafted wines with pride.
Many states you wouldn't think of as wine producing states do in fact boast wineries that welcome you to taste and experience. Since wine growing is dependent on ideal grape growing conditions, you'll often find several wineries within easy driving distance from one another. From New England to the west coast and just about everywhere in between, you can experience some of America's finest award winning wines by touring a wine trail.
A wine trail is usually designated by a state's tourism commission, with signs and routes marked for easy navigation. Since wine making is both art and science, you'll experience different offerings and tastes at each winery. The spirit of entrepreneurship and passion for excellence is evident when you visit, and the experience of tasting new wine is an enjoyable experience to share with friends.
When most people think of wine, they think of traditional wine producing states like California. And while California wine is the best known of all U.S. varieties, other states are equally proud of their wineries. Over two dozen states have officially designated wine trails, and most of these states contain several groups of wineries, perfect for tasting and touring.
Visiting a wine trail is the very best way to experience regional wine specialties. Many locales produce wines according to the grapes and fruits most suited to their area, with palate pleasing results. Since wine shipping laws are still evolving (thankfully for the better), some wineries can't ship their wine to certain states. Even still, getting acquainted with wines from small independent wineries is akin to trying local food specialties ... it's fun, interesting, and educational.
Very often, these scenic wine trails offer quaint comfortable overnight accommodations at local bed and breakfast inns. Weekends are particularly lively at these small local wineries, and chances are the winemaker will be present to discuss and share their wines. Almost every winery has a tasting room and gift shop, making it possible to take home your favorite choice.
The best quality to bring along on a wine trail excursion is an open mind. As there are thousands of grape varieties being grown, there are equally as many wines. Leave any preconceptions about wine at home, and relish the chance to try new things. The experience of trying new wines from a new region is not only educational, but liberating and fun!
Whenever we travel a wine trail, we always add in an overnight stay. This allows us to relax and enjoy wine as it was meant to be enjoyed. It's particularly enjoyable to try local restaurants and their regional specialties. You'll even be able to break up the wineries into two seperate days, which will help keep you and your palate sharp.
Exploring a U.S. wine trail is a highly enjoyable weekend getaway, one you'll want to duplicate again and again. With so many small boutique wineries, you'll appreciate the chance to allow your palate and tastes to blossom. Best of all, no matter where home is, chances are there's a wine trail within a half day's drive. No matter the season, small friendly wineries are waiting for your visit, ready to share their handcrafted wines with pride.
About the Author:
Jim Hofman is a free lance author specializing in wine and beer, and is the owner of several websites devoted to wine enjoyment. Jim and his wife produce a free bi-weekly newsletter, dedicated to introducing their readers to the many U.S. wine trails and the joy of wine travel. Click here to get your own unique version of this article with free reprint rights.
