Wine tasting is a popular hobby for many travelers looking to experience the finer things of life while enjoying spending time in stunning natural settings. The US is flush with an abundance of wineries that make exceptional vacation destinations.
Here are five of the top winery vacation hotspots to consider for your next adventure.
Napa Valley, California: The gold standard of US wine vacations is a trip to the legendary Napa Valley. Located approximately one hour north of San Francisco, this iconic region is famous for its vast selection of wineries, fine dining restaurants, and amazing weather. The organic wine community is especially vibrant in Napa, giving discerning wine drinkers plenty of options. Popular organic wineries include Frog's Leap Vineyards, Peju Winery, and Ehlers Estate.
Traverse City, Michigan: As the country's fourth-largest wine-growing state, it is no surprise that Michigan is also home to some of the best wineries in the world. Located along the banks of Lake Michigan, Traverse City is also building a strong reputation as a wine and craft beer destination. Wineries to put on your bucket list while in Traverse City include Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, Chateau Chantal, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, and Peninsula Cellars. Moderate summer temperatures make Traverse City a popular place to frequent during the busy travel season.
Woodinville, Washington: This Seattle suburb is home to over 100 of Washington's best wineries, providing the perfect getaway for wine lovers. Make a weekend out of it by staying in the heart of Woodinville wine country at the famed Willows Lodge & Spa. Within walking distance, you will find the cornerstone destinations of Columbia Winery and Chateau Ste. Michelle with their sprawling estate grounds and welcoming tasting rooms. Woodinville is divided into distinct wine-tasting districts, making it easy to hit a bunch of spots at one time.
Willamette Valley, Oregon: Down the coast from Woodinville, you will discover the beauty of the Willamette Valley. This 150-mile stretch of land is located between Portland and Eugene. There are a variety of tours available if you do not want to set out on your own. Popular wineries in this lush and green region include Cristom Vineyards in Salem, Argyle Winery in Dundee, and Adelsheim Vineyard in Newberg. This part of Oregon is particularly known for its pinot producing grapes. A good home base while exploring this region includes the Pinot Path, stretching between Newburg and McMinnville along Route 99-W.
Texas Hill Country: The Texas Wine Trail is surrounded by Austin to the east and San Antonio to the west. The warm and dry climate is conducive to varietals such as Blanc du Bois to deep purple Malbec blends. The charming town of Fredericksburg offers an ideal jumping-off point for your Texas wine-tasting adventures. Be sure to check out Messina Hof Hill Country in Fredericksburg and Texas Hills Vineyard in Johnson City for their unique tasting experiences.
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