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 small independent wineries have found grape growing conditions ideal in select geographic areas around the country. More and more of these wineries are being recognized for prestigious wine awards at national tastings and competitions. It’s a fun and fascinating experience to see these wineries up close and personal, perhaps even rubbing shoulders and sharing a glass with the wine makers.
An actual wine trail is usually designated a state’s tourism commission, with routes clearly marked for easy driving. Wineries range from small farm wineries to those more well known in a particular region or within the wine industry in general. Each produces their own unique specialties, with sufficient variety to suit anyone’s palate.
Although the traditional wine producting states like California, Washington, and Oregon are usually in the forefront of wine lover’s minds, other states are catching up fast. With groups of wineries scattered all over the U.S., there are options galore for those seeking a wine travel experience. Almost two dozen states have officially designated at least one wine trail. We expect the trend to continue as state tourism boards learn more about wine travel and wine related tourism.
For example, just to name a few states, there are multiple wine trails awaiting you in Pennsylvania, New York, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Iowa, Illinois, Connecticut, and Missouri. Due to shipping laws, many of the wines from these wineries are only available within the respective state, although these laws are slowly changing.
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.
We always bring an open mind when exploring new wine trails. With thousands of grape varieties, it stands to reason there are almost as many wine styles. These small independent wineries enjoy bringing you a new twist on an old favorite, so leave any preconceptions at home. Each region generally offers local specialties, so open your palate and you may discover a new favorite!
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.
Wineries along any U.S. wine trail are happy and proud to share their offerings, no matter what season you visit. You’ll be able to experience new wines and explore charming small towns. Best of all, no matter where home is, there’s a wine trail within a half days drive, making local wine travel a highly enjoyable and educational weekend getaway.