On the Road
29
Explore new frontiers in
By Margaret Littman
If you're planning a vacation
with wine tasting on your
"must do" list, California's
Napa Valley isn't your only
option anymore.
Much of the United States is
fertile wine country these
days, offering opportunities
to sip and sample a variety
of local vinos. Here are
five top destinations for
combining wine tasting
with more traditional
vacation fun.
Texas Hill Country
More than 50 different wineries have set up shop in Austin, Fredericksburg,
Lampasas, New Braunfels, and points in between in the south central part of
the state. Four times a year you can hop on organized wine trail events where
you'll meet winemakers and learn about what they do. Don't be surprised if you
end up eating some barbecue and hearing live music too.
FUN FACT
October is Texas Wine Month, chock-full of special events.
For more info: www.texaswinetrail.com
Snake River Valley, Idaho
Idaho may not be top of mind when you think wine, but the climate (hot, sunny
days and cool mountainous nights) makes for good grape growing. Traditionally
this southwestern Idaho region has been white wine territory, but as the number
of wineries has grown (there are now 55), more reds have been added to the
offerings. Expect lots of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking,
biking and rafting when you're not wine tasting.
FUN FACT
With the mountain ranges above and the river below, you can take in
some pretty spectacular scenic views while you sip.
For more info: www.winesnw.com
Willamette Valley, Ore.
Western Oregon and the Bordeaux region of France are located at about the
same latitude, so it makes sense that both are beloved for pinot noirs. There are
more than 500 wineries in this area, and as in Idaho, the grapes love the climate
of warm days and cool nights. It's also a great locale for sightseeing by bicycle.
FUN FACT
The website Thrillist rated the Willamette Valley higher than Napa in
its ranking of must-taste wine regions.
For more info: willamettewines.com or www.oregonwinecountry.org
Finger Lakes, N.Y.
Three different wine trails—Cayuga Lake, Keuka Lake, and Seneca Lake—
connect a total of 59 wineries. This upstate New York region is known for its
white varieties, such as riesling and gewurztraminer, which are considered
wines that pair well with food. And there are lots of restaurants along these
trails where you can do just that.
FUN FACT
The microclimates of the lakes protect the grapes from the harsh
winters of this northern climate.
For more info: www.fingerlakeswinecountry.com
New Mexico wine country
The high desert of New Mexico produces wines that are Spanish in tradition,
as settlers to the Southwest state brought their tastes with them. Look for
such favorites as syrah, sangiovese, tempranillo, and zinfandel at wineries up
and down the Rio Grande.
FUN FACT
Grapes have been grown (and wine made from them) in New Mexico
for more than 400 years.
For more info: www.nmwine.com
wine country