With so many wine destinations emerging across the country, America is truly worth a visit. If you are planning to go wine tasting in the US, here are the top 5 scenic places to think about.
[rpi]WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON, AMERICA
A short drive from Portland, Willamette Valley encompasses 7 AVAs (American Viticultural Area), more than 300 wineries and is the third-largest wine grape producer in America, making it easy for you to find one to suit your taste. It is also famous for its award-winning Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Riesling. Most wineries dotting the valley are family-owned with small production, so you can spend time rubbing elbows with the actual winemaker before packing out some highly-prized bottles. Furthermore, some wineries offer vineyard tours and hiking activities for those who enjoy the outdoors.
WALLA WALLA, WASHINGTON
Aside from being known for historic Main Street, friendly locals, homegrown restaurants and photogenic fields of wheat and apples, the beautiful town of Walla Walla, Washington, is the second-largest wine producer in the US and home to more than 100 wineries. Here, you can stroll around the hillside roads covered with vineyards, sip the finest wine and tour the city’s impressive sculpture collection. Whether you are in the mood for top-notch Syrahs, tobacco-scented Cabernets or great Chardonnay, Walla Walla, known as a compelling wine tourism destination, can melt on your palate.
FINGER LAKES, NEW YORK
If you are looking for a wine destination in New York, America, look no further than the Finger Lakes, known for producing excellent wines such as world-renowned Riesling, Pinot Noir and ice wine. The region also boasts a number of breweries, distilleries and hard cider producers. Furthermore, the region attracts many with its outdoors, from hiking and biking to boating and fishing. Though most noted for its wine tours, the Finger Lakes Region is also host to a number of other tours, including boat tours and food tours. If you visit Watkins Glen State Park, make sure to stroll along the gorge trail complete with 19 waterfalls.
BOISE, IDAHO, AMERICA
Nestled in the forests and foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boise, Idaho’s capital, is poised to make its mark on the American wine world. Thanks to Idaho’s semi-arid climate and four distinct seasons, this area is famed for high-quality sparkling wines such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Only a half-hour drive of the city, there are 30 wineries across the near Treasure Valley. If you are looking to get outdoors, Boise is perfect for an escape from the grind where you can visit the University of Idaho and nearby skiing, hiking, camping and river rafting opportunities.
FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS
There are lots of reasons to visit the scenic city of Fredericksburg in Texas, but put wine tourism at the top of the list. Stretching from north of San Antonio to west of Austin with an amazing area of over 9 million acres, the Texas Hill Country AVA is the largest state-specific AVA in America. The small town of Fredericksburg is notable for Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and even Portuguese favourite, Touriga Nacional. Here, you can visit more than 50 unique wineries scattered throughout the Hill Country. It is also a favourite destination for hikers, wildflower enthusiasts and antique hunters.
Wanderlust Tips
[…] vertical drop. If you want to cool off, go down to the San Joaquin River right in front of the waterfall where the river would be calm enough for a soak or swim. Also, hikers can extend the hike by […]