Wine Tours Come Home On U.s. Wine Trails

By: Jim Hofman

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.

These small independent wineries are typically grouped only a few miles apart, making it easy to visit several over the course of a day or two. In addition to beautiful scenic countryside, you'll be able to taste some of America's finest new award winning wines, produced by master winemakers.

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.

Most domestically produced wine available to U.S. consumers comes from California, but other states are narrowing the gap. Just as California's Napa Valley and other prolific wine growing areas are wine tourism magnets, so too are other wine areas in the country. To cite just one example, our recent research trip to Arkansas acquainted us with their beautiful wine country and wine trail in the western part of the state.

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.

Most wine trails are small and compact enough to allow reasonable drive times. Wineries are usually clustered within 15-20 minutes of one another. Also, you'll find many comfortable inns, bed and breakfasts, and local attractions along the wine trails. Most wineries are open year around, but of course it's best to call or check on the web.

Having experienced and enjoyed many wine trails across the country, we can state that the best thing we packed was an open mind. There are thousands of grape varieties being grown and cultivated, resulting in hundreds of different wine styles. These small wineries enjoy experimenting and trying new approaches, so leave any preconceptions at home and enjoy the opportunity to try a new take on an old favorite.

While many wine trails can be traveled in one day, consider adding an overnight stay to enhance your experience. Wine is a beverage to be savored and enjoyed leisurely. Give yourself ample time at each winery to relax and unwind. You'll likely find an enjoyable wine to enjoy later in the evening as you settle in for the night. Experience the local restaurants, chat up the local residents, and explore other attractions and points of interest.

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.

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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 online newsletter dedicated to exploring U.S. wine trails and the joy of wine travel.

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