Experience a familiar culture, wherever you may find yourself.
Believe it or not, wine destination spots are more accessible and affordable than you might think! You just have to know where to go.
“Wine is the most civilized thing in the world.”
Ernest Hemingway, American novelist and short story writer
Select a region to learn more about their wines and places to sample them.
California
Napa Valley and Sonoma Coast
Napa is world renowned for its high-quality wines that rival those in the Old World regions of Bordeaux and Rhone Valley, France. Many consider the wine produced here to be among the best in the world. Sonoma is its coastal counterpart, producing world-class sparkling and lighter red wines similar to cooler Old World regions like Burgundy, France. Its warmer microclimates, however, are known to produce some surprisingly robust reds.
Since both are highly popular tourist destinations, you’ll want to do your research to find the little-known gems tucked away in the hidden corners in the valley and coast. Here are some worth checking out.
Off the Beaten Path in Napa Valley: RustRidge Ranch Winery
Nestled in the Chiles Valley, above the northeast side of Napa, is an unassuming little winery ranch that doubles as a bed and breakfast.
Sierra Foothills and Central Valley
Nestled in the foothills of California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range is one of the state’s best-kept secrets for wine tasting. With steep slopes and warm climates, the Amador and Placer wine regions are perfect for growing wine grapes and are famous for their Southern French and Italian style wines. Further into the valley is Lodi — one of the state’s top wine grape producers (and most diverse growing region in the US!) boasting 125 different wine grape varieties that are sold to wine makers in and outside the region for production.
The wine trails in these regions are popular destination spots for Northern California locals and are a “must see and experience” for visitors. Here are some worth exploring.
Iron Hub Winery and Vineyards: A Hub for Gathering and Un-wine-ding
Offering spectacular views and high-quality, affordable wines, Iron Hub Winery and Vineyards is a hidden gem in Amador’s Shenendoah Valley.
Casque Wines: A Home Away From Home
The warmth and hospitality winery goers experience when visiting Casque Wines in Loomis keeps them going back for more.
Pacific Northwest, USA
Willamette Valley and Dundee Hills, Oregon
UNDER CONSTRUCTION: Check back later!
Columbia Valley, Washington
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