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Decide on your wine country
Determine your budget
Choose wineries
Figure out how to get around
Decide on your wine country
Gone are the days when the term "wine country" could be fairly safely associated with a few regions in the U.S. These days, almost every state has at least a handful of wineries. Yes, even Alaska, though the wines there derive from wild berries and flowers. Certain regions still dominate the public imagination, but across the U.S., smaller growing regions are bringing wine culture closer than ever before.
There's no single way to decide which wine country to visit. Any one region may be the right choice because it's within driving distance, it's near someplace you've always wanted to go, or it's close to a destination you're already planning on visiting. It could also be a region that specializes in a type of wine you enjoy. A few of the other reasons that wine countries offer extra visitor appeal include attractions and activities, famous restaurants, and renowned architecture.
Along with the where comes the when. Spring, summer, and fall tend to be the busiest seasons, while winter is the quietest. In most regions, summer, when the vines are lush and the weather is perfect for picnicking, attracts the most visitors. Fall brings the harvest and the crush, and is the time when many wineries offer ways to get a glimpse into the winemaking process. Winter, when the vines are bare, is generally the cheapest and least crowded time to visit, though wine countries with other points of interest tend to attract visitors year-round.
For help choosing a region, review the wine countries on a site such as Vino! Narrow the search by looking for information about a specific region on your preferred search engine. Get specifics by visiting the region's site, or by finding a guidebook for the region.
Next>> Determine your budget
How to taste If you're a wine novice, there are a few good ways to prepare for a wine country excursion: Before you go, visit a local wine store, Trader Joe's, or Cost Plus to talk to them about wine and buy a few different varieties to get a better sense of your palate. There are wine tasting primers available free online at e-How.com, and classes are available through Wine Spectator. You can also find tasting classes in wine countries. Copia in Napa offers a Winetasting 101 class daily at 10:00 a.m. In other regions, wineries or visitor centers may offer something similar. Even a short how-to can make a difference in how much you enjoy tasting wine. Goosecross Cellars produces Napa Valley Wine Radio, with educational podcasts on wine-related topics. These quick primers take on subjects such as food and wine pairings, essences in wine, and tasting tips. Peter Marks, Director of Wine at Copia and resident Wine Guy, says, "When it comes down to it, there are no strict rules for tasting. Everyone has different sensitivities, and individual likes and dislikes. That's what makes wine exciting. Experiment, have fun, and don't worry if you don't agree with someone else."