When in the Neighbourhood - Visit the Local Wineries

If you love wine, and you love to travel, chances are that you will be able to locate a winery or wineries in most states you find yourself traveling to or through! Whether this is your primary reason for travel or not, a visit to the nearest local producer of vino can be quite inspirational. When most people think of American made wine and wineries, they think of California vineyards, probably the most popular wine-producing destination in the country. On the contrary, many of the states in our industrious nation harbor some very good wineries, they just don't have the advertising budget of some of the larger more well-known operations.

"Hidden Gem" Wineries

If you have a chance to do your research ahead of time, check out the internet for some great sites that can give you information regarding the wineries in the state you are visiting, and any local listings for seasonal wine festivals that you may want to attend. There are plenty of smaller, less well-known wineries, also known as "hidden gems" because they offer the wine connoisseur a pleasant surprise on their side trip off the beaten path. Many of these wineries are family owned and operated and have been in existence for a very long time, but are only well known to the local residents or to those that have discovered them by word of mouth. The benefit of visiting these "hidden gem" wineries is that you can usually pick up some unique wine that is not available commerically. I have also had the pleasure of trying some very different wines, such as fruit wines.

Wine is produced in most parts of the country and is offered at local restaurants and shops featuring local fare, as well as at seasonal wine tasting festivals. From upstate New York to the deserts of New Mexico and Arizona, wineries are quite popular and utilize varieties of grapes that are best grown in that specific region. These unique wines usually complement the food specialties that are native to that region, and just would not be the same if served in another part of the country. Habanero wine served in New Jersey with fresh red snapper would probably not be a good paring!

So on your next trip, a wine connoisseur or not, be sure to sample the local vintage and subject your taste buds to a tongue tantalizing experience! Be sure to either take notes or pick up a brochure that lists your favorites, so that you can purchase online or via mail order for yourself, or as gifts in the future. Have fun and start your own wine tasting journal; get off the beaten path and visit these wonderful wineries and their "hidden gems"! Enjoy!