Summary
Travel from Florida to Alaska, and it’s likely that you can find a winery in just about every state that you pass. Whether your taste runs to sophisticated wines or tongue-teasers like Hawaii’s pineapple-flavored sparkling wine, intoxicating adventures await along wine trails that dot the nation.
Following a wine trail provides couples opportunities to sample a variety of vintages, placing them amidst the country’s prettiest scenery and chances to explore it. Often a winery tasting includes sampling local fare, creating a true gourmet experience. Food ranges from regional delicacies and cheeses sold in on-site gift shops to elegant restaurants serving multi-course meals paired with award-winning wines.
Some wineries charge a nominal fee for tasting; others may be complimentary. Expectations can vary dramatically, from self-serve bottles and plastic cups to formal tastings with a wine educator pouring wines into crystal glasses.
Many wineries feature on-site restaurants and romantic inns, enabling overnight stays, with some specializing in hosting romantic vineyard weddings.
If you have high hopes for your next vacation, it’s advisable to research wineries at your destination to learn about upcoming wine and food festivals and wine tasting classes. In some wine towns, you may even participate in grape stomping at harvest time.
The beauty of this kind of trip is that while indulging in a romantic vineyard vacation, you’ll likely avoid young children and find yourselves in the company of other adult couples.
1. Grand Valley, Colorado
Named one of the top wine getaways by Wine Magazine, Grand Valley boasts nearly 30 wineries east and west of Grand Junction.
Recommended Winery: Bring your honey to the Meadery of the Rockies in Palisade. Mead is created by fermenting honey and inspired the term “honeymoon,” referring to the tradition of drinking honey wine for a moon cycle to ensure a fruitful marriage.
What to Try: Sample one of the fruit blends, available in flavors like apricot, blackberry, cherry, peach, raspberry, and strawberry, all made with 100% pure orange blossom honey.
Where to Stay: The Wine Country Inn offers romance packages that include a bottle of private label wine, house-made truffles, and glasses to take home.
2. Napa Valley, California
In October 2017, wildfires burned thousands of acres in Northern California. Fortunately, fewer than 20 of the 900 wineries in Napa and Sonoma counties sustained significant damage, and most are now reopened. A memorable way to experience them is aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train, which features restored Pullman rail cars from the early 1900s offering day trips along a scenic route and a gourmet Romance on the Rails dinner.
Recommended Winery: Riverhouse on Napa’s Main Street serves wines in an art and antiques gallery, providing tasting experiences that combine their wines with a bento box lunch or an eight-course omakase tasting menu.
What to Try: The aptly named Paramour Proprietary Red from Blackbird Vineyards.
Where to Stay: The newest downtown Napa accommodation, The Archer, is near more than 20 wineries in this walkable destination.
3. Finger Lakes, New York
The Finger Lakes, spread across the center of New York State, are surrounded by rich farmland, providing an ideal terroir for growing cool-climate grapes. Over 30 wineries line the Seneca Wine Trail along the largest of the north-south lakes.
Recommended Winery: Glenora Wine Cellars offers affordable tastings and tours in addition to dining on locally sourced fare at its restaurant overlooking the vineyards.
What to Try: The renowned Rieslings produced at Glenora, available in seven varieties from dry to bubbly.
Where to Stay: The Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is popular with couples and situated at the southern tip of the lake. Its restaurant and bar feature an extensive selection of local and California wines.
4. Willamette Valley, Oregon
Oregon is home to around 600 wineries, many producing red wines. Some winemakers are located along the Pinot Path, stretching along Route 99-W between Newburg and McMinnville.
Recommended Winery: Willamette Valley Vineyards offers affordable tastings and daily tours. Each month, the winery hosts a four-course dinner pairing its wines with creative cuisine.
What to Try: Full-bodied pinot noirs.
Where to Stay: The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg is a luxurious getaway, featuring signature deluxe king rooms with gas fireplaces and spacious balconies. Jory Restaurant is known for creatively showcasing local flavors.
5. Texas Hill Country
Located in central Texas, the Texas Wine Trail is home to over fifty wineries. The sunny, dry climate fosters a variety of grapes, from Blanc du Bois to dark Malbecs.
Recommended Winery: Open daily, Becker Vineyards manages over 84 acres of vines and offers inexpensive tastings at both its estate and downtown Fredericksburg location.
What to Try: Becker Vineyards’ 2015 Cabernet Franc Reserve, awarded Best Texas Red in 2018 at the International Wine Awards.
Where to Stay: Just a short drive from San Antonio, the La Cantera Resort & Spa is a AAA Four-Diamond Property, boasting villas that provide access to a private pool and a golf cart for exploring its 550-acre property.
6. Virginia Wine Country
Virginia’s 300-plus wineries span from outside Washington, D.C., into the Blue Ridge Mountains, Colonial Williamsburg, and the rolling hills of Richmond. Most locations are within 30 minutes of a winery. The region grows over 20 varieties of wine grapes, with lovely views of vineyards and valleys.
Recommended Winery: At Bogati Winery in Loudon County, visitors can enjoy affordable tasting options, guided by a wine educator or opt for a self-guided wine flight.
What to Try: Bogati’s 2013 Black Label Chardonnay, praised in Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate for its fresh feel and crisp edge.
Where to Stay: The Inn at Little Washington is an acclaimed romantic gourmet getaway, known for luxurious accommodations and fine dining experiences harmonized with sophisticated wine pairings.
7. Door County, Wisconsin
This scenic peninsula north of Green Bay is popular for wine enthusiasts, featuring eight wineries along the Door County Wine Trail. Couples can enjoy a variety of the wines here by joining a Premier Wine Tour on the Door County Trolley.
Recommended Winery: Inside a restored daily barn, Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery offers free daily tastings and tours from May to October.
What to Try: Known for sweet and tart cherry production, summer is prime cherry-picking time; however, don’t miss tasting their unique cherry wines.
Where to Stay: While Door County is generally family-friendly, Sundara Inn & Spa offers adult-exclusive relaxation packages, complete with sparkling wine and spa treatments.
8. Winston-Salem, North Carolina
North Carolina’s wine trails wind through scenic small towns across the mountains, the coast, and the Piedmont region, with Winston-Salem boasting over twenty wineries within 20 miles.
Recommended Winery: At Divine Llama Vineyards in the Yadkin Valley, guests can interact with gentle llamas while enjoying a wine and picnic hike to a creekside spot overlooking the vineyard.
What to Try: Red Rita Rosé, named in honor of the llama herd’s matriarch, is a delightful blend of Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc.
Where to Stay: In downtown Winston-Salem, the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel offers fun amenities, including a basketball court and bowling alley, while also hosting a complimentary wine hour from 5 to 6 p.m.
