Wine Trails: Discovering Great Wine In All 50 States

Article Written By: JimHofman

Did you know that the U.S. is now home to over 6000 wineries?andnbsp; As of this year, all 50 states have at least one winery, and many states have well over 100.andnbsp; And for as great a wine producing state California is, it's certainly not alone in turning out numerous award winning wines just waiting to be discovered.

All of this is very good news for the wine industry, and wine lovers. Wine travel has become a passionate hobby, growing in popularity with each passing year. It used to be that wine travel revolved around California or France or Australia. And while those journeys are educational and rewarding, wine lovers are discovering equally rewarding wine destinations much closer to home.

Many of these new wineries are established because winemakers have found their geographic areas to be ideal for grape growing.andnbsp; With the varied topography in the United States, many areas are bursting with grape growing possibilities.andnbsp; Even in colder climates with short growing seasons, certain grape varieties thrive.andnbsp; As a result, more and more wineries are turning out highly interesting and flavorful wines.

Most states have certain geographical areas with regional subclimates that are perfect for grapes. As a result, wineries tend to establish their operations in these areas. These clusters of wineries are known as wine trails. From Connecticut to Michigan and from Georgia to Idaho, these wine trails are waiting to be visited and savored by weekend travelers and wine lovers alike.

Currently, 31 states have officially designated wine trails. Typically, these clusters of wineries are within short driving distance of one another and offer lodging and other attractions of interest along the way. Most offer beautiful scenery and a sense of relaxation along with wine tasting and activities for wine lovers and families.

You might be surprised with some of the states boasting at least one wine trail. In the southeast you'll find them in Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. In the midwest, great wine is being made in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and more. If you're headed out west, look for wine travel destinations in New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Idaho.

There's a whole world of wine waiting to be discovered, right in your backyard. One of the most interesting aspects of discovering new wine areas is the subtle taste differences in similar styles. For example, a port wine produced with Ohio grapes will have a different taste and feel than a port from Arizona. Each offer subtle differences that will open your palate to greater wine knowledge and exploration.

Finally, discovering a wine trail is an activity the whole family can enjoy. Many wineries have U-Pick fruit orchards and offer family oriented entertainment on the premises. Young children and teens will enjoy the scenery and the shopping experience at winery tasting rooms and gift shops. The fresh air, local attractions, and relaxing pace will create memories that will last a lifetime!

About the Author

Jim Hofman is an author specializing in wine travel and is the owner of several websites dedicated to the enjoyment of wine. Would you like to learn more about great wines being made in all 50 states? Visit Jim's resource site dedicated to wine trails and the pleasure of U.S. wine travel. Visit the Uber Article Directory to get a totally unique version of this article for reprint.

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This Article Has Been Published on Sat, 16 Feb 2008 and Read 242 Times

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