| With over 6000 wineries, the U.S. has a wide | | | | Idaho, these wine trails are waiting to be visited |
| array of choices for wine lovers. While most | | | | and savored by weekend travelers and wine |
| people think of traditional wine producing states | | | | lovers alike. |
| like California when making their choice, more | | | | Currently, 31 states have officially designated wine |
| people are discovering award winning wines from | | | | trails. Typically, these clusters of wineries are |
| other states not typically associated with wine | | | | within short driving distance of one another and |
| production. If you've ever visited a small | | | | offer lodging and other attractions of interest |
| independent winery, chances are you've tasted a | | | | along the way. Most offer beautiful scenery and a |
| wine that you'd like to enjoy again. Now, with | | | | sense of relaxation along with wine tasting and |
| wine shipping laws loosening somewhat, the | | | | food and wine pairings. |
| consumer has more choice than ever. | | | | You might be surprised with some of the states |
| All of this is very good news for the wine | | | | boasting at least one wine trail. In the southeast |
| industry, and wine lovers. Wine travel has become | | | | you'll find them in Georgia, North Carolina, and |
| a passionate hobby, growing in popularity with | | | | Tennessee. In the midwest, great wine is being |
| each passing year. It used to be that wine travel | | | | made in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and |
| revolved around California or France or Australia. | | | | more. If you're headed out west, look for wine |
| And while those journeys are educational and | | | | travel destinations in New Mexico, Arizona, |
| rewarding, wine lovers are discovering equally | | | | Colorado, and Idaho. |
| rewarding wine destinations much closer to home. | | | | There's a whole world of wine waiting to be |
| As of 2008, each of the 50 states have at least | | | | discovered, right in your backyard. One of the |
| one winery, and most states have dozens. Ideal | | | | most interesting aspects of discovering new wine |
| climate conditions for growing grapes vary across | | | | areas is the subtle taste differences in similar |
| the country, largely dependent on the type of | | | | styles. For example, a port wine produced with |
| grape being grown. Certain hardy varieties grow | | | | Ohio grapes will have a different taste and feel |
| very well in the short growing seasons of the | | | | than a port from Arizona. Each offer subtle |
| northeast and upper Midwest, while muscadines, | | | | differences that will open your palate to greater |
| among others, are plentiful in the south. The wide | | | | wine knowledge and exploration. |
| varieties of grapes result in an ever expanding | | | | Finally, discovering a wine trail is an activity the |
| availability of new, flavorful wines. | | | | whole family can enjoy. Many wineries have |
| Most states have certain geographical areas with | | | | U-Pick fruit orchards and offer family oriented |
| regional subclimates that are perfect for grapes. | | | | entertainment on the premises. Young children and |
| As a result, wineries tend to establish their | | | | teens will enjoy the scenery and the shopping |
| operations in these areas. These clusters of | | | | experience at winery tasting rooms and gift |
| wineries are known as wine trails. From | | | | shops. The fresh air, local attractions, and relaxing |
| Connecticut to Michigan and from Georgia to | | | | pace will create memories that will last a lifetime! |