The travel bug has bitten me so very hard! I can’t ever remember not being able to take even just a small trip for such a long period of time. With our 15th anniversary coming up this summer, I have dreams of some time away with my hubby! Few things are as satisfying as a good old wine tasting, especially after such a long and challenging year, right? Wouldn’t a few days away visiting vineyards be an amazing couples getaway? Bringing out your passion for wine and fashion can be a fun way to de-stress and find some new flavors waiting to be explored.
It would be easy to make a list of vineyards solely focused on everything Napa Valley has to offer, but there are so many other wineries out there that are great to visit, too. There’s no denying that the vineyard industry is a growing market, so there’s so much on offer now across the United States. If you’re thinking of going for a change of scenery while getting the best taste out of your red, white, and rosé, try checking out these top vineyards this year.
Oregon
Ranked just behind California in the National Association of American Wineries’ list of states with the most wineries, Oregon is a prime spot to start. They do many tours with the proper safety measures, and they have some of the best vineyards you can try out.
Adelsheim Vineyard 
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Carrying the official wine of the Portland Trail Blazers’ 50th Anniversary Commemoration, the Adelshiem Vineyard now offers virtual tastings for those that may want to get the experience without actually having to venture out of their house.
Cristom Vineyards
Credit – Ethan Prater under CC BY 2.0 License
Not far from the heart of Salem lies a Pinot Noir haven using sustainable practices for its nine estate vineyards, which have been up and running naturally since the ’90s. With strictly limited yields, this is the place to go if you’re very particular about your Pinot (be it Noir or Gris).
Missouri
Not too far from my home state, Missouri has plenty of family-friendly delights, which include culture and history-focused tours. While the kids get to have fun on the grounds, the adults can enjoy the rich wines in the wineries throughout the city.
Amigoni Urban Winery
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This winery has managed to grow vinifera in their soil, which is a feat considering the climate. It’s been noted by correspondents of the American Winery Guide as a great destination to represent Missouri’s growth in the industry, and offers a great variety of local and European sources.
Stone Hill Winery
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This particular spot is one you have to visit, even if only for the view you get while taking a tour and enjoying their wine tasting menus. On top of that, Stone Hill was hailed the winner of the Missouri Governor’s Cup and received Best of Class for dry red wine in 2017. By 2020, it was considered one of the top attractions for Hermann, Missouri.
New York
As one of the top three wine-producing states in the United States, New York is another destination to add to your itinerary. In particular, you may want to explore the Finger Lakes, which is New York’s largest American Viticultural Area.
Cayuga Lake Wine Trail
Credit – RochesterNY under public domain
Though its delicious selection of wines is obviously a highlight, the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is also the perfect place to visit for those wanting to go on a lovely scenic drive. The landscape is peaceful, and not far from other attractions like the Deer Haven Park.
Silver Springs Winery L.L.C.
Credit – Visit Finger Lakes under CC BY 2.0 License
This small family-owned winery is considered one of the most popular spots to visit in the area, and boasts solar energy and award-winning wines. The food selection tops the whole experience off, although it’s not the cheapest option out there.
These are just some of the best places to visit when you want to get your wine on! They’re all top-tier, so it really comes down to what your favorite style is, and who you’re planning to bring along. Each of these vineyards have their own specialties, so you may want to look into that before making your choice. On the flip side, you could also make a plan to go on a wine-hopping tour and visit all of these places, if you have the time!
