If you're a wine lover, then there's no better getaway than a wine weekend with your closest girlfriends! We've scouted out the best spots in the United States to travel for some wine tasting, no matter where you're based.
Let’s Hit The Wine Trail
1. Sonoma, California
If you're looking for variety when searching wine weekend destinations, then Sonoma is the spot for you! Boasting over 400 wineries, there is no shortage of blends to be tasted. Sonoma County is just a short drive from San Francisco, nestled in the beautiful California Bay Area. In addition to wine tasting, you’re also surrounded by amazing sightseeing opportunities from the moment you arrive.
If aesthetics play a part in your search for a perfect winery, then The Ledson Winery, also known as 'The Castle' should make it on your list. This stunning property holds private tastings in a setting fit for royalty!
If you'd prefer something a bit more rustic in nature, we'd recommend stopping by the Ferrari -Carano Vineyard and Winery. Offering a cozy atmosphere with a scenic backdrop, you'll be able to sip on your choice of pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, and more.
Photo by Hari Nandakumar on Unsplash
2. Charlottesville, Virginia
As a Virginia local myself, I can’t speak highly enough about Charlottesville. The area opens into the Shenandoah Valley and offers visitors a front-row seat to the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I highly encourage anyone planning a trip here to schedule their travel in Autumn, as the area truly comes to life when the leaves change!
While in Charlottesville, hire Monticello Wine Tours, or a similar service, to shuttle your group safely from place to place. Once arrangements are made for transport, I recommend visiting Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards, one of the more popular destinations in the area. With its serene landscape and beautiful gardens, it's easy to see why this spot stays busy. Another local stop that should make it on your list is Veritas Vineyard. Here you can enjoy wine tasting, a flavorful meal, or simply relax on their manicured lawn while enjoying the crisp mountain air!
Boar's Head Resort provides convenient lodging to all of the local vineyards and offers top-notch hospitality and beautiful grounds that will provide an element of luxury to retreat to after a long day!
Photo by Reshma Mallecha on Unsplash
3. Napa Valley, California
When visiting Napa Valley, guests can expect a full wino experience, beyond just a tasting! If you enjoy learning about the history of wine in the area, you can sign up for various tours of different local vineyards. One that we'd recommend is the St. Helena 'Taste of History' Tour which takes visitors through scenic settings and shares history dating back to the 1800s!
If you'd prefer a more relaxed visit without the structure of a tour, book a picnic with bottle service in one of the many breathtaking vineyards. This will give you and your girlfriends a chance to relax and unwind while still enjoying some tasty sips!
Photo by Jim Harris on Unsplash
4. Grand Valley, Colorado
This region is incredibly unique for vineyards due to its dry, desert climate. The grapes grow tall thanks to the almost year-round sun and water access to the Colorado River. To learn more about Colorado's beautiful wine country, kick off your visit with a Grapes and Grains Adventure Tour. If you'd prefer to skip the education, but still travel in style, consider hiring out JR's Carriage Service for a daytime or sunset horse-drawn ride to various wineries.
For a relaxed and cozy atmosphere in a family owned establishment, visit Mesa Park Vineyards and try one of their popular reds.
5. Finger Lakes, New York
Another East Coast wine destination is the Finger Lakes area in upstate New York. The stunning scenery of New York's wine country, especially in the fall, is unmatched! Spend your weekend exploring one of three local wine trails and tasting the carefully crafted food and drink pairings along the way, or plan your trip around one of the many big events in the area, such as wine and cheese tastings and holiday festivals.
If you do decide to spend a day visiting the many stops of each wine trail, consider hiring transportation in advance through one of the local rental companies such as 'Above the Glen.' This one-of-a-kind shuttle service offers riders the chance to coast the trails in style from a fully restored 1956 red stretch limo!
So Pack Your Bags and Lets Go!
These are just 5 of our favorite wine weekend getaways, but there are so many beautiful wineries across the country that you’ll easily be able to find a great spot, no matter where you want to travel.
Ready to start planning? When you book with Celebration Wishes Travel, you can rest assured that every single detail of your trip will be handled with care. Fill out our interest form to learn more today!
