7 Places To Warm Up With Winter Wine Tasting
When planning a wine tasting trip, heading out in the winter might not be your first thought. But it's actually a perfect time to explore a wine destination, especially if you enjoy full-bodied and fortified varieties. Sitting by the fire and letting a glass of wine warm your soul as you look out the window at a beautiful winter landscape is a perfect way to get through the cold of winter. Plus, wineries are usually less busy during the winter months, so you'll get a cozier, more intimate experience.
Sound nice? Here are seven of the best places in the U.S. to warm up with wine this winter.
- Winter WINEland in Sonoma County
Each year, wineries from California's famous Sonoma County participate in the Winter WINEland event along wine road in Northern Sonoma County. This occasion offers a chance to try new and limited-edition wines and meet winemakers. You can even sign up for a casual breakfast chat with winemakers that includes a Q&A. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on January 13th and 14th.
- Seneca Lake Wine Trail
To get a taste of some incredible food and wine pairings and get into the holiday spirit, head to the Seneca Lake Wine Trail in New York. The trail hosts a "Deck the Halls" event each year in which you visit wineries in the area to sample food and wine. You get an ornament at each location to decorate a handmade grapevine wreath as well as a recipe book with all of the pairings you tried. You can also get the Polar Passport to visit the area at more of your own pace.
- Oregon Wine Country
Willamette Valley in Oregon's wine country, which won Wine Enthusiast's Wine Region of the Year in 2016, is another perfect wintery wine-filled escape. Since the area isn't as busy in the winter, winemakers will be able to spend more time with you and provide you with a more in-depth wine-tasting experience. The valley also has plenty of holiday events including a Christmas market at the Green Village Resort where you can try gluhwein, a traditional German warm mulled wine drink that's ideal for chilly winter days.
- Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan
Another advantage of winter wine tasting is the wide variety of wines that is typically available. The charming wineries and towns of Northwest Michigan and the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail provide a perfect opportunity to discover your new favorite wine. You can also attend various pairing events and other fun activities, such as a craft night where you'll learn how to make a festive moss wreath while sampling wines.
- NYC Winter Wine Festival
The famous NYC Winter Wine Festival features hundreds of wines from around the world as well as light hors d'oeuvres and live jazz music. If you choose the VIP Suite experience, you'll get to sample 12 exclusive vintage wines that have scored 90 or more points on critic scales. Some have even scored above a 95, which designates them a "classic."
- Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is famed mostly for its natural wonders, but the park also hosts several wine-related events throughout the year. One of the biggest is the Bracebridge Dinner, which has been a tradition since 1927. The staff, who recreate an Old English-era Christmas celebration, includes wine stewards who will help you select a wine that will pair well with your meal.
- Monticello Wine Trail
The historic Monticello Wine Trail, known as the birthplace of American wine, includes 33 wineries where you can sample local varieties and chat with the region's winemakers. The area has frequent live music events that make cozying up inside with a glass of wine on a winter evening especially enjoyable.
There's something about a deep red wine on a cold winter day that's just so cozy and relaxing. If you're looking for a winter getaway, you have plenty of options when it comes to wine events and locations, and they all offer unique winter wine-tasting experiences.