Autumn is prime time to tour the vineyards that dot the nation's every
corner, when temperatures are cool and foliage is at its most
flamboyant. From the rocky coast of New England to the lush valleys of
Washington State, find grape-stomping events, harvest festivals,
cook-offs, and more. Thanks to the folks at
Smarter Travel for these top wine destinations to get your (grape)
juices flowing.
Russian River Valley, California
Popular year-round because of its moderate climate, the
Russian River Valley
is best visited during
Russian River Valley Winegrowers website.
Besides wine, autumn travelers can find fine dining and luxe
accommodations, especially in Healdsburg, an epicenter where three of
California's major wine regions (the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek
Valley, and Alexander Valley) meet. Active visitors can take leisurely
bicycle rides alongside vividly colored vineyards on Westside and
Eastside roads or kayak in the Russian River, lined by crimson and gold
leaves.
crush season, when trellised grapes are plucked
and harvest festivities kicked off (and when fewer travelers are in the
area than in summer). Located in the very heart of Sonoma County, this
world-class wine region churns out cool-climate varietals shaped by
temperate Pacific Ocean fogs. Smooth Pinot Noirs and rich Chardonnays
have made the valley famous, and you've likely heard of some of the
region's notable wineries, such as Kendall-Jackson, Sonoma-Cutrer, and
Korbel. Smaller cellars and boutiques also abound; search for the right
fit on the
Finger Lakes, New York
October brings explosions of color to the
Finger Lakes'
forested shores and scenic roads, making this
a popular getaway for
city slickers in search of fall foliage (after all, it's mere hours from
both New York City and Toronto). Recently voted by TripAdvisor as one
of the top wine destinations in the U.S. (ranking up there with usual
heavy hitters Sonoma and Napa), the Finger Lakes region has earned the
admiration of wine enthusiasts for its distinctive terroir and resultant
minerally Rieslings. Take one of three major wine trails that meander
around Cayuga, Keuka, Canandaigua, and Seneca lakes, where the deep,
cold waters and rolling hillsides provide the perfect microclimate for
the area's signature delicate Rieslings and Gewurztraminers, seasonal
honey meads, and fruit wines. Quaint 18th-century villages and homey
B&Bs, cozy homes away from home after long days on the dusty trail,
pepper the lakeshores, while outdoorsy travelers can hole up in one of
the campgrounds, cottages, or cabins nestled in the surrounding state
parkland.
New England Coastal Wine Trail
Stretching from Cape Cod through coastal Connecticut,
this wine trail
comprises a tight collection of nine wineries known for their
European-style whites (the result of the trail's seaside location and
cool climate). During fall, the scenic two- or three-day journey
alternates between coastal vistas and serene country landscapes and
takes you through miles of New England's signature fall foliage. In
Massachusetts, sip
Westport Rivers'
Westport Brut RJR, a tart, many-medaled sparkling wine, which has been
served in three White House administrations. Or take a spin southward to
sample
Newport Vineyards'
slate of reds, whites, ports, and rich harvest ice wines before touring
Newport's famed mansions just minutes away. Usually overrun by tourists
in summer, the historic port and its thrilling
cliff walk are ideal to visit in fall.
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Dotted
by small towns, rich farmland, and forests of golden aspen and scarlet
huckleberry shrubs, Oregon's Willamette Valley is equally well traveled
by adrenaline junkies, who seek out the area's adventure activities, and
gourmands, who nosh their way through numerous restaurants and
wineries. Already a top wine-producing region and a glorious visit in
fall, the valley was dubbed "the Burgundy of the states" by
Wine Enthusiast
for its highly rated Pinot Noir varietal. The region is known for its
many sustainable, biodynamic labels as well as its independent,
unpretentious vibe. Explore the main wine trails on the
Willamette Valley Visitors Association website or
order the travel guide
to help you navigate the vineyards, shops, and more. And, with a
characteristic nip in the air, the Willamette Valley is a place to be
outdoors during fall: Hike the
McKenzie National Recreation Trail,
picnic along the McKenzie River Highway, or drive along I-5 with its
covered bridges, wooden barns, and signature red-and-gold foliage.
Yakima Valley, Washington
Another Northwestern gem, the Yakima Valley is a true original, a
remarkably diverse expanse that makes up the first official
wine-producing region in Washington State. Here, at the ends of narrow
country roads threading their way through sun-soaked miles and forested
acres of orange and butter-yellow leaves, find dozens of wineries that
espouse the region's progressive, pioneer spirit—many producing wines
that are certified sustainable, organic, and salmon-safe, an important
designation for the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can scale Red Mountain
for eco-friendly wines from Terra Blanca, or get a taste of the back roads on the Roads Less Traveled route; this itinerary takes you to Sleeping Dog Wines
and its resident "guardian cat." At the end of whichever winding drive
you choose, stop in historical Yakima city for its North Front Street
boutiques, tasting rooms, and galleries, or tour the local farms for
Pacific Northwest produce, including grapes, apples, and pears.
Monticello Wine Trail, Virginia
With a palette of red sassafras and deep-purple sweet gum, the
Monticello Wine Trail,
dating back to the dawn of the Revolution, welcomes visitors seeking
cooler weather and peaceful tasting rooms along snaking Virginia roads.
When famous first settler Thomas Jefferson settled Monticello estate, he
envisioned the area as thriving wine country to compete with Old World
vines. Now, the region is considered the birthplace of American wines,
and boutique wineries sprinkle the countryside along with AAA Four
Diamond B&Bs and restaurants, moderate hiking trails, and fruit
orchards. The Monticello appellation is broken up into four major
loops—Northern, Eastern, Western, and Southern—that wend through the
Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding historical towns. The Southern loop
contains some of the region's oldest vines, including
Jefferson Vineyards,
established in 1774 (try its consistently popular Viognier and Rose,
both of which feature only fruit grown in Virginia). But be sure to
begin with a visit to remarkable
Monticello before hitting the road (tickets start at $24 for adults and $8 for children).
