- Grapes are an essential agricultural commodity in the US, with an estimated worth of $6.5 billion in 2018.
- Research wineries and make reservations ahead of time to get the best experience when visiting wine country.
- Look for a nearby hotel that suits your needs to ensure a comfortable stay.
- Take advantage of tastings, food pairings, and discounts to make the most out of your visit.
- Consider renting a car or bike for easy transportation around wine country.
In the United States, grapes are regarded as a valuable commodity with an estimated worth of $6.5 billion. Non-citrus fruits comprise 36 percent of this value, most of which is from grape production! One million acres were dedicated to producing wine, table grapes, and raisins in 2018 alone. This allowed the country to produce more than 7.5 million tons last year! It’s no wonder why they are recognized for their immense contribution to the nation’s agricultural industry today.
A trip to wine country is an experience that you will remember. From beautiful wineries to delicious food, there are countless ways to enjoy yourself while visiting one of the world’s most famous wine regions. Here are some tips for enjoying a vacation in wine country to make sure your trip is as memorable as possible.
Research Before You Go
Before you even set foot in wine country, it’s crucial that you do your research on what wineries are available and which ones offer the best experiences. Look up reviews online and talk to friends who have been before you so that you can decide which wineries offer the best tasting rooms, tours, and amenities. Also, be sure to check out any upcoming events or festivals that might be happening during your stay. There’s usually something fun going on.
Make Reservation
Once you’ve narrowed down the wineries you want to visit, contact them in advance and make reservations. Most wineries require reservations for tastings or tours, so it’s best to get this out of the way early. This will also save you from waiting in long lines or getting turned away from an overcrowded tasting room. If you book beforehand, some wineries offer discounts or special packages, so it’s always worth asking.
Look for a Hotel
When planning a wine country vacation, you must consider where you’ll stay. Many people stay in hotels near the wineries they are visiting. It will help if you look for a suitable hotel where you can relax at the end of the day. You can even have a relaxing evening at a roof deck bar of the hotel. You can watch the stars in the sky while sipping your favorite drink. So, check out all the options before you book to find the perfect spot for your trip.
Take Advantage of Tastings
Most wineries offer tastings for visitors, so take advantage of this opportunity! Think about what type of wine you like before you go so you can be prepared with questions when tasting different wines.
Food Pairings
Many wineries will also have food pairings available, so take advantage of these if offered—food and wine pairings are one of the best parts about visiting a winery! Don’t forget to ask the staff questions about their wines and get their advice on what types of wines you should try.
Discounts and Specials
Also, be sure to ask about any specials or discounts they offer. You may even get a free tasting! Lastly, buy a few bottles to bring home when you find a wine you like. A bottle of local wine makes for the perfect souvenir.
The best part is that winery visits are fun and educational. You can learn a lot about wine, the varieties of grapes used to make it, and how they’re grown. You may even find some new favorites in the process! So what are you waiting for? Visit a winery today—you won’t regret it!
To Get Around Easily
Depending on where in wine country you are visiting, renting a car or joining a tour group may be wise so that getting around isn’t too difficult. This way, you can see multiple wineries in one day without worrying about transportation issues or finding your way home after drinking a few glasses of vino!
Local Bus Service
Plus, if multiple people are traveling together, renting a car is much more cost-effective than hiring individual taxis or Ubers after each tasting session. If you are visiting a specific region, local bus services may be available, which can help to further reduce your transportation costs.
Bike Rentals
Additionally, many bike tours and rentals offer guided routes through the different wine regions so that you can enjoy the scenery as you pedal from one vineyard to the next. This is an eco-friendly way to get around and a great way to exercise while experiencing the sights and sounds of wine country.
A trip to wine country is an unforgettable experience full of delicious wines and stunning views. By researching and taking advantage of tastings at each stop, you can ensure your vacation is amazing! With these few simple tips for enjoying a holiday in wine country under your belt, all that’s left to do is pack your bags and hit the road.
