Wine grapes are among the many crops harvested in the fall, making harvest season one of the more exciting times to visit wineries throughout the country. And yes, we said country—there’s actually a large number of vibrant regions and communities within the United States that produce quality wine other than the famous, Napa Valley. That’s not to say that Napa Valley isn’t worth the trip, but we wanted to highlight some additional destinations that offer an array of different landscapes, climates, and other attractions. And who knows, traveling to one or two of these destinations might be a lot more feasible for your group!
Virginia Wine Country
Virginia’s wine region is definitely one to watch, and more and more wine enthusiasts are favoring this area for their getaways. This growing industry is nestled in ranging picturesque landscapes from Northern Virginia, Central Virginia, and even reaching into the Shenandoah Valley. Thanks to a very diverse set of grape varieties, the region produces plenty of different wines to enjoy, and combined with the large culinary scene in these areas, you’ll find lots of local restaurants and markets offering pairings and selling local wines in addition to wineries and tasting rooms.
Among the many other reasons to visit Virginia (like exploring historical sites like battlefields, historic buildings and estates, and of course, a trip to the living museum of Colonial Williamsburg), the state’s wine industry is a huge draw, with wine trails and tours, as well as festivals and events come harvest time. Not to mention, your proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains is an added bonus for soaking up that gorgeous fall foliage that the Blue Ridge is known for. Learn more about Virginia’s Wine Month in October on Virginia Wine’s website.
Finger Lakes, New York
Speaking of small, charming towns, you’ll find many in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York. Named for its eleven narrow lakes that look like fingers, the area is stunning and is home to many historical sites and other outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. The wine culture there runs deep, and it is often celebrated with festivals and events throughout the year. Ever been wine stomping? Well, here’s your chance! When the harvest season comes around, you’ll find the region extra festive, especially with its beautiful fall foliage.
This region’s weather can certainly range in the fall. While you’ll most likely get comfortable, sunny days, you also may see deep drops in the temperature, especially at night! So, keep that in mind when packing—we’d recommend lots of layers. The Finger Lakes is perfect for the cool-climate wines that the region specializes in, such as Riesling. Since this region sees so many visitors, there are three different wine trails that’ll give you the perfect taste of the area’s offerings. Throughout the year, there are updates to the themes, meaning the food pairing might change or there may be special events for holidays. Want to learn more? Visit the Finger Lakes Wine Country website for more information.
Walla Walla Valley, Washington
To get just a bit technical, the Walla Walla Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) Wine Region isn’t just within Washington state’s borders. While two-thirds of the region remains in Washington, one-third does extend into Oregon. The region’s rolling hills covered in vineyards and other farmland provide beautiful views, while the actual town of Walla Walla is charming, complete with a downtown full of historic buildings with a small-town vibe you’ll definitely want to explore.
If you prefer red wine, then you’re in for a treat, as the valley produces exceptional varieties from Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrahs, and Merlots. The dry summer climate produces a great harvest of red wine grapes, but there are some wineries in the region that do offer rosés and chardonnays. For those who really want to experience this area and celebrate alongside locals, plan to visit during the Fall Release Weekend, where you’ll be among the first to sip on the newly released wines in tasting rooms throughout the valley. Happening and the beginning of November, learn more about this event on Walla Walla Valley Wine’s website.
Texas Hill Country
Located in central Texas, this region also has beautiful, rolling hills that allow winemakers to grow an array of grape varieties. With rivers cutting through the landscape, Texas Hill Country is a short drive away from bustling, Austin, and is home to a variety of towns like Driftwood, Kyle, Dripping Springs, and more. In fall, you’ll experience cooler temperatures that allow for more outdoor activities like visiting the springs, swimming holes, and waterfalls, and attending plenty of fall festivals, like the Texas Hill Country Food & Wine Festival in September, Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival in October, and more wine-related festivals throughout the year.
There are a few wine trails that visitors can choose to explore and to celebrate October being Texas Wine Month, the Texas Wine Passport will allow you to access more than forty-five wineries in the region, enjoying a complimentary tasting and discounts on the self-guided tour. To learn more about the wine trails and wineries in this region, visit Texas Hill Country Wineries’ website.
Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley is one of the most prestigious wine regions in not only the United States but the world. If you’re a true wine connoisseur, you won’t need all too much persuading to book a trip to the Napa Valley, so we’ll make this quick. Easy to access from larger cities like San Francisco and Sacramento, the various towns within the valley (yes, there’s more than just, Napa) are tucked in between sloping hills and winding rivers and exude charm and have impressive culinary scenes. With some of the best tasting rooms, tours, and overall experiences, reservations are always a good idea even if the peak summer season has ended. Not only is the harvest exciting enough, but the cooler weather not only draws visitors but locals from surrounding counties on the weekends.
Many collectors like visiting Napa Valley to add more bottles to their collection, but whether you’re a wine enthusiast or not, it’ll be hard to pass up bringing a bottle or two home with you. Just make sure to think ahead, luggage-wise. Keep an eye out for some of the region’s iconic wines ranging from Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Bordeaux Blends, and Chardonnay. You’ll quickly understand why so many quality grapes are grown there since the valley has a Mediterranean climate that visitors always rave about.
And just another thing to note before booking your trip: while navigating the area isn’t hard at all, if you are planning on hitting the wine trail and stopping at multiple wineries for tastings, think about booking a wine tour or shuttle. For more information about planning a trip to Napa Valley, read our Destination Highlight.
