Wine Writers/Travel Editors
SOUTHLAKE, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sept. 25, 2006–While Northern
California’s famed Napa and Sonoma Valleys lure travelers each fall
with the promise of flavorful wine and scenic landscapes, there are
travel-worthy destinations around the country that boast a plentiful
grape harvest season and countless wines worth exploring.
Travelocity’s editor-at-large has unearthed wineries, festivals and
tasting events across North America that travelers should add to their
fall itineraries.
“Wine tours and events have become increasingly popular over the
past decade,” said Amy Ziff, Travelocity editor-at-large. “While most
wineries stay open year-round, fall marks grape harvest season and the
best time to celebrate the art of wine making and a successful harvest
through events such as wine tours and fall festivals.”
For the wine lover who wishes to try something new, Ziff suggests
conducting taste-tests at these great fall destinations:
Connecticut Wine Trail: Sixteen wineries dot the Connecticut Wine
Trail, which winds through the picturesque New England countryside.
Stop by Sharpe Hill Vineyard located on a sweeping 110 acres in
Pomfret with a stunning vista of three states; Stonington Vineyard in
Mystic offers a good “how to” tour of the wine cellar; and Hopkins
Vineyard for $5 wine tasting and a beautiful Lake Waramaug view.
Texas Hill Country: The Lone Star State’s Hill Country doubles as
wine country, where travelers can explore the wineries and vineyards
of this central Texas region during the fall crush season. Local
favorites include Becker Vineyard’s Viognier and Grape Creek
Vineyard’s flagship Cabernet Trois.
Southern Idaho: This spunky up-and-comer in the wine world sits at
a higher altitude than most wine-growing regions, and its soil has
greater volcanic ash content, producing grapes recognized for their
flavorful and distinctive character. Taste award-winning Rieslings at
the Ste. Chapelle Winery, and enjoy live jazz at The Winery at Eagle
Knoll.
Oklahoma: A latecomer to the wine industry, dozens of wineries and
vineyards have popped up across Oklahoma in recent years. Experience
Stone Bluff Cellars’ award winning wines in a rustic yet elegant
setting. Nestled in the hills near Tulsa, the winery hosts a monthly
Sunset at Stone Bluff event where Culinary Institute of Arts Chef
Mikael Harp creates a five-course menu for the guests.
Fall Wine Festivals & Events
— Annual Okanagan Fall Wine Festival (Okanagan, British
Columbia), Sept. 29 – Oct. 8, 2006
— 55th Annual Niagara Wine Festival (Niagara, Ontario), Sept. 22
– Oct. 1, 2006
Wine Tour Tips
— Pick up a winery map at your destination so you don’t miss out
on the best stops.
— Eat a good breakfast before the wine tasting journey begins,
and make sure to break for lunch.
— Visit a few wineries in the morning and a few in the afternoon,
giving your palate a rest in between.
— Take notes at each winery so you don’t forget what you did and
did not like.
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CONTACT: VOLLMER
Andrea Collins, 212-715-2222
andrea@vollmerpr.com
SOURCE: Travelocity