Cross-Country Wine Tasting: Our Top 5 Recommendations for Wineries in the US
Vineyards and wineries are more than just a place to get your favorite beverage, it's a place to discover new tastes and experiences, and you can find new wines right here in the United States! A lot of work and passion goes into creating the perfect bottle of wine, so let's get out there and enjoy the fruits of our five favorite winemakers' labors!
1. A Worldly Experience
Cheers! Where are we going?
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, New York Finger Lakes
Do you crave a worldly experience but don't want to travel overseas? Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery is perfect for you! Dr. Frank received his Ph.D. in viticulture from Odesa, Ukraine, which came in handy when he founded his winery in the New York Finger Lakes. This land had poor soils and steep slopes; still, he planted the first European grape varieties in the Eastern United States in 1958.
At this vineyard, you'll enjoy 1-hour wine tastings, a relaxing time in their new space: Eugenia's Garden with wine and local cheeses, as well as a unique, personal experience! You can immerse yourself in an 1886 food and wine experience with an in-depth cellar experience and a seated educational wine flight with a creative small plate pairing from June to October. We all know history pairs perfectly with a good glass of wine!
2. The Movie Star Experience
Francis Ford Coppola Winery - Geyserville, CA
Nothing like sipping by the pool!
You might have to dodge the paparazzi at this winery! The very influential American director of the 1960s created this winery to have "a place to celebrate the love of life."
Enjoy the choice of tasting more than forty wines on-site, two swimming pools surrounded by chaise lounge chairs that welcome kids and adults, and a full-service restaurant with international and Italian dishes! Feel like a movie star at this vineyard and fall in love with more wine!
3. A Sweet Retreat
Bear Creek Winery and Lodging - Homer, Alaska
Ah so sweet to relax!
In the mid-1990's Bill Fry, the owner of this vineyard, started this vineyard as a hobby, blending wine with fresh fruit like rhubarb, blueberries, and kiwi. He started in his kitchen and then moved to the garage and eventually to an official winery! Bill's daughter and wife have since inherited the winery to keep it within the family.
Not only does this Alaskan winery offer delicious fruit blended wine, but they also offer lodgings to keep the party going! Stay in a themed suite with access to hot tubs, a 10% discount on wine, waterfall, nature trail, and more!
4. More Variety Means a Better Experience
Heritage Vineyard Winery - Warsaw, Ohio
Do you have a wide range of tastes? This vineyard offers a wide variety of wines, sweet and dry, so you'll be sure to find a wine that tickles your fancy. Taste your way through the categories of semi-sweet to sweet, semi-dry to dry, a variety of sangria, and fruit wines!
If you see double, don't worry about driving to a hotel because there's the Heritage Guest House that can host up to six people with a kitchen. Make a tasting into an experience!
5. The Something-for-Everyone Experience
Wolffer Estate - Sagaponack, NY
Feeling thirsty?
We all have friends who don't appreciate wine as we do, and we love them anyway. Rest assured that you can bring your friends who have ulterior tastes to this winery. Wolffer Estate not only provides wine but also offers cider at their location to enjoy, as well as gin and brandy in their store.
You'll enjoy a good time at the Wolffer Estate's wine stand with food, live music, and delicious drinks! Are you just passing through? You can grab drinks on the go too!
6. BONUS WINERY:
Of course, we couldn't leave ourselves off of this list! At Boston Winery, we are not so secretive about our secret ingredient to our wine - it's family! We take pride in our tastings and pairings because we know that wine strengthens bonds and brings people together through new experiences.
