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Home › Entertainment

Entertainment | 08/24/2009 11:00 pm

Best American Wine Getaways

What better way to bond with friends and family than over a glass of vino?

Photo Essay

Play Slideshow
wowOwow.com has teamed up with findingDulcinea.com,”Librarian of the Internet,” to create a getaway plan for all oenophiles (wine lovers). Whether you wish to sip your way across France’s Burgundy region, or sun in Napa Valley, here’s a guide to help invigorate your vino experience. You’ll discover some of the best places in the world to find a good glass. To learn more about any of the wine destinations visit findingDulcinea. You can also learn ways to plan a wine trip on a budget.

Tell us: Where are your favorite wine destinations?
Read more about: California, Destination, Dining, Entertainment, Finger Lakes, Food, Getaway, Ithica, Napa Valley, Oregon Wine Country, Travel, Wine

11 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

Laura Ward
Texas Hill Country and Arkansas Wineries are recommended by Orbitz as #2 fastest growing wineries. There are about 24 small wineries (15 years old might be the oldest, but most are much younger) in the Texas Hill Country. We go to the wineries near Wimberley, 50 miles from Austin and 180 miles from Houston.
By Laura Ward on 08/25/2009 12:33 am
Eldebbo C
I guess I have a new definition. Oenophile- I am definitely a wine lover. Hadn’t ever heard that term before. Love the pics. I plan to visit Napa Valley in the near future.
By Eldebbo C on 08/25/2009 8:25 am
Chrome Toe

I basically live in "Oregon Wine Country" so know it well. the blurb didn’t mention that Oregon is the second largest producer of Pinot Noir in the world. Second to France. If you’re planning a trip here though plan it Mid July to October. I mentioned on the seasons thread that we only have two seasons here…. wet and dry.

By Chrome Toe on 08/25/2009 9:37 am
Susan Crawford
There are so many wonderful wineries along the Hudson in New York State - it’s a fabulous way to spend a day! Pack a picnic lunch, purchase some great local wine from one of the wineries, and enjoy an afternoon overlooking the majestic river. I can also recommend the Healdsburg, California area as the locale of a number of fine wineries. One of my favorite winery tours was at Simi - after the death of her husband, the winery was run by his widow at a time when women weren’t exactly encouraged to run businesses. She not only ran it, she created a wonderful enterprise going stronger than ever many decades later. That made the wine taste even sweeter to me!
By Susan Crawford on 08/25/2009 10:43 am
John G

Chrome, sadly I haven’t been to Oregon for pinot, but I do "import" Oregon pinots and love them! Not to the exclusion of Sonoma pinots, however, and Burgundy is still my favorite producer of wines from that grape.

Pride Mountain Vineyards in Napa/Sonoma (they’re on the county line). Every wine they make is an outstanding example of the grape/grapes.

Joseph Phelps Vineyards in Napa.

Caymus Vineyards (the BEST cabernet in the business).

Groth Vineyards and Winery in Napa.

Stony Hill Vineyard in Napa.

… and so on.

By John G on 08/25/2009 10:44 am
Mary Mooney
I’ve spent several nice Sunday afternoons sampling wines on the North Fork of Long Island.  But the article on the Finger Lakes region makes it sound so inviting, and it’s definitely on my list for next year.
By Mary Mooney on 08/25/2009 2:25 pm
Rebecca G

Oh, I’m an oenophile.  To think, all this time I thought I was just an alcoholic.  LOL.

I’ve always loved the North Fork of Long Island for the vineyards.  The wines produced there are remarkable and I am so upset that I cannot get them here in California.

I am now living in San Francisco and am often riding my Harley through wine country here.  It’s so beautiful and I’ve discovered my new favorite haunt. The Russian River Vineyards in Sonoma.  I don’t know what I love about it most, their wonderful wines or their wonderful food?  Those are fabulous but the people there have become near and dear to me.  They make the trip all worthwhile. If you’re in the area you totally have to enjoy their Brunch.

By Rebecca G on 08/25/2009 5:40 pm
Mary Sue
Our favorite wine getaway is north of the border in Ontario’s wine region south of Toronto.  The wines are very good and there are several lovely restaurants; our favorites are Hillebrand Winery and restaurant near Niagara-on-the Lake, Cave Spring Cellars and their "On the Twenty" Restaurant in Jordan, and Vineland Estates Winery and restaurant/patio in Vineland.
By Mary Sue on 08/25/2009 5:41 pm
Green Tears
I have to say, I’m secretly hoping that my daughter decides to attend college in CA so then I can arrange ‘side trips’ to visit Napa and Oregon!
By Green Tears on 08/27/2009 5:49 pm
Chandara Sun
Our favorite winery area is the Rattlesnake Hills area (Zilah) of Eastern Washington State.  Two Mountain Wineries, Silverlake, Snoqualmie, Portteus, Claar Cellars, Tefft Cellars, Horizon’s Edge (which makes really funky ports), among others.  We’ll be heading there soon to stock up on our wine for the year ;-D
By Chandara Sun on 08/29/2009 8:34 am