Top 5 Wine-Tasting Destinations

Unless you are a wine expert, there is a strong possibility that you don’t know how to distinguish the difference between the various wine flavors. However, this is a skill that can be leaned and this can be done at a wine tasting.

Why Attend a Wine Tasting

If you love wine, you’ll love attending a wine tasting event. Wine tasting is a way to experience and learn everything you need to know about wine.

Attending a wine tasting will broaden your horizons. During the experience, you’ll get to taste wines that you may not have come across otherwise. You get to discuss with the wine experts and those with at the event about the different flavors you can taste and learn which is the best wine for you.

Wine tasting is an education. Wine is so much more than what is written on the label.  A tasting event will use and awaken all of your senses. You can taste, smell, and see the variety of wines available.

There are many reasons to attend a wine tasting. The main one is that you get to sample a selection of different wines. Here are a few more reasons why to participate in a wine tasting:

• You love wine: Immerse yourself in all things wine. Learn how it is made, smell it, look at it and best of all taste it. 
• You’ll meet people with a common interest: You’ll interact with other people that have a love and passion for wine. Make new friends and get to know more about each other over a glass or two of wine.
• You can gain more knowledge about wine: Learn about the different flavors, aromas, and textures of wine.
• You’ll learn how to pair food with wine: Learn which wine is the best to pair with which food to compliment the flavors and textures.
• You could add a bottle or two to your wine collection: Not only do you get to learn everything you need to know about wine, but you can use your new knowledge to buy yourself the perfect bottle.
• You’ll have a good time: This is the most important part of wine tasting. You’ll have fun!

What to Expect at a Wine Tasting

At a wine tasting, you can expect to meet and mingle with other wine enthusiasts. They are all there for the same reason: to sample wines and enjoy the tastes, fragrances, and textures.

You’ll get to taste a range of wines for your palate’s pleasure with even the most basic of wines putting the boxed stuff in your refrigerator to shame.

Wine Tasting Games to Celebrate The New Year

The social atmosphere found at all wine tastings will encourage you to interact with your fellow tasters, and perhaps learn a thing or two.

Here are the top five US best wine tasting destinations you’ll want to add to your list.

5.) Long Island, New York

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Take a day trip out of New York City and head to Long Island’s little-known secret: a collection of nearly 60 small vineyards. Spread around Long Island, these vineyards provide many different wines to taste at over 30 wineries.

You can sample cabernet franc, chardonnay, pinot noir, pinot grigio, and Merlot, to name a few. In addition to wine tasting, check out the wineries’ local events, which include themed festivals, art shows, and even live music.

4.) Finger Lakes, New York

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Take a break from the hustle and bustle of New York City by grabbing a glass of wine at Finger Lakes, which is located in the western central section of New York state.

Take your pick of over 100 wineries or three special wine trails. All of the wineries at Finger Lakes offer a broad selection of sweet and dry wines, pinot noir, chardonnay, and other classics.

Expert wine tasters host many wine tours and offer complimentary food pairings for the ultimate wine-tasting experience.

3.) Willamette Valley, Oregon

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Hit the trails, but leave your covered wagon at home. Oregon’s Willamette Valley offers a range of hospitality choices, from B&Bs nestled in the countryside to sleek, urban hotels.

Its wineries specialize in pinot noir, but you’ll also discover cabernet, Zinfandel, Merlot, and Riesling. Multiple wineries located from Portland all the way down to Eugene ensure plenty of wine tasting and fine dining enjoyment from north to south.

When you’re not touring wineries, you won’t want to miss out on art galleries, and the chance to explore the countryside with pedal bike tours and hot air balloon rides. You’ll also be able to stock up on your collection of wine openers.

2.) Napa Valley, California

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Both TripAdvisor and U.S. News selected California’s Napa Valley for the No. 2 spot of must-visit best wine tasting destinations. Clearly, the place is doing something right.

Napa Valley’s wineries are home to a generous selection of wines, most notably chardonnay and pinot noir. Besides boasting more than 400 wineries, Napa Valley is your destination if you have a love of fine dining.

For those who aren’t going to go winery-hopping, Napa Valley also has plenty of spas, golf courses, and even hot air balloon rides to offer.

1.) Sonoma County, California

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California’s Sonoma County, located close to Napa, is a must-visit if you’ll be on the west coast. Its wineries offer a wine for every occasion and palate.

From a crisp chardonnay to light zinfandel to a heady merlot, Sonoma County offers a large selection of wines that are best enjoyed when followed by a visit to one of many nearby spas.

Sonoma County’s Kendall-Jackson Wine Estates, in particular, is worth a visit. It boasts 120 acres of vineyards that are home to a culinary sensory garden, food and wine pairings with Chef Justin Wangler, and a dedicated tasting room.

Once you’ve enjoyed a wine tasting, you’ll probably want to add some of your favorites to your wine fridge. Make sure you have a good place to store them!