Winter Getaway: Discovering Winter Wineries

Wineries take the chill out of frigid winter months, welcoming wine aficionados and novices alike. Among the varied wine imbibing options available from December through February are the renowned Malbecs of sunny Mendoza, Argentina, the charming quiet of wintertime along Virginia wine trails, and Niagara’s intriguing ice

In Mendoza, Argentina, hundreds of wineries dot the landscape. With winter temperatures ranging from “the high 80s to the high 50s and low 60s,” this western province is an enticing destination from December through February, reports MSNBC travel editor Peter Greenberg. He suggests a visit to Achaval-Ferrer vineyards, which offers a tasting for under $15, and has weekday and Saturday hours.

Mendoza is a two-hour plane ride from Buenos Aires, but a world away in terms of adventure tourism opportunities, according to Fodor’s. After visiting a winery, enjoy a range of activities, including rafting and skiing “within a reasonable distance” of Mendoza’s downtown area. Wine is still “the main draw,” however, and visitors can easily taste a wide variety of pours, such as “blends like Torrontes” and “Argentina’s signature grape, Malbec.” 

Fodor’s also recommends a visit to the Vendimia Festival in March, a weeklong celebration of the Argentine wine industry with parades and parties. In a travelogue published on Go Nomad, Jade Frank discusses her Vendimia visit, as well as the history of Malbec in Argentina. “While Malbec originated in France, it has truly found its home in Mendoza,” writes Frank. “The crop has struggled in French vineyards, but due to a perfect combination of growing conditions like high altitude, strong sunlight and protection from the Andes, Malbec grapes are happy in Argentina.”

Vines of Virginia
You might not instantly think of wine when planning a trip to Virginia, but that under-the-radar quality is what makes a winter visit to one of Virginia’s more than 130 wineries so peaceful. According to Where to Go Next, Virginia was “named one of the top five up-and-coming wine destinations” in a leading travel magazine, with trails often wending from wineries to quaint bed and breakfasts.

John Deiner of The Washington Post writes about a winter visit to Virginia wineries, where the scene is low-key and anything but snobbish. For example, a weekend visit to Loudoun Valley Vineyards can present low-cost deals like “a bowl of soup, a basket of bread and a glass of wine,” as well as pleasant conversation with unhurried bartenders and winery workers. During wintertime at Virginia wineries, “Crowds are light, roads empty, the leafless vistas are amazing … and bored pourers become very chatty.”

Canadian Ice Wine
Ice wine is a staple of winters on Canada’s Niagara Peninsula, and to a lesser extent in British Columbia. Described by Food Network Canada as “a sweet, yummy dessert wine,” the variety was born in Germany in the 18th century and made its way to Canada in the 1970s. The Niagara Peninsula offers just the right climate for producing ice wine, and the region hosts the 12th annual Niagara Icewine Festival from January 19–28. The fest offers ice wine and food pairing seminars, tours of wineries and the chance to pick frozen grapes.