Wine regions across America
By 2009-8-20 17:27:31
While Napa and Sonoma are the most well known wine regions in America, you may be surprised to find other wine regions that are conveniently close offering flavorful summer getaways. 
This summer you don’t have to limit yourself to exclusive retreats to seek award-winning sips. Here are wine regions across the U.S. that will tantalize any palette.
Napa and Sonoma- Yes, yes of course I have to mention this region as it is the most well known in the United States. The Napa and Sonoma valley is the birthplace of California’s wine industry. Located 45 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, rolling vineyards and quaint farms welcome wine enthusiasts to sample old vine Zinfandel.
Escape to Wine Country at Landmark Vineyards – every Saturday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm now through October 31st, complimentary live music, horse drawn wagon rides, bocce ball, croquet, badminton, horse shoes and vinoolympics.
For other events visit:
http://www.sonomavalley.com/index.php/component/option,com_events/Itemid,251/day,18/month,08/task,view_month/year,2009/
New Mexico – While this may seem new to the market, New Mexico has been producing wine for over four centuries. Known as the oldest wine-producing region in the US, the first Spanish explorers and settlers brought their European wine grapes to the region beginning in the early 1500s to cultivate vineyards in the sunny and fertile Rio Grande Valley.
Today, New Mexico has wineries scattered across the Northern, Central and Southern regions of the state. Visit the Land of Enchantment during the summer to taste these handcrafted wines at one of the many wine festivals.
The Harvest Wine Festival features Southern New Mexican wines, which is held on Labor Day Saturday through Monday, September 5th to the 7th in Las Cruces New Mexico at the Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds.
For more information about wine festivals visit: http://nmwine.com/default.asp?CustComKey=382924&CategoryKey=383042&pn=Page&domname=nmwine.com
Michigan- Michigan’s wine, grapes and grape juice products account for more than 5,000 jobs across the state for a payroll of more than $190 million. Support this local economy by visiting one of its many vineyards and wineries. Michigan has more than 14,600 acres of vineyards ranking Michigan the 4th largest grape-growing state.
Michigan uses three types of grapes to produce wine: Vinifera varieties, which is European in origin produces Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Noir, Hybrid varieties, otherwise known as French/American hybrids produces Vidal, Cambourcin and Vignoles. And Native varieties, which are classified as Concord or Niagra varietals.
To learn more about Michigan’s wine offerings visit:
http://www.michiganwines.com/page.php?menu_id=19
North Carolina – Boasting over 80 wineries across the state, North Carolina offers a warm welcome to those seeking to imbibe its locally produced wine. Specializing in native Muscadine grapes and European-style vinifera grapes, North Carolina ranks 10th for grape and wine production in the United States.
Upcoming events include the Whalehead Club Wine Festival in Corolla, NC. This festival celebrates the world of wines inviting connoisseurs and novices alike only $20 for admission that includes wine samples, souvenir glass and a complimentary tour of the Whalehead Club.
This summer you don’t have to limit yourself to exclusive retreats to seek award-winning sips. Here are wine regions across the U.S. that will tantalize any palette.
Napa and Sonoma- Yes, yes of course I have to mention this region as it is the most well known in the United States. The Napa and Sonoma valley is the birthplace of California’s wine industry. Located 45 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, rolling vineyards and quaint farms welcome wine enthusiasts to sample old vine Zinfandel.
Escape to Wine Country at Landmark Vineyards – every Saturday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm now through October 31st, complimentary live music, horse drawn wagon rides, bocce ball, croquet, badminton, horse shoes and vinoolympics.
For other events visit:
http://www.sonomavalley.com/index.php/component/option,com_events/Itemid,251/day,18/month,08/task,view_month/year,2009/
New Mexico – While this may seem new to the market, New Mexico has been producing wine for over four centuries. Known as the oldest wine-producing region in the US, the first Spanish explorers and settlers brought their European wine grapes to the region beginning in the early 1500s to cultivate vineyards in the sunny and fertile Rio Grande Valley.
Today, New Mexico has wineries scattered across the Northern, Central and Southern regions of the state. Visit the Land of Enchantment during the summer to taste these handcrafted wines at one of the many wine festivals.
The Harvest Wine Festival features Southern New Mexican wines, which is held on Labor Day Saturday through Monday, September 5th to the 7th in Las Cruces New Mexico at the Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds.
For more information about wine festivals visit: http://nmwine.com/default.asp?CustComKey=382924&CategoryKey=383042&pn=Page&domname=nmwine.com
Michigan- Michigan’s wine, grapes and grape juice products account for more than 5,000 jobs across the state for a payroll of more than $190 million. Support this local economy by visiting one of its many vineyards and wineries. Michigan has more than 14,600 acres of vineyards ranking Michigan the 4th largest grape-growing state.
Michigan uses three types of grapes to produce wine: Vinifera varieties, which is European in origin produces Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Noir, Hybrid varieties, otherwise known as French/American hybrids produces Vidal, Cambourcin and Vignoles. And Native varieties, which are classified as Concord or Niagra varietals.
To learn more about Michigan’s wine offerings visit:
http://www.michiganwines.com/page.php?menu_id=19
North Carolina – Boasting over 80 wineries across the state, North Carolina offers a warm welcome to those seeking to imbibe its locally produced wine. Specializing in native Muscadine grapes and European-style vinifera grapes, North Carolina ranks 10th for grape and wine production in the United States. Upcoming events include the Whalehead Club Wine Festival in Corolla, NC. This festival celebrates the world of wines inviting connoisseurs and novices alike only $20 for admission that includes wine samples, souvenir glass and a complimentary tour of the Whalehead Club.
From www.examiner.com