where to go wine tasting
We are looking for a possible new wine tasting area to visiit this year. Red wines are all we have an interest in at this point. Sorry if that seeems narrow minded, but it is what it is. We have been to Sonoma several times and love it. Napa-no thanks. Last year we did Amador which was a nice change. We love Oregon but are not big Pinot fans. Any ideas would be much appreciated.
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15 Comments:
If youre lookin for something a little different how about the NY finger lakes. It is an often overlooked wine producing region and makes some great wines, another choice would be the Niagra region of Canada. I have been to both and there are a ton of small boutique wineries and plenty of small intimate bed and breakfast to stay in as well. Good luck and enjoy your trip.
twoojoe at 12:02AM on 04/22/09
I just came back from a little trip to the Central Coast (Santa Inez, Solvang, Los Olivos) where they have some really great stuff, and lots of it. The climate and terroir is very much akin to the south of France, so you will find mostly Rhône and Bordeaux varietals (syrah, grenache, mourvèdre, cab sauv, cab franc, merlot, even some sangiovese.) I had lots of fun there. And the whites were superb (viognier, chardonnay, sauv blanc) just in case...
simon at 12:20AM on 04/22/09
Chile!
dharmon at 7:21AM on 04/22/09
Argentina, mmmmm Malbec :)
cookinmama at 7:38AM on 04/22/09
i second finger lakes!
machellebelle at 8:07AM on 04/22/09
I second @simon's recommendation of the Central Coast. I'm a bit biased because I'm from there, but it's got some of the most beautiful weather in the world, and brilliant wineries. Don't miss Paso Robles.
producestories at 8:34AM on 04/22/09
I third the Finger Lakes region; my husband and I spent the very best adult vacation of our marriage so far on a five-day there, staying in Geneva and visiting 37 wineries. Great experience that we plan to repeat.
BobbieAnne at 9:20AM on 04/22/09
I fourth the Finger Lakes. We took a lovely tour around Skaneateles and had a great time.
meem21 at 10:08AM on 04/22/09
Again, the Central Coast of California if you want to stay in the states. Beautiful wines.
Yes, there is Pinot, but it's an incredible region for Rhone varietals. Brilliant Syrah's, Grenache, and Mourvedre blends!
I wouldn't do The Finger Lakes if you want great red wines. It's a region known and celebrated for excellent white wines.
If you have the funds to travel overseas, of course France, Spain , or Italy would be amazing. But in the New world, and for a better exchange rate, I'd go to Australia.
Melbourne and Sydney are both amazing food cities, and you can find extraordinary wine growing areas a short drive away.
Silvia at 10:25AM on 04/22/09
I second the Niagara region in Canada! It is wonderful. Niagara-on-the-lake is not to be missed. Niagara Falls is a few minutes away - fine wine, fine dining!
bareneed at 11:37AM on 04/22/09
i third central coast -- i love santa ynez, solvang, los olivos, etc.
megannesta at 12:49PM on 04/22/09
Okanagan.
mrstkach at 1:59PM on 04/22/09
I would say the Finger Lakes in the Fall, the changing leaves are beautiful scenery. I live in the Niagara Region and am finding it surprising at some of the local wines that used to be real "grapey" have become great wines. I am a red wine drinker and have found some great local wines that taste like they are from California or Washington.
WSLunch at 10:30PM on 04/22/09
I vote for the Finger Lakes!
yayfood at 10:57PM on 04/22/09
Thank you all for your comments. I grew up on Long Island so though not being an upstater am familiar w the finger lakes region. It is indeed a lovely area. My question would be, from my understanding this has always been a region which tends to produce white wines of the somewhat sweeter type. If that has changed please advise.
I have also heard that wineries have sprung up on the far end of Long Island which produce red wines of some quality. My reccollection is that these bouique wineries also demand a steep price for their product. Possibly catering to the elite who now live out there.
I am leanng at this time to the possibility of the central coast of Cal. Will search out what I can find as well as transportation issues as we will have but a week to spend, Anotherpossibility might be the Lodi area w some reservations.
Any other thoughts would be much appreciated and thanks for your thoughts - all of you.
An ex New Yorker living in Wisconsin.
dasmueller at 9:01PM on 04/23/09