The Hottest Wine Travel Destinations In The US

Wine is one of the great joys in life, and a lot of the people who enjoy drinking it also love seeing where it comes from. Since vineyards and wineries are often some of the most attractive places in the world, traveling to sample, buy, and enjoy wines is a terrific way to spend a relaxing vacation (it's also a great wine lovers gift for weddings!). For American lovers of the grape, some of the world's finest wine travel destinations can be reached without the need of a passport.

Finger Lakes (New York)

Upstate New York is hiding one of the country's most promising tracts of wine country. Although it's little-known in the rest of the country, there are more than a hundred wineries in the Finger Lakes region. The area is particularly known for its fine Rieslings, although it also produces complex vintages like Teroldego and Grüner Veltliner. With beautiful hiking opportunities and some top notch restaurants, a trip to the Finger Lakes area will be immensely rewarding for wine enthusiasts.

Orlando (Florida)

While the grown-up fun of wine-tasting parties isn't the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of Orlando, this part of Florida is surprisingly well-stocked when it comes to superb vintages. Although there's not a lot of native wine produced in the area, the steady influx of tourists through Orlando has given rise to some very refined treats for the discerning palate. Sample fine wines straight from the cask at Highball & Harvest or pick out some hard-to-find boutique wines at the Eola Wine Company. Orlando also boasts some exceptional restaurants, and of course the Disney attractions in the area make it an ideal destination for family trips.

Mendocino County (California)

The heart and soul of California wine country, Mendocino county is home to more than fifteen thousand acres of thriving vineyards. With exhilarating seaside views close at hand and crowding rare, Mendocino is the perfect retreat for the privacy-minded wine enthusiast. (Visitors should keep in mind that the area is short on accommodations, though, so renting a car is a must.) With some of the world's finest Pinot Noir, Mendocino tastings are typically memorable affairs. Forward-thinking wine fans should definitely stop by the Frey Vineyards in the Redwood Valley to sample some delicious organic wines.

Of course, experienced wine travelers often jet off to destinations all around the world, and through the years a well-traveled connoisseur of fine wine may visit dozens of countries. Those who start their wine travel careers in the United States have plenty of sights to see before they ever book an international flight, though! So whether you're planning a trip for yourself or taking the advice of the Home Booze Gear site and gifting, any of these make a great getaway for wine lovers.