We believe that wine is good perfect for all seasons, but there is something truly special about visiting wine country in the fall.
Maybe it’s the crisp air, maybe it’s the natural backdrop of stunning vineyards set against mountainsides, or maybe it’s really just that we like drinking wine outdoors. Whatever it may be, autumn is a perfect time to plan a getaway for some exquisite views, adventure and vino.
Monterey Wine Country, California
Photo Credit: Inns of Monterey
Photo Credit: In a region infamous for its autumn lineup of golden Chardonnays and ruby-red Pinot Noirs, Monterey Wine Country, located near the Salinas Valley, in northern California is home to almost 100 wine merchants.
Surrounded by both beaches and mountains, visitors to Monterey can spend lazy days sipping local wine, dining in the area's many restaurants or having some outdoor adventures.
Our Favorite Winery: Located within the heart of the Santa Lucia Highlands, Boekenoogen Vineyards & Winery grows, produces and bottles on-site. With a quaint tasting room and a rustic outdoor patio, Boekenoogen is a must visit.
Russian River Valley, California
Photo Credit: Frei Brothers
Photo Credit: Located in Sonoma County, California’s Russian River Valley is famous for many well-known wineries, including Kendall-Jackson and Korbel. Visitors will enjoy rich chardonnays and smooth pinots among a backdrop of orange and gold landscapes.
Our Favorite Winery: Experience wine country from the inside out at Inman Family Wines. This vineyard practices environmentally friendly sensitive farming. You can also rent their three-bedroom farmhouse for a cozy on-sight experience.
New England Coastal Wine Trail
Photo Credit: Candy Stilettos
Stretching from Cape Cod to Connecticut, the New England Wine Trail consists of nine wineries known for their European-style whites. Take a wine journey and experience both coastal vineyards and country landscapes.
Our Favorite Winery: Experience the Annual Harvest Food and Wine Festival at Connecticut’s Stonington Vineyards. A beautiful vineyard midway through the Wine Trail, Stonington has been crafting distinctive flavors since 1987.
Finger Lakes, New York
Photo Credit: Wedding Spot
A popular destination in the fall, the Finger Lakes in upstate New York explodes in splatters of golden hues and deep red tones, forming a picture postcard setting for one of America’s favorite wine vacations. With cozy B&Bs, old-world villages and plenty of camp grounds for the outdoorsy types, the Finger Lakes serves all kinds of vacationers and connoisseurs of great domestic wines.
Our Favorite Winery: For over 30 years Castel Grisch Winery has brought a memorable wine experience to all of its visitors. Tucked into the scenic hillsides overlooking Seneca Lake, Castel Grisch is truly a sight to behold.
Lake Michigan Shore Wine Country
Photo Credit: Lemon Creek Winery
Over a dozen wineries and vineyards sprinkle this wine trail, with each winery offering different amenities for every person. Whether you’re looking for a romantic visit, a scenic dinner, expert wine advice or grape-stomping fun, this cluster of connected wineries will leave you coming back every year.
Our Favorite Winery: An historic vineyard that produces award-winning wines, Michigan’s Lemon Creek Winery sits on over 300 acres of rolling vineyards and orchards. Packed with festivals, U-pick fruits, vineyards, winemaking sessions and tastings, Lemon Creek is a must-visit.
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Photo Credit: History
Known for its highly rated pinot noirs, Oregon's beautiful Willamette Valley is peppered with vineyards, shops and wine trails. But that’s not all they have. A hot spot for the outdoorsy type, visitors can also picnic along the McKenzie River Highway, canoe, hike or enjoy a scenic joyride through rich farmlands dotted with covered bridges and wooden barns with Mt. Hood towering in the distance.
Our Favorite Winery: An estate nestled in Salem, Oregon, St. Innocent Winery produces handcrafted wines with distinctive personalities.
Texas Hill Country
Photo Credit: Teresa Stamper
One of the largest American Viticultural Areas in the country, Texas Hill Country is packed with 35 vineyards that stretch from Austin to Fredericksburg. With rolling hills and vino-paired BBQ, this is a wine destination that you should experience firsthand.
Our Favorite Winery: With over 100 beautiful acres on this picturesque estate, Grape Creek Vineyards produces award-winning wines surrounded by lush trees and a cool breeze. With an open air trattoria and a tram that allows guests to easily explore the spacious grounds, wine lovers can’t get enough of Grape Creek.
Monticello Wine Trail, Virginia
Photo Credit: Monticello Wine Trail
Considered the birthplace of American wines, the Monticello Wine Trail is broken into four major loops – Northern, Eastern, Western and Southern – that snake along winding Virginia roads through the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding towns. Visitors can explore Thomas Jefferson's historical Monticello plantation or sip wine in peaceful neighboring vineyards.
Our Favorite Winery: A magical nugget in the heart of Virginia, Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards will transport visitors to a world with breathtaking views, vineyard-to-table cuisine and memorable wines.
Yakima Valley, Washington
Photo Credit: Hedges Family Estate
The first wine-producing region in Washington State, Yakima Valley twists and turns through the rolling brown hills, each country road leading to one of their dozens of signature vineyards in the valley below. Tour local farms, visit tasting rooms or boutiques, or spend the day breathing in the sights and smells of the great Northwest.
Our Favorite Winery: Fostering a homegrown approach to viticulture, Hedges Family Estate is on sprawling farmland below Red Mountain. Deeply rooted in family tradition and a true love affair with wine crafting, Hedges Family Estate is as charming as it is breathtaking.
