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10 Underrated North American Wine Regions To Visit This Summer
Slide Nr 1If you hear ‘wine country’ and think Napa, you wouldn’t be wrong. But North America has way more than a single Californian region to offer when it comes to vino – and you don’t have to be a seasoned expert to explore them. Plus, there’s more to wine country than good grapes. Whether you’re after scenery, adventure, history or just some really good wine, here are the top underrated wine regions to explore.
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10 Underrated North American Wine Regions To Visit This Summer.
Slide Nr 2San Luis Obispo County, California, USA – Five hours south of Napa, California’s central coast has been not-so-quietly turning into a wine capital of its own with more than 30 vineyards, many less than ten kilometres from the beach. Talley Vineyards has 64 hectares in two distinct viticultural areas growing mainly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and for those hoping to gain some vintner knowledge, their tasting room offers an excellent display showcasing how soil impacts the flavour of each wine. When your tasting is through, relax to the sounds of waves while overlooking the coast at SeaCrest Oceanfront Hotel or indulge in a private, naturally warmed hot tub while staying at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resorts & Spa. Looking for adventure? Get up bright and early for a surf lesson with Central Coast Surf School. [Photo: Adam Terpening (Makers & Allies)/SLO Coast Wine]
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10 Underrated North American Wine Regions To Visit This Summer.
Slide Nr 3Penticton, British Columbia, Canada – It’d be hard to find a better place for vino and recreation than Penticton. Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc all do well here – and if you have a beer-lover with you, craft breweries abound, including an ale trail with at least five stops. As for the outdoors: hike, kayak or finally give rock climbing a whirl with Hoodoo Adventures’ gear and guides. In warm weather, take part in a local tradition by floating the channel from Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake with Coyote Cruises, and then refresh with a cake-topped shake (and a must-take selfie) at The Peach Ice Cream Shop. Ready to relax? Stay at the guesthouse overlooking D’Angelo Vineyards or in a suite at the luxe log-lined Bench d’Or. [Photo: Shawn Talbot Photography/WineBC]
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10 Underrated North American Wine Regions To Visit This Summer.
Slide Nr 4Walla Walla, Washington and Oregon, USA – Four hours southeast of Seattle, Walla Walla boasts 120 wineries. Many varieties grow here, especially reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. The real selling point, however, is the great outdoors, with wide-open vistas and plenty of opportunities for golfing, hiking, biking, birding or playing on the water. For an intimate, remote getaway, all twenty rooms at off-the-beaten-path Eritage have a view of the surrounding vineyards and farmland with rooms facing rolling hills or Lake Sienna. Those looking to be more centrally located should consider the rooms at The Finch, which have all been crafted with details by Northwest artisans. Their staff also act as guides to help you explore the area’s best offerings. [Photo: Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance/Richard Duval Images]
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10 Underrated North American Wine Regions To Visit This Summer.
Slide Nr 5Verde Valley, Arizona, USA – Best known for the red rocks of Sedona, the greater Verde Valley area has long been a tourist destination for Arizonans and beyond. Over the last twenty years, more than twenty vineyards have joined the area with reds like Cabernets and Merlots as well as the occasional white. To avoid Sedona’s sky-high peak-season prices, stay in walkable Old Town Cottonwood at The Tavern Hotel, where you won’t need a car to reach the area’s best breakfast at Red Rooster Cafe, barbecue at Colt 804 or artistic wood-fired pizza at Pizzeria Bocce. Cottonwood was recently designated an International Dark Sky Community, so once the sun goes down, don’t forget to look up. [Photo: David/Flickr]
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10 Underrated North American Wine Regions To Visit This Summer.
Slide Nr 6Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico – For the intrepid traveller, Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe in Baja has boomed to more than 150 wineries that make up most of the country’s wine production, where red blends sing. To understand the history of the place, the Museum of Vine and Wine is an excellent stop before beginning your tastings. The area has everything from bubble glamping among the vines at Campero Hotel, to cute boutique B&Bs like Casa Mayoral and luxury chains like El Cielo Winery & Resort by Karisma. Beyond wine tastings, day trips to Tijuana are popular, or you can stay close by and go ziplining or hike, climb or rappel the beautiful El Salto canyon.
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10 Underrated North American Wine Regions To Visit This Summer.
Slide Nr 7Yadkin Valley, North Carolina, USA – Yadkin Valley covers nearly 600,000 hectares and includes more than 35 wineries growing Cabernets, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Viognier. Several wineries, including Stony Knoll Vineyards, Haze Gray Vineyards, and Elkin Creek Vineyards offer cabins and other lodgings so that you can wake up surrounded by the vines. History buffs will enjoy Horne Creek Farm, with live reenactments of 1900s farm life, or Mayberry’s Andy Griffith Museum. When you need to stretch your legs, shuffle to the top of Stone Mountain State Park’s namesake on a 7-kilometre hike. [Photo: Sam Dean/Sheldon Vineyards]
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10 Underrated North American Wine Regions To Visit This Summer.
Slide Nr 8Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada – Just 18 wineries exist in Nova Scotia, and Annapolis Valley is home to most of them. White blends, Baco Noirs and ice wines are some of the most commonly produced varieties, including the area’s signature wine, Tidal Bay, grown exclusively with Nova Scotia grapes. The Bay of Fundy, which Annapolis Valley borders, is one of the seven wonders of North America, thanks to tides that reach a whopping 15 metres. Much of the lodging here is bed and breakfasts, like the 1860s Farmhouse Inn in Canning or the ten-room former mayor’s house Tattingstone Inn in Wolfville, so you’ll experience a piece of history wherever you stay. [Photo Credit: Destination Canada]
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10 Underrated North American Wine Regions To Visit This Summer.
Slide Nr 9Snake River, Idaho, USA – Twenty years ago there were only a handful of wineries in Idaho – now there are more than 56. The largest region is Snake River, a geographic area of more than 2 million hectares that reaches into Oregon. To get the most wine for your time, consider the Sunnyslope Wine Trail, which connects 15 wineries and vineyards. Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc, Merlot, Syrah and Viognier are some of the most popular varieties, though Sangiovese, Malbec and Tempranillo have been added recently. While you’re in town, make your own cheese or pasta at Vine & Branch Ranch and dine on their small-plate offerings, or explore the “big city” of Boise 40 minutes away. [Photo: Idaho Wines Commission]
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10 Underrated North American Wine Regions To Visit This Summer.
Slide Nr 10Texas Hill Country, Texas, USA – Two hours east of Austin, Texas Hill Country encompasses a 4 million hectare wine region – the fourth largest in the country – and is home to more than 50 wineries, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel being the most significant varietals. There are four different self-guided wine trail events throughout the year, though wineries are open year-round. While you’re in the area, explore the gorgeous Hamilton Pool Preserve in Dripping Springs (be sure to make a reservation first) or visit the family-friendly Pioneer Museum in Fredericksburg. [Photo credit: Grape Creek Vineyards]
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10 Underrated North American Wine Regions To Visit This Summer.
Slide Nr 11Iowa, USA – The Midwestern state of Iowa has eight different wine trails in every corner of the state. Farmers-turned-vintners have focused on varieties that do well in cold climates, which end up being reds and whites that are fruity and low in tannins, like La Crescent and La Crosse; the Iowa Wine Growers Association has a great guide to finding the grape you’d like based on what you drink at home. For a culturally rich experience, explore the Amana Colonies, villages founded by German immigrants in east-central Iowa – there are more than 60 types of wines to taste while you’re there. [Photo credit: Ackerman Winery]
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