Some people travel 10,000 miles to lie flat on a beach, while others endure endless airport queues to stand and look at architecture. Nothing wrong with that, but we’re the kind of travelers who are motivated by our taste buds—we endure the rigors of travel to appreciate wine at its source.
We’re not alone. The love of wine has spurred a growing industry that’s geared to transport, house, and entertain vacationing oenophiles. Look for organized wine trails, hands-on agriturismo, and travel packages all carefully designed to celebrate the art of the grape. At wineries, tasting rooms have evolved from modest sampling bars to high-style destinations where serious collectors can rub elbows with celebrity winemakers. Meanwhile, some wineries have dipped into the hotel business to offer rooms right next to their vines. Of course, excellent restaurants, spas, and shops are no strangers to wine country. And the stunning scenery of many wine-growing regions is a perfect backdrop for sightseeing, hikes, and bike rides—and some yin to a yang of total indulgence.
We’ve picked three vacations in three different wine regions: Tuscany/the Veneto, Italy; Napa/Sonoma; and the Finger Lakes region in New York State. Whatever your budget—or however few vacation days you can spare—you can still escape to wine country.
 |
Tuscany/The Veneto |
 |
Napa/Sonoma |
 |
New York State |
â–º For more from the June issue, click here.
