Wine Tours in 3 Surprising Destinations

We all know the wine hotspots around the world: Napa Valley, Bordeaux, Tuscany. Of course these destinations are perfect for wine lovers, but how about something a little different or even a little surprising? What’s even more surprising? They’re all in North America – imagine that! Here’s our roundup.

Hudson Valley, New York

Large investments in the wineries of the Hudson River Valley have helped the region grow in the wine world and now there are more than 20 wineries to visit. From the Warwick Valley Winery, a winery and distillery known for its Chardonnay and ciders to Millbrook Winery, voted best winery in the Hudson Valley for the last 20 years and boasting award-winning Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Tocai Friulano and Riesling, the Hudson Valley isn’t necessarily the first U.S. destination that comes to mind when you think of wine, but it should be.

Grand Junction, Colorado

Another domestic wine hotspot is Grand Junction, about 250 miles west of Denver. The region boasts more than 20 wineries and vineyards and beautiful vistas, best experienced on a bike! That’s right, many travelers choose to take a few days to bike from winery to winery, staying at bed and breakfasts along the way. Some of the local bike shops even offer guided tours so travelers don’t even have to think, just drink!

British Columbia

Believe it or not, our friendly neighbors to the north offer some excellent winery experiences. You may not be familiar with wine from British Columbia, and that may be because of the Canada’s shipping laws regarding wine, which are tricky to navigate and change often. However, if you have wine-loving clients headed north to Vancouver, they have some great options. British Columbia is best known for its icewine, a dessert-style wine, but many other wine types are made there. Vancouver Urban Winery makes their wines with only grapes grown in British Columbia. City Side Winery, also in Vancouver, offers a wine-inspired dining experience. About about five hours east of Vancouver by car is the Okanagan Valley, home to more than half of the province’s wineries.