The following post originally appeared last year on my other blog. I think it is a good introduction to the hobby of winery hopping. Check back soon for more about North Carolina wines and wineries!
I want to provide a list of tips for making the most of visits to small, family-run wineries. My husband and I have been visiting wineries for several years. We enjoy these visits for many reasons and would love to share some ideas. If you are new to winery exploration, be ready for a fun (and somewhat addictive) hobby than can be as budget-friendly as you want it to be!
NOT JUST IN CALIFORNIA! Many people are not aware that a number of states have wine industries. For some states, this is a new venture and for others it is one with a rich history. On almost any visit to a North Carolina winery, you will hear the fact that, before Prohibition, North Carolina was one of the country's largest producers of wine. The Finger Lakes region of New York (http://www.fingerlakeswinecountry.com/) provides wonderful, accessible wines, and beautiful views. Virginia has several distinct wine regions. Most people know about Washington and Oregon; however, Ohio, Missouri, and several other states also boast wineries. Wherever you go, be on the lookout for a local winery! Some states, such as North Carolina, Virginia, and New York, post "can't miss" grape signs on interstates and highways.
Since I am focusing primarily on North Carolina and Virginia, I am referring to these growing wine industries in the rest of the post; however, the following tips/observations can apply to visiting wineries anywhere. The goal of the winery owners is certainly to sell wine and visiting wineries can be expensive, if you do not set out to make this a Frugal, Family experience. Keep in mind that "frugal" does not mean "without fun." The focus here is on the total value of the experience and winery "hopping" can be as frugal or extravagant as your current budget allows!
DON'T BE PUT OFF BY TASTING FEES!!! This is a tip that it took us a while to learn. At first, we felt that the free tasting was a better deal. Then we realized that we were more likely to purchase wine we did not really want when we tasted wine for free. Especially in smaller wineries where we may have been the only customers/tasters present, we felt obligated to buy, even if we did not really want that particular wine. Bottle prices in wineries are always more than our usual "frugal" budget for "Two-Buck Chuck" (http://www.traderjoes.com/) or other $6.99 and less wines (Believe me, there are some good ones out there--that's another post...). Sometimes, we are blown away and do splurge on a bottle in a winery, but many times we don't. If you pay a small tasting fee (usually $3.00-5.00), you do not feel as obligated to spend money. Often, a souvenir glass with the winery logo is included in the tasting fee. Some wineries will waive the tasting fee if you do end up purchasing wine. Tasting fee or not, you are not obligated to buy anything you don't want to buy. If you don't want to spring for a whole bottle or don't have a great way to transport it, you can always buy a glass of your favorite or a small souvenir (many wineries have great gift shops).
DON'T BE AFRAID TO LIKE (OR NOT LIKE) THE WINE. You will usually receive a list and a pencil to make notes as you taste. Feel free to pour out wine you don't like. Not everyone likes the same things.
DON'T WORRY IF YOU ARE NOT A WINE EXPERT! The beauty of visiting local wineries, is that you get to learn about wine in a non-intimidating setting. While some wineries specialize in all one type of wine, most have dry and sweeter offerings. Some also have jellies and juices available. Most offer free tours. Though we have taken a number of tours, we don't always take the time to do this. Most are very similar. However, if you are new to visiting wineries, I would recommend a tour or two to understand the process, the difference between oak and stainless steel, etc.
ENJOY THE VIEWS! Many wineries (especially those in Virginia and North Carolina) are in beautiful places. Some have wonderful mountain vistas or pretty farm settings. One of my favorite things about visiting wineries is that it makes us go on roads we would not otherwise travel.
ENJOY THE PEOPLE! Winery owners/operators have come to this industry via many paths. Their stories are often fun to hear. We have met people who have started a winery in retirement from some other profession. Particularly in North Carolina, some are former tobacco farmers who are re-purposing their family land for a new generation with changing views about health and the state's economy. Their stories are as varied as the wines and the landscape.
YES, IT CAN BE KID-FRIENDLY! Again, the views and the rustic, rural settings are fun and educational for children (especially suburban or urban dwellers) to see. Some tasting room staff will provide kids with grape juice. Most have a table where you can set your children up with a snack you bring with you. If your kids are well-behaved, there should be no problems. One of the most kid-friendly winery visits for us was at the Winery at Iron Gate Farms near Mebane, North Carolina (http://www.irongatevineyards.com/). They had coloring books, crayons, and apple cider for kids. Many winemakers are parents and grandparents themselves and love to chat with your kids.
A DESTINATION OR A "BREAK" FROM A LONGER TRIP. Sometimes, visiting a winery (not too far off the interstate) provides a much-needed, serene break from a longer trip (Drivers, just don't taste too much!). Restrooms are usually clean. The outdoor settings allow for some running around. There are almost always picnic tables or some type of outdoor seating.
GET A BROCHURE! Order or pick up a brochure for a state's wineries at the state welcome center. The North Carolina and Virginia guides provide a list of wineries, hours, descriptions, and directions.
HAVE FUN! Open your mind to exploring a new area, tasting something from the land, meeting new people, expanding your wine knowledge, and having some Frugal, Family Fun!
I want to provide a list of tips for making the most of visits to small, family-run wineries. My husband and I have been visiting wineries for several years. We enjoy these visits for many reasons and would love to share some ideas. If you are new to winery exploration, be ready for a fun (and somewhat addictive) hobby than can be as budget-friendly as you want it to be!
NOT JUST IN CALIFORNIA! Many people are not aware that a number of states have wine industries. For some states, this is a new venture and for others it is one with a rich history. On almost any visit to a North Carolina winery, you will hear the fact that, before Prohibition, North Carolina was one of the country's largest producers of wine. The Finger Lakes region of New York (http://www.fingerlakeswinecountry.com/) provides wonderful, accessible wines, and beautiful views. Virginia has several distinct wine regions. Most people know about Washington and Oregon; however, Ohio, Missouri, and several other states also boast wineries. Wherever you go, be on the lookout for a local winery! Some states, such as North Carolina, Virginia, and New York, post "can't miss" grape signs on interstates and highways.
Since I am focusing primarily on North Carolina and Virginia, I am referring to these growing wine industries in the rest of the post; however, the following tips/observations can apply to visiting wineries anywhere. The goal of the winery owners is certainly to sell wine and visiting wineries can be expensive, if you do not set out to make this a Frugal, Family experience. Keep in mind that "frugal" does not mean "without fun." The focus here is on the total value of the experience and winery "hopping" can be as frugal or extravagant as your current budget allows!
DON'T BE PUT OFF BY TASTING FEES!!! This is a tip that it took us a while to learn. At first, we felt that the free tasting was a better deal. Then we realized that we were more likely to purchase wine we did not really want when we tasted wine for free. Especially in smaller wineries where we may have been the only customers/tasters present, we felt obligated to buy, even if we did not really want that particular wine. Bottle prices in wineries are always more than our usual "frugal" budget for "Two-Buck Chuck" (http://www.traderjoes.com/) or other $6.99 and less wines (Believe me, there are some good ones out there--that's another post...). Sometimes, we are blown away and do splurge on a bottle in a winery, but many times we don't. If you pay a small tasting fee (usually $3.00-5.00), you do not feel as obligated to spend money. Often, a souvenir glass with the winery logo is included in the tasting fee. Some wineries will waive the tasting fee if you do end up purchasing wine. Tasting fee or not, you are not obligated to buy anything you don't want to buy. If you don't want to spring for a whole bottle or don't have a great way to transport it, you can always buy a glass of your favorite or a small souvenir (many wineries have great gift shops).
DON'T BE AFRAID TO LIKE (OR NOT LIKE) THE WINE. You will usually receive a list and a pencil to make notes as you taste. Feel free to pour out wine you don't like. Not everyone likes the same things.
DON'T WORRY IF YOU ARE NOT A WINE EXPERT! The beauty of visiting local wineries, is that you get to learn about wine in a non-intimidating setting. While some wineries specialize in all one type of wine, most have dry and sweeter offerings. Some also have jellies and juices available. Most offer free tours. Though we have taken a number of tours, we don't always take the time to do this. Most are very similar. However, if you are new to visiting wineries, I would recommend a tour or two to understand the process, the difference between oak and stainless steel, etc.
ENJOY THE VIEWS! Many wineries (especially those in Virginia and North Carolina) are in beautiful places. Some have wonderful mountain vistas or pretty farm settings. One of my favorite things about visiting wineries is that it makes us go on roads we would not otherwise travel.
ENJOY THE PEOPLE! Winery owners/operators have come to this industry via many paths. Their stories are often fun to hear. We have met people who have started a winery in retirement from some other profession. Particularly in North Carolina, some are former tobacco farmers who are re-purposing their family land for a new generation with changing views about health and the state's economy. Their stories are as varied as the wines and the landscape.
YES, IT CAN BE KID-FRIENDLY! Again, the views and the rustic, rural settings are fun and educational for children (especially suburban or urban dwellers) to see. Some tasting room staff will provide kids with grape juice. Most have a table where you can set your children up with a snack you bring with you. If your kids are well-behaved, there should be no problems. One of the most kid-friendly winery visits for us was at the Winery at Iron Gate Farms near Mebane, North Carolina (http://www.irongatevineyards.com/). They had coloring books, crayons, and apple cider for kids. Many winemakers are parents and grandparents themselves and love to chat with your kids.
A DESTINATION OR A "BREAK" FROM A LONGER TRIP. Sometimes, visiting a winery (not too far off the interstate) provides a much-needed, serene break from a longer trip (Drivers, just don't taste too much!). Restrooms are usually clean. The outdoor settings allow for some running around. There are almost always picnic tables or some type of outdoor seating.
GET A BROCHURE! Order or pick up a brochure for a state's wineries at the state welcome center. The North Carolina and Virginia guides provide a list of wineries, hours, descriptions, and directions.
HAVE FUN! Open your mind to exploring a new area, tasting something from the land, meeting new people, expanding your wine knowledge, and having some Frugal, Family Fun!
