The fall season is officially upon us and with it comes fantastic autumnal opportunities such as viewing the stunning colors of the fall foliage, attending a fall festival and state fair and of course trying the latest season’s food and fine wine.
Whether your favorite tipple is red, white or rose wine and whether you’re a real connoisseur or just a casual wine drinker, consider learning and wine tasting at these top wineries and vineyards across the US this fall.
Robert Mondavi Winery, Oakville, CA
Robert Mondavi began the winery in 1966. The winery is known around the world for its excellent Napa Valley wines, but in particular for the Reserve wines it produces. They offer a variety of different tours from the basic signature tour to their wine and music tour and more. They offer a chance to join their wine club and receive regular shipments of their wine. Their Kalon Vineyard has the distinction of being recognized as one of the few first growth vineyards in the world. Robert Mondavi Winery has also been mentioned in Andre Gayot’s book, “Best Wineries of North America.” Address; 7801 St. Helena Highway, Oakville, CA 94562.
Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville, WA
The Chateau Ste. Michelle is built on land that was an estate for Seattle lumber baron Frederick Stimson in 1912. In 2008 it received the award for “Wine Brand of the Year” from Market Watch Magazine. They offer a variety of wine tasting tours such as the popular Garden Tour. During the Garden tour guests walk through the grounds and learn about its history. There is also the Vintage Reserve Tasting tour, Col Solare Bottega tour and more. In the fall they hold an event for the release of their Vintage Reserve Club Red wine. Address; 14111 NE 145th Street, Woodinville, WA 98072
Llano Estacado Winery, Lubbock, TX
This winery began in 1976 and in 1977 had 1,300 cases of wine ready. Today it is the largest Premium Winery in Texas. The wines they offer cover a wide range and include everything from their Chairman’s Reserve Port to their Llano Blush and many others. In 2004 the winery’s Viviano won the “Best Red Wine” award in the Lone Star State International wine competition. The winery does offer tours and all of them are complimentary. In the fall they hold Grape Day, which is intended to celebrate their harvest. A wide range of wine is offered for sale by the glass and live music is provided. Address; 3426 East F.M. 1585, Lubbock, TX 79404
Ponzi Vineyards, Beaverton, OR
This winery began in 1970 and is known around the world for making some of the best Pinot Gris, Areneis as well as Pinot Noir and more. This winery sits on a slope because gravity is used as part of their wine making process. The wine flows through the entire process and eliminates the need for pressure pumps to be used. Anyone who visits this winery can see their historic cellar and winery grounds. Wine tasting is permitted while viewing different areas of the winery. It also has Boccee ball courts and outdoor seating available for guests. Address; 14665 SW Winery Lane, Beaverton, OR 97007
Sharpe Hill Vineyard, Pomfret, CT
Sharpe Hill Vineyard is located is a beautiful part of the Connecticut countryside. Their winemaker is Howard Bursen and the wines he’s made have won over 80 awards for excellence in both national and international competitions. Their Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay is considered by some to be one of the best produced in the United States. Their Cabernet Franc is popular and produced from the vinifera grape. The Vignoles white is made from the Vignoles grape and its sweetness makes it a perfect desert wine. They also have a restaurant on site and are open for wine tasting all year. Address; 108 Wade Road, Pomfret, CT 06258
