Best Weekend Getaways for Wine Lovers in the United States

Finger Lakes Region, New York

Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, Keuka Lake Wine Trail, and Seneca Lake Wine Trail make up New York state's wine country. After you're done winery-hopping, stay at the historic Inns of Aurora, located alongside Cayuga Lake in the village of Aurora, where you can book a private fishing, hiking, or archery lesson with the inn's resident Outdoorsman on the resort's trail system. Enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery even more by taking the inn's complimentary bikes out to nearby wineries, including Heart & Hands Wine Company, Long Point Winery, and Bright Leaf Vineyard. End your days with farm-to-table cuisine at 1833 Kitchen & Bar, or cozying up by a lakeside firepit. If gothic architecture is more your thing, stay at Belhurst Castle . Located along Seneca Lake, this property was built in the 1800s and still retains the beamed cathedral ceilings, mosaic tiled fireplaces, and period decor. Even better: It's home to the Belhurst Winery, and all hotel guests have access to a complimentary wine tap in the lobby wall.

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Palisade, Colorado

Western Colorado is home to the Palisade Fruit & Wine Byway, which is divided into three routes and features wineries, cideries, and fruit orchards and farm stands. Pick a designated driver and drive the route, stopping at each vineyard along the way; or, rent a bike (regular or electric) at nearby Rapid Creek Cycles. They come with baskets so you can stash whatever goodies you buy to bring home (very important detail). If you're looking for more outdoor adventure during your visit—it is Colorado, after all—head to Palisade River Trips to book a float trip down the Colorado River, or rent a stand up paddleboard, canoe, or kayak and head to Riverbend Park. If a full-day tour is more your style, book a six-hour "water to wine" excursion that combines a river float and shuttle to three different Palisade wineries. When you're done, fall into your bed at the Palisade River Ranch, which offers riverfront views and 45 acres of woods to explore, or the recently renovated Spoke and Vine Motel, which is pet-friendly and offers cruiser-bike rentals and free breakfast.

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Cottonwood, Arizona

Nestled between Prescott and Sedona, you'll find Cottonwood, home to the Verde Valley Wine Trail. Hit up four wine tasting rooms without straying from Main Street—Carlson Creek Vineyards, Pillsbury Wine Company, Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, and Merkin Vineyards Osteria—and get your fill of wine, cheese plates, and small bites. You'll find yard games and live music in these and other spots in town, like Pizzeria Bocce. Between the bars and tasting rooms, boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries featuring local artists will keep you busy until it's time for another tasting. When you're ready to get some shut-eye, stay at The Tavern Hotel, a boutique hotel with bright yellow Adirondack chairs adorning each room's balcony and a six-foot fire pit just outside of the lobby. (Fun fact: The building used to be the town grocery store in the 1920s.) Right outside the hotel is the Jail Trail River Walk, which features 1 1/2 miles of mostly shaded hike along Blowout Creek. If you're looking for wildlife, nearby Dead Horse Ranch State Park has over 100 species of birds as well as other wildlife including river otters, gray fox, and whitetail deer.

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Albuquerque, New Mexico

New Mexico probably isn't the first place you think of when you think "wine," but northern Albuquerque is home to a handful of wineries and tasting rooms that use the high elevation to their advantage. Sit outside at the Vara Winery + Distillery where you can snack on tapas and sip wine while gazing at the Sandia Mountains. Head to D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro for dinner, where French cuisine is paired with wine. Want to get in a great workout while you're there? The mountain range is just a short drive away, so you can plan a day full of hiking to the top of either Sandia Crest or South Sandia Peak. If you'd rather the views without the sweat, ride the Sandia Peak Tramway up to gorgeous panoramic views 10,378 feet high. Hot tip: Visit during the famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in October for an epic weekend.

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Hye, Texas

Explore over 50 unique wineries in the Hill Country of Texas, including William Chris Vineyards, Becker Vineyards, Grape Creek Vineyards, and Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards. Sleep where you drink at the bed and breakfast located at the Messina Hof Hill Country Winery, or stay in your own private cottage at Hill Country Casitas or The Back Forty of Fredericksburg bed and breakfast ranch. If you've got a crew with you, check out the Hye-Way Haus, a Victorian style farmhouse built in 1924. Treat yourself to a spa day at The Blair House Inn. U.S. history buffs will enjoy a day trip driving through the countryside along the Friends of the Gillespie County Country Schools driving trail, a 120-mile route that connects 16 historic schools on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit in the spring to see some of the best wildflowers in the country.

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North Fork, Long Island, New York

The Long Island Wine Region spans 209 square miles, all located within driving distance of New York City. Enjoy the sunshine and beautiful outdoors spaces at wineries like Kontokosta, which is complete with bluffs that overlook the Long Island Sound, and women-owned Chronicle Wines. Drink and stay at the Shinn Estate Vineyards or Sannino Vineyard Bed and Breakfast, or opt for a more upscale experience at the Quogue Club at Hallock House, which gives you access to a private golf course and tennis courts. While you're there, stop in the historic maritime village of Greenport to grab freshly caught oysters at Little Creek (take-out and delivery only during the pandemic) or get dinner at Claudio's restaurant—one of the oldest family-owned restaurants in the U.S. And a visit to Long Island isn't complete without a jaunt to the beach. Check out the new beach bar at The Sound View Inn, complete with fire pits and tiki torches and cocktails from Death & Co.

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Westport, Washington

Head to the Washington coast for a weekend of wine and waves. Westport Winery Garden Resort is just a hop, skip, and a jump from the bay; Cranberry Road Winery is a block from the beach and right next to a state park with some walking trails that wind through sand dunes. For a low-key stay, book a room at Loge Camps Westport, where you can choose from a private room, hostel bunk, or a tent or RV campsite. Rent everything from surfboards to wetsuits to kayaks and bikes—everything you need to make the outdoors beach weekend of your dreams a reality. Grab dinner at the Seaglass Grill at Westport Winery, or head up to Westhaven Cove for fresh seafood at Bennett's Fish Shack. In spring of 2021, you'll also be able to visit the International Mermaid Museum, which is being built at Westport Winery Garden Resort.

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Sonoma, California

You already know Sonoma as a wine hotspot, but the region offers more than just vineyards and California sunshine. Spend the afternoon hanging out outside or playing yard games at Cast Wines, a great spot with a terrace that overlooks the region, or Anaba Wines, a solar- and wind-powered winery. For a more active vacation, head to Bartholomew Estate Winery and hike among the oaks, madrones, and redwoods; or, explore the historic 300-acre estate on a 45-minute trail ride. At Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens, you can take a private tour of the property's seven sensory gardens and four-acre culinary gardens—and then enjoy a fresh farm-to-table dinner. Visit Dry Creek Vineyard to blend your own bottle of custom wine. Afterward, enjoy luxury accommodations at MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa, the rustic and romantic Farmhouse Inn (complete with its own Michelin-starred restaurant), or the historic Honor Mansion in downtown Healdsburg. The newly opened Cambria Hotel Sonoma Wine Country offers craft beers from local Sonoma County brewers, al fresco poolside dining, and an outdoor patio with fire pits.

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Southwestern Peninsula, Michigan

Michigan has more than 125 wineries to choose from throughout the state. On the southwestern lower peninsula, wine and hiking enthusiasts will find the perfect place to sip and explore: 3.5 miles of hiking trails connect two wineries, Round Barn Estate and Tabor Hill Winery. With a $5 day pass, you can explore trails through woods and vineyards, all with a glass in hand. Eat dinner and enjoy the countryside views at the Tabor Hill restaurant, or grab something from the Round Barn Estate food truck so you can eat on-the-go.

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Napa Valley, California

Of course, a list of wine-centric vacations wouldn't be complete without Napa Valley. Explore the area on bike to get in some exercise and sunshine; various outfitters offer bike rentals or full tours, complete with biking, wine tasting, and even hot air balloon rides. Hikers of all skill levels can hit the trails in the valley—check out the Napa Outdoors map to find a trail that fits the length and intensity level you're looking for. Looking for something a little faster-paced? Mayacamas Vineyards, located on the slopes of Mount Veeder, offers an off-road vineyard tour and tasting experience. End your days at Up Valley Inn & Hot Springs, Ascend Hotel Collection, where you can swim in a 100 percent natural geothermal mineral water pool, or the Cambria Hotel Napa Valley (opening December 2020), which is in walking distance to downtown attractions and a quick car ride away from the Napa Valley Wine Train, Silverado Trail, and Uptown Theatre. Head to the Oxbow Public Market for all your dining and shopping needs.

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