As if we needed another reason to cheers: National Wine Day is Tuesday, May 25!
Here at Sherpani, we love raising our glasses to celebrate — especially if that means taking a special trip with a partner or your besties to check out a cool new winery.
Wine tours not only give you a chance to learn more about your favorite wines, but also allow you to explore new local varieties of wines you’ve never tried before. And in this day and age, there’s plenty of spectacular spots to choose from.
To save you time searching for the perfect wine tasting, we’ve rounded up the best wineries to visit this year. That way you can spend more time impressing your friends with your expert wine knowledge. Cheers!
1. Carlson Vineyard – Palisade, Colorado
Who doesn’t love a family-owned vineyard with a furry mascot?
It’s hardly a surprise that this homey winery based in Palisade, Colorado has won “Best of the West” 5 years running.
In addition to having access to the rare Palisade peach and other delicious local fruits, Carlson brings a welcoming family feel to their winery that you won’t likely find elsewhere.
Their Wren Quinn Project donates to local charities with each special bottle of wine sold. They also offer up all their family food and drink recipes on their website for you to enjoy at home.
Not to mention their pair of adorable kittens who like to help with deliveries.
Bring your camera for some great photo-ops at this cozy wine spot >
2. Long Meadow Ranch – St. Helena, California
We all know California grapes are where it’s at. But this 16-acre wine estate brings a whole new meaning to “top winery.”
Stretched over the mountains of Napa Valley and into intimate wine caves, you’ll have your pick of wine tastings, food pairings, and a local farmer’s market all year long.
Can’t make it to this spectacular winery this year? No problem. Long Meadow’s Virtual Wine Tasting experiences ship everything you need right to your door, along with a guided tasting session over Zoom for you and your friends.
No more excuses for missing out on a great wine date!
Explore acres upon acres of gorgeous vineyards >
3. Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyards – Borden, Indiana
Dating back to 1843, this vineyard has grown from humble beginnings to becoming Indiana’s largest wine-grape producer, boasting nearly 400,000 pounds of grapes each year.
Just like the wines themselves, this place has definitely gotten better with time. You can enjoy a tour from the winding vineyards to the barrel room and end your session with a private tasting in the underground wine cellar.
This winery is perfect for a special night out with your partner or gal pals. You can also take a tour around the farm with the kids!
Make a reservation while you’re in town >
4. Round Barn Winery, Distillery, & Brewery Estate – Baroda, Michigan
Who knew Michigan was such a hidden gem for wineries?
You’ll want to make the trip to Round Barn this year to take advantage of “The Napa Valley of the Midwest.” Here you can hike Mt Tabor Trails with your favorite beverage (just be sure you pack in and out your trash to practice sustainable hiking)!
Even better, make your trip memorable by staying a night or two in one of their two luxurious AirBnB estates just steps away from the beach, local shops, and a golf course.
You had us at hiking!
Book your wine extravaganza at Round Barn >
5. Rooftop Reds – Brooklyn, New York
If you’re going to be indulging in a glass of wine in the city, you’d better have a view. And wow, does this spot deliver.
While this winery only launched in 2016, it’s already making headlines as the world’s first commercially-viable urban rooftop vineyard in New York City.
Sustainable and tasty, Rooftop Reds produces 20-25 cases of wine each year, providing the most unique and exclusive wine in the city.
We haven’t even discussed that epic view yet. From its perch at The Navy Yards, you’ll be able to see the entire Manhattan skyline.
Reserve your spot at this unique rooftop vineyard >
6. Biltmore Estate Winery – Asheville, North Carolina
It’s time to get fancy at the Vanderbilt Estate, friends.
With admission for the day, you’ll get a complimentary wine tasting on this vast facility with breathtaking views and plenty of activities.
For the outdoorsy folks, you can enjoy a bike ride, river float adventure, or private horseback trail ride into the sunset. Check out the seasonal outdoor sculpture Free as a Bird, and entice your senses in the thousands of flowers in bloom at the Biltmore Blooms gardens.
Looking to window shop? They’ve got plenty of that too at the Shops at Biltmore.
Don’t miss this have-it-all winery experience >
7. Sokol Blosser – Dayton, Oregon
Since 1971, this family-run vineyard has been creating wines with the earth in mind.
Through sustainable farming, buying, and building, the Sokol Blosser clan commit themselves to making the best wines without harming the planet.
They also have world-class live events, from paint and sips to foraging for mushrooms from their local farm. And expert chef Travis Bird will help you cook them up for a stellar 6-course dinner.
Did we mention you’ll get a perfect view of Mount Hood?
Get a tour at this top winery now >
8. Jackson Hole Winery – Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson Hole is a beautiful place to escape to this summer. And it’s an even better place to enjoy a glass of vino.
Kick back and enjoy their high-altitude wines right from the base of the Grand Teton Range after a hike or day trip up the summit.
When you’re ready to relax, grab a seat in their rustic barrel room, or enjoy a flight on their back patio.
For the road, sign up to be in the Wolf Pack Wine Club and enjoy member discounts and invites to exclusive events during the year.
Enjoy award-winning wine with unbelievable views >
Where Are You Headed for National Wine Day?
If you’re excited to sip on something special this month, you’re not alone.
There are so many exciting things to discover this year as events and venues begin to open back up. We’re planning on hitting up as many top-of-the-vine wineries as we can this year — who’s with us?
While you’re our exploring those winding vineyards (or getting up from the table to grab another round), keep your stuff secure with an anti-theft purse for sightseeing, hiking, and everyday adventures.
Keep all your things safe while out and about this summer >
By women for women, the Sherpani Travel Blog talks about all things travel (& all things Sherpani!). Explore topics like solo travel, destination guides, women's travel safety, personal essays, and much more! This is a space to amplify female voices and celebrate our belief that travel restores the human spirit.
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