With great wine producers located throughout the country, there is no shortage of vineyards for a fall grape getaway - and food and wine enthusiasts appear to be growing in number along with the prime destinations. Focusing on the fastest-growing wine regions in the U.S., Jimmy's Vacations Travel Power Index shows that while California's Napa Valley is still king, almost doubling its overall growth in Jimmy's Vacations' bookings since 2005, other regions of the country are coming on strong. From the pinots of the Pacific Northwest to cabernets of Kalamazoo, Jimmy's Vacations (www.JimmysVacations.com)
"No matter where you live in the U.S., you're probably not more than a few hours away from a great vacation that pairs a nice hotel with a local vineyard," said Jimmy Seidel, president of Jimmy's Vacations. "Fall is a great time for food and wine lovers to enjoy the many harvest festivals and winery tours, which often combine fine cuisine with the best in local wines."
Which Regions Toast The Most?
Distinctive wines combined with southern hospitality have vaulted the Texas Hill and Arkansas Wine Countries to the #2 and #3 spots respectively on Jimmy's Vacations Travel Power Index fastest-growing list. And the Pacific Northwest is gaining on California as the place to be when it comes to wine excursions. Three of the top ten fastest-growing regions in the U.S. hail from points of interest in Washington and Oregon. And before snow starts to fall in the Midwest, there are a number of growing wine regions that have given destinations in Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee and Michigan four of the top 10 spots.
The top 10 fastest-growing wine regions in the U.S., based on hotel and package (flight + hotel) bookings on http://www.JimmysVacations.com from 2005-2007 are as follows:
Wine and Dine Across America
While the beaches of Baja and Falls of Niagara may be known for unparalleled natural beauty, they are also bastions of delicious food and wine. The Insiders at Jimmy's Vacations have highlighted these and some of their other favorite selections across North and Central America for exciting food and wine, keeping travelers abreast by showcasing some possible future top destinations and drive-to regions both north and south of the U.S. border.
United States
San Diego Region
Although northern California tends to be more famous for wine, southern California offers some quality local wines in addition to its scenic beaches. The San Diego Wine & Culinary Center is conveniently located in downtown San Diego and features an urban winery where visitors can enjoy a tour and wine tasting. Travelers looking to enjoy the very best in what the region has to offer should attend the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival (November 14-17) which will feature 160 world-class wineries and food from 60 fine dining restaurants!
Philadelphia Countryside
Known primarily for its importance in early U.S. history, Philadelphia offers much more than monuments and museums. The city is actually in the vicinity of 18 wineries, six of which make up the Brandywine Valley wine trail, located just 25 minutes away. The vineyards come together on September 29th and 30th to celebrate HarvestFest, which features concerts, picnics and other special activities; tours and tastings are also available throughout the year. When it comes to cuisine, Philadelphia is bursting with places to eat. For a variety of foods in one location, travelers should be sure to visit Reading Terminal Market. In operation since the 1860's, the market is home to over 80 merchants featuring a wide variety of both local and ethnic selections. There is so much to see and try at the market that there are even daily tours. Of course no trip to the City of Brotherly Love is worth taking unless you take the time to enjoy a Philly Cheese Steak. Be sure to ask a local for his or her favorite cheese steak haunt!
Mexico
Baja Region
While traditionally recognized for its expertise in all things tequila, in recent years Mexico has garnered great praise for its passion and dedication to the art of producing the perfect glass of wine. Be sure to check out the city of Ensenada, a beautiful coastal city that has not lost its small town charm. In addition to striking vistas of the Pacific Coast and Gulf of California, the city is within a day's trip from the country's three most prized wine-producing areas - San Antonio de las Minas, the San Vicente Valley and the Santo Tomas Valley. While enjoying one of Baja's best vintages, travelers can take advantage of the region's beloved cuisine, offering fine seafood dishes including shrimp tacos and ceviche. In September, the city is host to the Ensenada Seafood, Lobster and Tequila Festival, a delicious time for visitors looking to experience the regions very best in food and wine.
Sonora Region
Another area not to be overlooked is Mexico's Sonora region. Although not as popular as the Baja region, Sonora is home to over half of Mexico's vineyards, offering a picturesque destination for wine enthusiasts. Many of the wine grapes are actually shipped to the Baja region or even Arizona. As a result most wine is produced by local boutique wineries which offer visitors an intimate look into the region's long and storied history with viticulture. Visitors looking to relax should visit Guaymas, home to both the mountains and the sea. Here vacationers can enjoy the beach, as well as local Yaqui tribe villages. In addition to local wine, visitors looking for another local drink should be sure to try Bacanora. This drink is produced from agave Pacifica and is named after the city from which it originated.
Canada
Okanagan
Tucked between two mountain ranges and running north through British Columbia, the Okanagan region features some of Canada's best scenery and wine. The region begins in the town of Osoyoos in the southernmost part of the Valley, just north of the Washington border. Osoyoos offers quaint lodging and dining options, including several bed and breakfasts, allowing the leisure traveler to begin a tour of the region well-rested and well-fed. From Osoyoos, visitors can continue north through the wine country, stopping at wineries along the way for tours and tastings of some of the area's premiere reds and whites. Another must see city is Penticton. Nestled between two lakes, visitors to this city can enjoy numerous fall festivals celebrating the area's wine. Vacationers should be sure to try Joy Road Catering's famous "food of the earth," served every Sunday through October. This combination of great food, local wine and panoramic views of Skaha Lake is not to be missed!
Niagara Region
The Niagara region of Ontario offers visitors a beautiful backdrop for touring the region's 68 wineries. Chock full of festivals, tours and tastings, concerts, excellent cuisine, artisan shows and family entertainment the area has something for everyone. Quaint Niagara-on-the-
