A Grape Idea – A Lot to Wine About

by J. J. Scott

It seems as if the world is turning into one big winery. The number of vineyards has increased exponentially since the 1970 – worldwide. And wine-tasting tours are no longer just fall time activities – many wineries are open year round with each adding it’s own unique touches. Every state in the United State has a winery – even Alaska.

Washingtonville, NY: “Put on your drinking boots!” said Colleen Hughes of Brotherhood Winery at the beginning of the tour of Brotherhood Winery. Established in 1839, it is the oldest continuously operating winery in the nation. John Jaques, a French immigrant, started the winery that changed hands over the years and in 1886 the large stone building with the largest underground cellars in America were added.

Long Island, New York: You might say it was love at first sight that turned Hargrave Vineyard into Castello di Borghese Vineyard and Winery. The bucolic farmlands reminded the Borgheses of Tuscany where for centuries Marco’s noble family had made wine. In 1999 they purchased the winery changing the name to Castello di Borghese Vineyard and Winery. Today they offer art and wine on Long Island’s North Fork.

New Egypt, New Jersey: One of the newer NJ wineries, Laurita Winery opened their wine tasting barn in the summer of 2008. They are dedicated to creating wines that derive as much character from the fruit as possible. Their philosophy is that a good winemaker allows the quality of the fruit to come out in the wine, with minimal human interference. They are very environmentally friendly.

Cape May, New Jersey: For more than a decade Cape May Winery has been producing award-winning wine and offers tastings of Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Savignon from their own cellars daily in the summer and weekends the rest of the year.

Friendsville, MD: At Deep Creek Cellars, the only winery in western Maryland's mountain vacation region, they specialize in European style country wines. At Deep Creek Cellars, they make wine one way - by hand. They believe hand-made can be tasted on the palate and felt in the heart.

Chiniak, AK: Kodiak winery offers “Fine Alaskan Wines made with locally grown fruits and berries” made with no preservatives. They also offer rentals located within walking distance to the ocean, beaches and salmon streams where you can enjoy your wine in Kodiak's pristine natural environment.

Stonewall, Texas: The Beckers of Becker Vineyards in the Texas Hill Country between Fredericksburg and Stonewall, started their vineyard on the site of native Mustang grapes that were much prized for winemaking by Germans who settled the area. Also planted a three-acre lavender field reminiscent of the wine country of Provence, France.

Napa Valley, CA: Kuleto Winery is not really in the valley but high in the hills above the Napa Valley. What began as a few acres of vines solely to make a home wine, grew quickly into a full-fledged vineyard with a view to die for.

Nashville: TN: For wine with a Nashville sound check out Arrington Vineyards. On 75 acres south of Nashville in the beautiful hills of Arrington, Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn partnered with winemaker Kip Summers and others to create the award-winning winery with a breathtaking view. Join them for their weekly Music in the Vines.

Volcano, HI: At Volcano Winery taste local wines inspired by volcanic fire. Tropical fruits like yellow guava and the exotic jaboticaba berry are blended with traditional wine grapes and transformed into creations that capture the playful spirit of Hawaii and the island’s relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.