Welcome To WineTrailsUSA.com

Welcome to WineTrailsUSA.com!

WineTrailsUSA.com is your information source for wine travel, wine trails, and all the interesting local wineries and wine growing regions across the United States.

Here’s what you’ll find in our Wine Trails USA online issues:

- An insider wine lovers tour of a unique U.S. wine trail.

- Travel highlights, what to see and do, and places to enjoy a great local meal.

- Local food specialties, places to eat, and where to relax.

- A brief overview tour of the wine trail.

Did you know that all 50 states have at least one winery?

Many are clustered in geographical wine producing regions, where the climate and topography is ideal for producing wine. These clusters of wineries are often linked in a wine trail. For the wine travel devotee, visiting a U.S. wine trail is an ideal relaxing weekend excursion.

Join us as we learn more about wine and wineries and explore the wine trails, from Rhode Island to Arizona, from North Carolina to Washington, and everywhere in between.

Get started by clicking on any of the categories on your right. We haven’t visited all the wine trails in the United States yet, but we’re getting there!

Thanks again for visiting Wine Trails USA!

Here is a list of wine trails by state …

For your wine travel enjoyment, here’s a list of official wine trails in the United States. Also, we’ve included a listing for each state’s main wine web site, if applicable.

HOW IS A WINE TRAIL DESIGNATED?

Almost always, official wine trail designation is a joint effort between a state’s tourism bureau, department of transportation, and wineries.

Typically, wine trail laws designate certain highways as part of a wine trail. The practical effect is to allow wineries to buy wine trail signs with a directional arrow pointing to their wineries. The signs are placed by the transportation department and are usually green or purple with a grape cluster logo.

Wine trail signs allows visitors and tourists to easily locate wineries via standardized signage, instead of looking for each individual winery sign. The desired effect is to promote the state’s wine industry as a tourist attraction.

DO ALL STATES HAVE WINE TRAILS?

The short answer is “no”, but there are other factors involved.

Many states see the value in officially designating wine trails. It is commonly viewed as promoting agricultural tourism, a booming segment of the travel and tourism industry. Further, numerous states promote wine trails as an in state destination, seeking to reach weekend travelers in their own state and thereby capitalizing on a healthy tourism climate.

Even though all 50 states have at least one winery, official wine trail designation isn’t an automatic. There are numerous reasons, including tourism priorities and lobbying strength among local wineries. Some states have led the way in wine trail designation, specifically New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Iowa, Michigan, and several others.

Certain states devote considerable effort to support wine trails and their home state wineries. Pennsylvania and Michigan, for example, both have very comprehensive and updated web sites for their wine industries. In addition, each of their wine trails have their own promotional web sites and brochures, cross promoting not only wineries, but other local attractions.

Conversely, some states with dozens of wineries and a thriving local wine industry do not officially designate wine trails. While the specific rationale varies from state to state, it is important to remember one overriding factor. Wine trail designation is a relatively new trend, and many states seem to be on the verge of adopting the practice. In 2009 alone, several new wine trails were designated in the U.S., with more expected in the near future.

We view official wine trail designation as a growing trend. Wineries and the wine industry are an important part of each state’s economy. With agritourism on the rise, the economic impact of wine travel continues to grow. As a result, it’s expected more and more states will move toward official wine trail designations for their wine areas.

Alabama -

Alabama Wine Site: www.alabamawines.net

Alabama Wine Trails: One (1), called the Alabama Wine Trail, encompassing all wineries in the state. A brochure is available from www.alabamatravel.org

Alaska -

Alaska Wine Site: None

Alaska Wine Trails: None (0), although there are a handful of Alaska wineries.

Arizona -

Arizona Wine Site: www.arizonawines.com

Arizona Wine Trails: Three (3). Northern Trail, Southern Trail, Southeastern Trail. No specific websites.

Arkansas -

Arkansas Wine Site: None

Arkansas Wine Trails: None (0), although Arkansas Wine Country is a commonly used term for the cluster of wineries in and around Altus, Arkansas in the northwestern part of the state.

California -

California Wine Site: www.california-wine.org

California Wine Trails: Twelve (12). Listed at above site.

Colorado -

Colorado Wine Site: www.coloradowine.com

Colorado Wine Trails: Three (3). Info at www.coloradowine.com

- Front Range Wine Trail
- Heart of Colorado Wine Trail
- West Elks Wine Trail

Connecticut -

Connecticut Wine Site: www.ctwine.com

Connecticut Wine Trails: One (1), with two branches.

- Connecticut Wine Trail: www.ctwine.com

Delaware -

Delaware Wine Site: None

Delaware Wine Trails: None (0)

Florida -

Florida Wine Site: www.fgga.org

Florida Wine Trails: None (0)

Georgia -

Georgia Wine Site: www.georgiawine.com

Georgia Wine Trails: None (0), although Georgia wineries are clustered in the northeastern section of the state.

Hawaii -

Hawaii Wine Site: None

Hawaii Wine Trails: None (0)

Idaho -

Idaho Wine Site: www.idahowine.org

Idaho Wine Trails: None (0), but many Idaho wineries are located just west of Boise.

Illinois -

Illinois Wine Site: www.illinoiswine.com

Illinois Wine Trails: Five (5)

- Northern Illinois Wine Trail: www.visitnorthernillinois.com
- Heartland Rivers Wine Trail: www.heartlandrivers.org
- Shawnee Hills Wine Trail: www.shawneewinetrail.com
- Southern Illinois Wine Trail: www.illinoiswine.com/trail-southern.html
- Wabash Valley Wine Trail: www.wabashvalleywinetrail.com

Indiana -

Indiana Wine Site: www.indianawines.org

Indiana Wine Trails: Three (3)

- Indiana Uplands Wine Trail: www.indianauplands.com
- Indiana Wine Trail: www.indianawinetrail.com
- Indy Wine Trail: www.indywinetrail.com

Iowa -

Iowa Wine Site: www.iowawineandbeer.com

Also Visit: www.iowawinegrowers.org

Iowa Wine Trails: Five (5)

- Iowa Wine Trail: www.iowawinetrail.com
- Western Iowa Wine Trail: www.westerniowawinetrail.com
- Amana Colonies Wine Trail: www.iowawineandbeer.com
- Heart of Iowa Wine Trail: www.heartofiowawinetrail.com
- Scenic Rivers Wine Trail: www.scenicriverswine.com

Kansas -

Kansas Wine Site: www.winesofkansas.com

Kansas Wine Trails: None (0). There’s a downloadable map of Kansas wineries available at www.kansasgrapesandwines.com

Kentucky -

Kentucky Wine Site: www.kytourism.com and www.kentuckyvineyardsociety.org

Kentucky Wine Trails: None (0)

Louisiana -

Louisiana Wine Site: None

Louisiana Wine Trails: None (0)

Maine -

Maine Wine Site: None

Maine Wine Trails: None (0).

Maryland -

Maryland Wine Site: www.marylandwine.com

Maryland Wine Trails: Nine (9)

- Frederick Wine Trail: www.frederickwinetrail.com
- Mason-Dixon Wine Trail: www.masondixonwinetrail.com
- Central Region Wine Trail: www.marylandwine.com
- DC Metro Wine Trail: www.marylandwine.com
- North East Wine Trail: www.marylandwine.com
- North Central Wine Trail: www.marylandwine.com
- Southern Plain Region Wine Trail: www.marylandwine.com
- Mountain Region Wine Trail: www.marylandwine.com
- Eastern Shore Wine Trail: www.marylandwine.com

Massachusetts -

Massachusetts Wine Site: www.mass.gov

Massachusetts Wine Trails: None (0)

Michigan -

Michigan Wine Site: www.michiganwines.com

Michigan Wine Trails: Four (4)

- Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail: www.miwinetrail.com
- SE Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail: www.pioneerwinetrail.com
- Old Mission Peninsula Trail: www.wineriesofoldmission.com
- Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail: www.lpwines.com

Minnesota -

Minnesota Wine Site: www.mngrapes.org

Also visit: www.minnesotagrown.com

Minnesota Wine Trails: Four (4).

- Three Rivers Wine Trail: www.3riverswinetrail.com

- Wine and Beer History Trail: www.mnriverwinebeerhistorytrail.com

- Great River Road Wine Trail: www.greatriverroadwinetrail.org

- Heartland Wine Trail: www.heartlandwinetrailmn.com

Mississippi -

Mississippi Wine Site: None

Mississippi Wine Trail: One (1), the Deep South Antique and Wine Trail, a joint venture between the Mississippi and Louisiana Tourism Departments. www.deepsouthantiqueandwinetrail.com

Missouri -

Missouri Wine Site: www.missouriwine.org

Missouri Wine Trails: Five (5)

- Missouri River Wine Trail: www.missouririverwinetrail.com
- Hermann Wine Trail: www.hermannwinetrail.com
- Route du Vin Wine Trail: www.ste-genevieve.com
- Ozark Mountain Wine Trail: www.lecavevineyards.com
- Missouri Weinstrasse Wine Trail: www.augustawinery.com

Montana -

Montana Wine Site: None

Montana Wine Trails: None

Nebraska -

Nebraska Wine Site: www.nebraskawines.com

Nebraska Wine Trails: One (1) info at www.vintage-nebraska.org

- Western Nebraska Wine Trail: www.wineswest.com

Nevada -

Nevada Wine Site: None

Nevada Wine Trails: None

New Hampshire –

New Hampshire Wine Site: www.nhwineryassociation.com

New Hampshire Wine Trails: None (0)

New Jersey -

New Jersey Wine Site: www.newjerseywines.com

New Jersey Wine Trails: None (0). There are 35 NJ wineries.

New Mexico -

New Mexico Wine Site: www.nmwine.com

New Mexico Wine Trails: Four (4), info at www.nmwine.com

- Northern Wine Trail
- Southern Wine Trail
- Central Wine Trail
- Southeast Wine Trail

New York -

New York Wine Site: www.uncorkny.com

New York Wine Trails: Eleven (11)

- Chautauqua Lake Erie Wine Trail: www.chautauquawinetrail.org
- Canandaigua Wine Trail: www.canandaiguawinetrail.com
- Keuka Wine Trail: www.keukawinetrail.com
- Seneca Lake Wine Trail: www.senecalakewine.com
- Cayuga Wine Trail: www.cayugawinetrail.com
- Dutchess Wine Trail: www.dutchesswinetrail.com
- Shawangunk Wine Trail: www.shawangunkwinetrail.com
- North Fork Wine Trail: www.liwines.com
- The Hamptons Wine Trail: www.liwines.com
- Niagara Wine Trail: www.niagarawinetrail.org
- Thousand Islands Trail: www.thousandislandsseawaywinetrail.com

North Carolina -

North Carolina Wine Site: www.visitncwines.com

North Carolina Wine Trails: Four (4)

- Yadkin Valley Wine Trail: www.yvwt.com
- Haw River Wine Trail: www.hawriverwinetrail.com
- Swan Creek Wine Trail: www.swancreekvineyards.com
- Blue Ridge Wine Trail: www.blueridgewinetrail.com

North Dakota -

North Dakota Wine Site: www.ndgga.org

North Dakota Wine Trails: One (1)

- North Dakota Winery Trail: www.ndwinerytrail.com

Oklahoma -

Oklahoma Wine Site: www.oklahomawines.org

Oklahoma Wine Trails: None (0). 34 wineries in Oklahoma.

Ohio -

Ohio Wine Site: www.ohgrapes.org

Ohio Wine Trails: Six (6). Info available at www.ohgrapes.org

- Lake Erie Vines and Wines Trail
- Wing Watch Wine Trail
- Appalachian Wine Trail
- Canal Country Wine Trail
- Nicholas Longworth Wine Trail
- Capital City Wine Trail

Oregon -

Oregon Wine Site: www.oregonwine.org

Oregon Wine Trails: None (0), although OregonWine.org divides the state into its 16 American Viticultural Areas (AVA).

Pennsylvania -

Pennsylvania Wine Site: www.pennsylvaniawine.com

Pennsylvania Wine Trails: Eleven (11).

- Berks County Wine Trail: www.berkscountywinetrail.com
- Brandywine Valley Wine Trail: www.bvwinetrail.com
- Bucks County Wine Trail: www.buckscountywinetrail.com
- Chautauqua Lake Erie Trail: www.chautauquawinetrail.org
- Endless Mountains Wine Trail: www.endlessmountains.org
- Groundhog Wine Trail: www.groundhogwinetrail.com
- Laurel Highlands Wine Trail: www.laurelhighlands.org
- Lehigh Valley Wine Trail: www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com
- Mason-Dixon Wine Trail: www.masondixonwinetrail.com
- Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail: www.pawinetrail.com
- Uncork York Wine Trail: www.uncorkyork.com

Rhode Island -

Rhode Island Wine Site: None

Rhode Island Wine Trails: None (0)

South Carolina -

South Carolina Wine Site: None

South Carolina Wine Trails: None (0)

South Dakota -

South Dakota Wine Site: http://sdgrapes.sdstate.edu/wineries.cfm

South Dakota Wine Trails: None (0)

Tennessee -

Tennessee Wine Site: www.tennesseewines.com

Tennessee Wine Trails: None (0)

Texas -

Texas Wine Site: www.gotexanwine.org

Texas Wine Trails: One (1)

- Texas Hill Country Wine Trail: www.texaswinetrail.com

Utah -

Utah Wine Site: None

Utah Wine Trails: None (0)

Vermont -

Vermont Wine Site: www.vermontbrewers.com

Vermont Wine Trails: None (0)

Virginia -

Virginia Wine Site: www.virginiawines.org

Virginia Wine Trails: Nine (9)

- Monticello Wine Trail: www.monticellowinetrail.com
- Blue Ridge Wine Way Trail: www.blueridgewineway.com
- Loudoun Wine Trail: www.loudounfarms.org
- Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail: www.chesapeakebaywinetrail.com
- Bedford Wine Trail www.bedfordwinetrail.com
- Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail: www.svwga.org
- Heart of Virginia Wine Trail: www.hovawinetrail.com
- Faquier County Wine Trail: www.visitfaquier.com
- Botetourt County Wine Trail: www.botetourtwinetrail.com

Washington -

Washington Wine Site: www.washingtonwine.org

Washington Wine Trails: None (0). The state is divided into 9 AVA’s.

West Virginia -

West Virginia Wine Site: None

West Virginia Wine Trails: None

Wisconsin -

Wisconsin Wine Site: www.wiswine.com

Wisconsin Wine Trails: None (0)

Wyoming -

Wyoming Wine Site: www.wyogrape.com

Wyoming Wine Trails: None (0).