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Hundley Cellars- Geneva, OH
While Ohio traces its winemaking history back to the early 1800s, the industry has really exploded in the last decade. At present there are over 260 wineries across the state, which could keep you very busy if you attempted to visit them all. Fortunately, many wineries tend to be clustered in regions, making it easy to hit several on the same day. Which is a godsend, because quality can vary widely even in the same region. Some wineries don’t even grow their own grapes, relying on purchased juice from other states. However, there are some gems out there along the long and not so dusty Ohio wine trail, making it…
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Argyle Winery- Dundee, OR
Willamette Valley is a wine wonderland. But with over 500 wineries, and 715 vineyards, choosing even a subset to visit can be overwhelming. A good place to start is Dundee Hills. Home to some of the oldest vines in the valley, the rich volcanic soil and high elevation prove perfect for Pinot Noir. Here you will find over 40 excellent wineries, including one of my all time favorites, Argyle. Founded in 1987, Argyle was the brainchild of iconic Australian winemaker Brian Croser, and protege Rollin Soles. The two worked together at Croser’s Petaluma winery before deciding to take the show on the road; a worldwide search of cool latitude locations…
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Chrysalis Vineyards- Middleburg, VA
Virginia has exploded with wineries in recent years. Some produce a decent product, some are just a pretty place to spend the day. Even mediocre wine is enjoyable when paired with a fancy tasting room and a stunning view. I have yet to find a Virginia wine I love, but I have been to several tasting rooms I would return to. Boasting an expansive bedecked building, bucolic views, and ample shaded sitting spots, Chrysalis Vineyards in Middleburg is one of them. Virginia is clearly not the first state that comes to mind when you think of wine. Nor should it be. However, eons of erosion have produced a rich granitic…
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Archery Summit Winery- Dundee, OR
Willamette Valley has an obscene amount of picturesque wineries. As it would be impossible to visit them all, at least in one trip, you are unfortunately forced to pick and choose, winnowing your list down to a select few. There is certainly no time to be wasted on mediocre wine, unfriendly tasting rooms, or an overly corporate experience. Rest assured, Archery Summit belongs on your short list, no matter how short that list is. It is the perfect combination of winning wine, an intimate tasting room, and amazing scenery. And they have a wine cave, which everyone should have.
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Elk Cove Vineyards- Gaston, OR
There are more vineyards in Oregon than you could ever hope to visit. At least if you don’t live there, or make an annual pilgrimage. Which isn’t a bad idea. But for the rest of us, this means choosing a handful and hoping for the best. Even old favorites can disappoint, but fortunately this does not apply to Elk Cove. Not only is it one of the oldest wineries in Oregon, it sits on a stunning piece of land, and produces wine that surpasses the tasting room view. And the view is extraordinary. Founded in 1974 by Joe and Pat Campbell, Elk Cove was one of the first ten wineries…
