Doing It Our Way: Wine Country Destinations in the US

Wine and travel go together like Laverne and Shirley, arms linked, singing “we’re going to make our dreams come true.” There are many so many ways for wine lovers to explore the world and its many varietals.

Laverne and Shirley worked at a brewery, but if they were young, working women in 2020, they might prefer an occasional glass of Prosecco. They might even enjoy a wine-themed vacation, of course within the 50 states. Since we can’t travel to the four corners of the world right now, let’s join 21st century Laverne and Shirley and some off-the-beaten-path, wine-centric destinations in the US.

Texas Hill Country

The Lone Star State’s premier wine-producing region spans nine million acres outside of Austin and San Antonio, making it the second-largest wine grape-growing region in the US. Its warm, dry climate produces a host of delicious reds: big, bold Cabernet Sauvignons, earthy Merlots, and full-bodied, robust Tannats (the national grape of Uruguay).

Explore the Texas Wine Trail – Over 50 wineries are scattered throughout the Texas Hill Country, each with its unique personality, environmental conditions, and style of winemaking. Southern hospitality and the independent spirit of Texas shape your experience as you explore the wine trail.

Highlights

Becker Vineyards – Explore 56 acres of vineyards include two newly planted acres of Sangiovese and Petite Sirah varietals. The 10,000 square foot facility is a reproduction of a 19th-century German stone barn, with 74 fermentation tanks and over 4500 barrels used during the aging process. The winery is the largest purchaser of French and American Oak barrels in the state of Texas. Guided tours are conducted hourly on the weekends and on a limited basis during the week.

William Chris Vineyards - The moment you pull onto the William Chris grounds, you'll discover the simple charm of a serene farmhouse surrounded by grapevines and the modern majesty of a contemporary tasting room - all beautifully suited to their terroir and expressive of our reverence for the past and vision for the future. Even at first look, the spirit of Hye Estate's agricultural heritage transcends time and space.

Where to Stay

La Cantera Resort & Spa, San Antonio, TX

Elevate your Lone Star stay at La Cantera Resort & Spa. Situated atop the highest point in San Antonio, you will have the perfect vantage over the beautiful Texas Hill Country. The 496 renovated guestrooms, suites and villas are surrounded by 36 holes of championship golf, 12 restaurants and bars, elaborate pool decks, luxe cabanas and the resort’s 25,000-square-foot, world-class spa, Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness. The most recent addition to dining is Signature, by four-time James Beard honoree Chef Andrew Weissman. Welcome to your Hill Country oasis.

Dining

Mixli – Progressive Mexican Culinaria: Award-winning Mexican cuisine explores a new region of Mexico every 45 days. The chef’s table seats 12 nightly and tickets are sold online weeks in advance.

Pharm Table – Serving brunch and lunch with an Ayurvedic, anti-inflammatory approach to healing through food using local farm to table product with a global spice pantry and locally-sourced ingredients.

Monticello, Virginia

American revolutionary history and viticulture meet in the region originally planted by President Thomas Jefferson. Over the past twenty years, local vintners have worked hard to put the area on the map with wine aficionados.

Highlights

Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards - Husband and wife team, Lynn Easton and Dean Andrews. Lynn and Dean (as you’ll read below) have a combined wealth of professional experience in luxury properties and bespoke events, and Pippin Hill represents the marrying of their complementary talents, in a place they love—the undulating green hills of Virginia’s wine country. Here they have brought together a team of hospitality pros who share their love of this place. A farm family. A vineyard ripe with people who love people and love what they do—ready to welcome you.

Jefferson Vineyards – Thomas Jefferson and Philip Mazzei chose this land when they grew grapes here more than 240 years ago. In 1981, Staney Woodward Sr & Shirley Woodward, under the guidance of viticulturalist Gabriele Rausse, led the replanting of vines on the estate. With their present operation, Jefferson Vineyards has bridged the origins of winemaking by introducing quality modern viticulture and winemaking practices to Virginia, helping to realize Jefferson’s dream.

Where to Stay

The Inn at Little Washington

Small-town Americana meets the international culinary stage at The Inn at Little Washington. Proprietor Patrick O’Connell abandoned acting for the “living theater” of his renowned farm-to-table restaurant, one of the world’s first. The Inn’s 24 bedrooms and suites, individually appointed by London set designer Joyce Evans, are equally dramatic; many feature balconies and serene garden views. Those looking for the ultimate in seclusion and amenities choose The Claiborne House presidential cottage. Take one of the complimentary bicycles out for a leisurely ride into the surprisingly sophisticated historic town, founded in 1769.

Dining

The Inn at Little Washington - Dining at The Inn has been likened to a performance with the guest always playing the star role. The Inn's dining rooms are pure fantasy - a wondrous cocoon of luxury. Rose-colored, silk lampshades float above each table creating a private, romantic world below. The Chef's creations arrive at one of the 30 intimate tables as if served by invisible hands, course after course more dazzling than the last. From the award winning 14,000 bottle wine cellar, which includes the finest offerings from Bordeaux, Burgundy, California and Virginia, the Sommelier plays matchmaker between you, your dinner and the wine.

Great Meadow – Picnicking and twilight polo go hand in hand at the Great Meadow, where the Virginia Gold Cup Association hosts its annual spring Virginia Gold Cup steeplechase classics and fall’s International Gold Cup. On Saturday evenings from May through September, pick up a blanket and a gourmet picnic basket from the resort’s kitchen and watch the mallets swing on the grass-carpeted hills