Sometimes, you need to escape for a few days. A simple weekend away with your partner or a few close friends is all you need to shake yourself out of your routine, wake yourself up, and re-ignite your zest for life. Visiting wine country is a great way to do that!
Imagine sitting on a relaxing balcony, sipping a delicious glass of wine, nibbling on cheese or cake while looking out over rolling hills lined with grape vines. The world will feel like it is standing still for a moment. That’s what you get when you visit wine country, and you don’t need to fly to Europe to get it.
While the West Coast is home to some of the best wineries in the US, and the world for that matter, wineries on the East Coast are also producing award-winning wines. There is no shortage of stunning vineyards and wineries throughout the US East Coast. They are perfect for those looking for delicious wine and beguiling vineyards without crowds or extensive travel.
Whether you are an East Coast local looking for a weekend holiday or flying in from other parts of the country looking for a relaxing vacation, you have plenty of options. Plus, if you are a 2xpece member, you can enjoy a cozy homestay while you save money for fun at the vineyard.
You might be surprised to learn that quite a few East Coast states produce incredible, high-quality wine. Some are new to the industry and still finding their feet, while others have been around since the nation was founded.
Here are a few East Coast states with noteworthy wine offers, perfect for your next wine trip!
The 4 East Coast States Perfect for a Wine-Tasting Getaway
1 - New York
Finger Lakes, New York, has developed a reputation amongst wine connoisseurs. It is considered one of the most underrated wine regions in the US. The region comprises five lakes surrounded by fertile farmland and a microclimate ideal for harvesting grapes perfect for winemaking.
When you visit any of the hundred-plus wineries in the region, you will be blessed with views of the lakes, quaint villages, nature trails, and lush fields.
If you are looking for an excellent vineyard to go wine tasting, check out Fox Run Vineyards. Wine tastings start at only $10 for a flight of five wines. You won’t need a reservation. Tastings are first come, first serve. They also offer tours and tasty food in their cafe. If you are traveling with your dog, don’t worry. Fox Run is dog friendly!
2 - Virginia
Virginia is home to some of the most celebrated wineries on the East Coast. Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, in particular, houses award-winning wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Between the delicious wines, charming tasting rooms, elegant patios, and stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia’s vineyards are the perfect destination for a weekend away.
Along with stunning wineries brimming with delicious wines, you’ll discover that the Shenandoah Valley also has a plethora of historical landmarks for you and your travel companions to explore. You can visit any of the multiple museums, Civil War battlefields, or even Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate. Then, when you are done, feel free to explore the National Parks in the area.
If you are looking for a good vineyard to go wine tasting, check out Early Mountain Vineyards in Madison, Virginia. Located just inside Shenandoah Valley, Early Mountain Vineyards has a rustic yet modern feel, with award-winning wines and tasting rooms. Their tasting room was named #1 in America and offers high-end dining and cozy lounging while sipping wine.
3 - Pennsylvania
Wine has been flowing out of Pennsylvania-grown grapes for over 300 years. Wine grapes have been growing there for as long as the nation has existed. Today, there are more than 400 wineries that produce a diverse array of tasty wines, most of which are in the Harrisburg and Grantville regions.
The hot summers and cold winters in Pennsylvania produce a climate similar to popular wine regions in Europe. Wineries in the state have been able to transport European wine grapes while also creating hybrid grapes explicitly bred for the Pennsylvanian climate.
When planning your wine trip consider Adams County Winery. It is perfect for a cozy getaway! You can enjoy their beautiful pet-friendly grounds and casual atmosphere before heading to their famous Tasting Room in an 1860s-era bank barn.
4 - Rhode Island
Are you torn between enjoying the idyllic coastline or charming wine country for your weekend getaway? You can have the best of both worlds if you visit Rhode Island. The picturesque marinas, Colonial architecture, and local vineyards of Newport, Rhode Island, specifically, can provide you with everything you might want for a charming coastal wine vacation.
The wineries aren’t world-renowned necessarily, but what they lack in notoriety, they make up for in stunning acreage and ocean views. The quaint town hosts multiple annual summer and autumn wine festivals. They allow you to sip wine, listen to music, eat tasty food, and stomp grapes like Lucy.
For a great day in the vineyards, check out Newport Vineyards. The vineyard has been family owned and operated for almost 25 years. They take a hands-on approach to providing incredible wine and memorable experiences for their guests. They host fantastic events throughout the year and even have beer for your non-wine-drinking friends.
Remember,
If you are on the Eastern Coast of the United States, going wine tasting is an excellent way to spend your relaxing afternoon. The wineries are less crowded than their West Coast cousins and offer a similar idyllic setting for a peaceful getaway, whether it’s with friends, family, or your partner.
And, if you are planning to stay the night, don’t forget to utilize your 2xcape membership. You will have a great place to stay and a lot of extra money in your pocket to spend on wine and cheese at the vineyard!