We don’t typically need an “official” reason to celebrate over a bottle of wine but today we have one – it’s National Wine Day, celebrated annually on May 25. (Not to be confused with Global DRINK Wine Day (February 18) or a host of over two dozen days in the year celebrating different varietals.)
The growing number of wineries across the US coupled with the proliferation of social media options has prompted more creative ways to celebrate with wine for people of all (legal drinking) ages and beverage preferences. Whether you host a wine tasting at your place to try the latest rosés or meet friends for an evening of professionally paired food and wine, the celebration begins as soon as the cork is popped.
Since its establishment in 1812 by Spanish missionaries, California’s wine country in the northern Bay Area of northern California has dominated American wine production and our personal vision of the elegant American vineyard. There were a mere 25 wineries in this area of California in 1974. Today, over 800!
While California still leads US wine production and is now home to over 4,000 wineries state-wide, wineries are found across the US with at least 3 in every state. In fact, the most frequently visited winery today is the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina seeing over 1 million people annually.
The availability of wineries in almost every state these days enables us to visit the rolling hills of a beautiful vineyard closer to home. Yes, it is very likely one is near you, within range for a fun day trip or weekend getaway. So, pack your bags and set your GPS to the winery nearest you! Cheers!
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