Top 10 Reasons the Winter is the best time of year to visit wineries and vineyards!

Ok, yes we all love visiting the vineyards in Summer and Fall. After all, when you visit a vineyard you expect to see clusters of grapes dangling from rows of vines right? Yet the winter and early spring months are the absolute best time to go vineyard hopping! Here are my personal top 10 reasons to dawn a heavy jacket and hit the wineries:

1. The fall harvest is over, things have wound down and the staff have more time to showcase their wine making process, provide tours and provide you with more in-depth information about the wines they make.
2. The “Wine Trail Tourist Crowd” has dwindled down. Enjoy no lines, no long waits, and sip at your leisure.
3. Your wine tasting experience will more than likely be more personal, comfortable.
4. You will be more likely to meet the actual owners and winemakers themselves instead of less knowledgeable staff or volunteers.
5. Local lodging is more likely to be offered at reduced rates during the winter and early spring months.
6. Winery events are more likely to be less hectic and provide a more intimate atmosphere.
7. No bugs! Fruit flies and mosquitoes don't care for the chilly weather.
8. Not only can you taste all the regular wine offerings, but many wineries have special hot wines / winter blends... whether you call it Gluehwein, Mulled Wine, Wassail, or Vin Chaud.. it's ALL great for sipping from a hot steaming mug by a winter fire.
9. Gift time! Bottles of wine make GREAT gifts for the holidays! (Hint, Hint, my friends and family)
10. You are supporting your local vineyards through their leanest of seasons!

So this winter, bundle up and visit the wineries in your region and enjoy all the benefits without all the hassles!