With summer in full swing and the harvest around the bend, it's a great time to plan a leisurely (and responsible) drive through wine country. We called up some of the 2011 JBF Award–nominated oenophiles to find out which wine destinations make for a great weekend escape.
“Among off-the-beaten-path wine trails, I like the Fauquier Wine Trail in northern Virginia. Boxwood Winery is a favorite of mine on that trail, particularly its Topiary Red, which I got to try last year after our chef visited.” —Wine director Andy Chabot, Blackberry Farm, Walland, TN (nominated for Outstanding Wine Service)
“The Long Island AVA includes the infamous Hamptons and successfully produces cool-climate reds and whites. We enjoy the crisp whites and Bordeaux-style reds from wineries like Bedell Cellars (First Crush white and Musée are two favorite cuvées) and Channing Daughters (the L’Enfant Sauvage Chardonnay is a rock-star white).”
—Wine director Belinda Chang, The Modern, NYC (nominated for Outstanding Wine Service)
“Paso Robles wine country is a great stopover point between Southern and Northern California on the picturesque Highway 101. You can book one of the four luxurious lodging rooms at Justin Vineyards, one of the region’s best wineries and a specialist in red Bordeaux-style wines. Take the back roads to Tablas Creek Vineyard for a taste of the region’s celebrated Rhône varietals.”
—Editor Jim Gordon and contributor Jeffery Lindenmuth, Opus Vino (nominated in the Beverage category of the Book Awards)
“In Anderson Valley, which is just north of Sonoma, the towns become much smaller and the vineyards a bit more spread out. Along Highway 128 is the amazing sparkling-wine producer Roederer Estate, along with high-quality producers like Navarro Vineyards and Winery and Lazy Creek Vineyards, which have excellent Pinot Noirs and are famous for their Gewürztraminers.”
—Wine director/owner Shelley Lindgren, A16, San Francisco (nominated for Outstanding Wine Service)
“Outside of Portland, Oregon, head south on the gorgeous Tualatin Valley Highway toward the secluded Elk Cove Vineyards and its wonderful hillside plantings and delicious wines. Continue south to reach WillaKenzie Estate, one of the state’s standout wineries. In downtown Carlton you’ll find the tasting room of Scott Paul Wines, where you can taste not only a supreme collection of elegant Pinots but the great portfolio of Burgundy and Champagne that owner Scott Wright imports.”
—Co-authors Jordan Mackay and Rajat Parr, Secrets of the Sommeliers: How to Think and Drink like the World’s Top Wine Professionals (nominated in the Beverage category of the Book Awards)
