Michigan
Perhaps not as well known as other wine growing areas, Michigan is certainly a well-established grape-growing state and actually the nation's fourth-largest producer of fine wines. The region, largely centered around the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, Old Mission Peninsula, and Leelanau Peninsula on Lake Michigan, is also a scenic and rather relaxing place to spend a few sunny afternoons. There are more than 50 wineries clustered in this area and several historic and welcoming bed and breakfasts as well as more luxurious resorts to stay at.
The Vineyard Inn (tel. 231/941-7060; www.vininn.com) at Suttons Bay provides a choice of one or two bedroom suites located on the shore front and only a short drive from over a dozen wineries including Black Star Farms (www.blackstarfarms.com), Chateau Fontaine (www.chateaufontaine.com), Cherry Republic (www.cherryrepublic.com), and Ciccone Vineyards (www.cicconevineyards.com). Each Saturday, The Vineyard Inn runs private half-day and full-day tours of Leelanau Peninsula wineries. Rates are $49 to $59 per person for half-day, $69 to $79 for full-day during peak season (June 15 to September 4; weekends during September and October), $39 to $49 half-day, and $59 to $69 full-day during off season (April to June 14th and Sunday to Thursday from September 5 to October 31). Weekend packages with lodging, winery tours, breakfast, lunch and dinner are also available. Room rates from through September 7, 2009 start from $150 for a Lakeview studio midweek, or $175 on weekends or a Lakeview loft which sleeps four guests is priced at $250 a night.
The Grey Hare Inn (tel. 800/873-0652; www.greyhareinn.com) is a working farm, vineyard and bed and breakfast located in the heart of Northern Michigan's wine country. You can stay here, pick your own grapes on the property (varieties include Traminette, Baco Noir, Chardonnay and Vidal), and visit the region's many vineyards. An intimate option with only three guest rooms, rates start from $135 per room per night and include a home-cooked breakfast. Their Harvest and Winemaking package is available during September and October Sundays through Thursdays starting at $195 per person. The rate includes two nights' accommodations; an opportunity to help harvest the grapes; a jug of juice to take home for your own winemaking efforts; individual instruction on pruning, vineyard management, and basic wine making; a Vintner breakfast; talks by local winemakers; wine and cheese gatherings each day after harvest; and a complimentary bottle of Rambunctious Rabbit Red wine.
Virginia
Thomas Jefferson spotted the potential centuries ago and in 1773 he helped to establish Virginia's first vineyards. Today there are over 130 vineyards in the state and 20 or so of them are located within a half hour's drive of The Inn at Monticello (tel. 877/735-2982; www.innatmonticello.com). The Inn's Wine Dinner Getaway package includes two nights, gourmet breakfasts, afternoon wine and refreshments, a romantic dinner at either The Ivy Inn or Hamilton's at First and Main (gratuity included), a map and guide to area wineries, and a bottle of wine from a local winery. Winter rates (December to March) range from $512 to $556 and Spring/Summer rates are $589 to $612 for two people.
You can follow the Monticello Wine Trail (www.monticellowinetrail.org) or take a less structured approach to discovering the wineries around the city of Charlottesville. Arcady (tel. 434/872-9475; www.arcadyvineyard.com) operates as a vineyard and a Bed and Breakfast, plus it runs tours of the surrounding wine country. Their Travelin' Through Wine Country package is valid Sunday through Thursday and is priced at $475 for two people. It includes overnight accommodations in a suite at the Bed and Breakfast, a bottle of sparkling wine, a chocolate and port turndown service, a gourmet breakfast for two people, private afternoon wine tour, a cheese/chocolate/fruit platter, and round-trip transportation into downtown Charlottesville for dinner. Two night packages are also available with all of the above plus an evening wine tasting for $775 per couple on weekends or $725 on weekdays.
California
The Napa Valley is perhaps the U.S.'s best known and most beloved wine region. Its picturesque scenery, abundance of wineries, famed restaurants, spas, and hot springs and mud baths make it a desirable destination throughout the year. Napa is made up of four general winery districts -- Calistoga, Carneros, Stags Leap, and Yountville and you could easily spend a week or more discovering the area and sampling its bounty. Lodging options are extensive and generally rather pricey.
The Napa Inn Bed and breakfast (tel. 800/435-1144; www.napainn.com) features 14 rooms and suites within two historic homes. Room rates range from $120 to $285 per night including a gourmet breakfast. For something a little different stay in a converted historic train carriage at the Napa Valley Railway Inn (tel. 707/944-2000; www.napavalleyrailwayinn.com) in Yountville. These classic carriages have been restored and rooms are available from $125 to $210 per night. There are various tour companies offering bus, limousine and shared van experiences. Most range from four to six hours and cost between $99 and $200 per person or you can choose to take a six-hour cycling winery tour.
The Napa Valley Winery Bike Tour from Calistoga () is an off the beaten path look at the scenic upper Napa Valley, traveling along country lanes to small, family owned wineries that truly represent the Napa Valley. Along the way you'll taste Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, tour a winery to see how grapes are made into wine, as well as a champagne cellar. Cycle ten to 17 miles over mostly flat, easy terrain and pay $165 per person, which includes a comfort bike with helmet and gel seat, gourmet picnic lunch, unlimited bottled water, and a professional local guide.