TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE: Get out of your AVA!

Like a favorite pair of shoes or a classic movie you love to watch on a rainy Sunday afternoon, we all have a favorite wine, from a certain region or state, which we love to go back to time and time again.  Some days, however, we want to kick off the shoes and run barefoot through the grass or grab a bucket of popcorn and watch the latest thriller. The same can be said for wine!

Many of us love to support our local or favorite AVA's (American Viticultural Area).  For me, Washington State, for example, has eleven AVAs, all of which I have tried.  While I am a big fan of the Red Mountain, AVA, there is always a thrill in heading to another, such as Chelan or Rattlesnake Hills to find an unknown winery and discovering a treasure in a wine glass.  

Each AVA has its own unique soil, weather conditions and growing seasons.  Therefore, your favorite grape, such as a Syrah, may have an ashy, smoky taste from one region and taste earthier from another only hours away.   Always a favorite at my house, I like to pick up bottles of the same wine from different regions, try them with friends and find the subtle differences in each.  

Try to incorporate a new AVA into your next day trip to weekend getaway by reviewing options online or a variety of winery travel books (I have had a lot of fun and have shared Steve Roberts book WineTrails of Washington with many friends).  We have found real treasures, and a few duds, in the most unlikely of places while traveling around the Northwest and now make it a priority to seek those out whenever and wherever we travel.  

When traveling from region to region, wine lovers will not only see beautiful new areas, experience new food, explore the variety of wineries, but your palate will travel along with you on a taste adventure.  A great book to satisfy your taste for travel and wine is North American Wine Routes: A Travel Guide to Wines and Vines, from Napa to Nova Scotia

We are not always able to travel in person to the various AVAs, but don't forget your local wine shop.  The staff can let you know information on the different AVAs, perhaps let you taste a few different options, and take you on a winery tour right on your own neighborhood.

Take an AVA Adventure!  Happy tasting!