Want to get away but want to do it safely? Fall’s the perfect time to head to some coastal spaces and enjoy the foliage and water. In fact, you can make that even better by visiting the towns that are perfect for sipping on some wine, too. What’s better than water and wine? If you need that vacation, plan a trip to one of the best coastal towns for wine vacations—it’ll provide the relaxation you deserve! We’re only sticking to the locations in the U.S. this time around, so it’ll be a trip you can take whenever.
Traverse City, Michigan
Michigan is a gorgeous state and it’s actually an ideal place to grow wine grapes. Traverse City is a particularly beautiful option on Grand Traverse Bay connected to Lake Michigan. Though there are plenty of wine tour operators to drive you to the big estates, there are plenty that are close enough for you to drive to on your own.
Our favorite spots: Chateau Grand Traverse and Bowers Harbor Vineyards
Seattle, Washington
Have you always wanted to visit the Emerald City? Well, make sure that you get your fill of scrumptious wines as well. The grape production in the city is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Riesling. However, there are more than 70 varieties grown in the area, so you’re sure to find a winery that fists your taste buds. Pair a day of wine tours with gorgeous outdoor restaurants, unbelievable seafood, and an atmosphere you won’t want to leave.
Our favorite spots: Chateau Ste. Michelle and SODO Urbanworks
Oak Grove, Virginia
A small town on the Chesapeake Bay sounds like the perfect way to unwind from daily life and slip into vacation mode. In fact, it’s been voted the best of the small towns on the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail, offering some of the oldest wineries in the state and plenty of stunning scenery. We highly suggest staying in this town and then making your way along the wine trail to discover plenty of other wineries and photo opportunities.
Our favorite spots: Ingleside Vineyards and Good Luck Cellars
Mendocino, California
Sure, it may not be Napa or Sonoma, but California is bursting with tons of prominent wine areas, and this is one of the most fairytale-like. The town itself offers incredible architecture, top-notch antique shops and stores, plenty of museums, and some of the most picturesque cliff views in the country. And when it comes to wine in Mendocino, it gets even better—there are powerful Pinots, unbelievable Gewurztraminers, and so much more. Put it on your bucket list!
Our favorite spots: Navarro Vineyards and Breggo Cellars
Now, these are just a few of our favorite coastal towns for wine vacations, but keep in mind that there are plenty of wineries in various states on the coast. All you have to do is do some research on the place you plan on visiting, and you’re sure to find something that fits for needs. And, while you’re waiting for your trip, make sure that you’re refining your wine-tasting abilities. Turn to Wines ‘Til Sold Out to try out some different wine styles—from our top-rated red wine to our sparkling wines. You won’t regret it!