Wine Travel

Wine Travel covers the regions, routes, and tasting rooms that justify the trip. Sonoma, Napa, Paso Robles, Texas Hill Country, Willamette Valley, Bordeaux, Tuscany, Champagne — written from the perspective of an award-winning home winemaker (CIVC & CAWE certified) who knows what separates a tourist trap from a legitimate tasting experience. Find out which appellations reward weekend trips, which require a full week, and which wineries take walk-ins versus appointment-only. Get specific recommendations on tasting fees, what to skip, and where to use a Priority Wine Pass for free or discounted flights. Practical itineraries built around how you actually travel — including which $25 tasting beats the $75 one across the road. No “hidden gem” cliches. Just the wineries, vineyards, and regional details that make a wine trip worth the flight.