If we use data such as the number of visitors to the WineTrailTraveler.com website, the highest numbers appear during August through October. These are excellent times to visit wineries and vineyards in the northern hemisphere. Visitors may observe the wine making process including the press, destemming, fermentation, punch down and filling barrels and tanks. There is a lot of winery activity. The vineyards have fruit ready for harvest and by October begin to show colors. These may be reasons that so many wine enthusiasts travel to wineries during the August through October period.

However, other seasons have their charm. During winter travelers can view the architecture of the grape vines. Tasting rooms have fewer visitors and one can have more of an opportunity to spend some time in tasting rooms tasting and talking about the wines. Many tasting rooms have a fireplace and sitting area. How does a wine pair with this setting while it is cold outside? Spring is a nice time to visit vineyards on a weekly basis. The vineyard puts on a show during spring and changes frequently. Early summer is often a laid back time. A lot of work is done in the vineyard and in the winery they are preparing for harvest. Many wineries bottle from late winter into summer.

If you are interested in capturing the romantic notion of a vineyard and winery, this is the time to visit. Weekends are often very crowded however traveling to wineries during the week can be quite pleasant.

Cheers,
Terry