Off The Vine Media

With 2015 upon us there are so many wine areas I would love to visit this year.  Below are five I hope to visit !  Some of these areas are up and coming while others are some I am sure you are familiar with. If you haven’t already made your list of wine travel locations for 2015 now is the time to start !  Here is hoping you have a new year filled with great wine, great adventures, and spent with great people .

1. The Finger lakes in New York:  This region is well known for its Rieslings, but in recent years they have seen a rise in red wine production.

2.  Virginia :  This region has gotten a lot of media attention over the last year as it continues to grow, develop, and find its voice.

3. Texas hill country:  This area may not be one you have thought of in the past but as the 5th highest wine producing state in the country they must be doing something right.

4.  Michigan Wine Country near Traverse City:  This area sits right on Lake Michigan and sits on the 45th parellel

5. Oregon :  Pinot Noir country ( Need I say more)

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So what did you do for valentines day, your birthday, or holiday?  Most people would say they had a nice meal and spent time with family or friends.  Now how many of you also had some wine with your occasion?  I know that on many special occasions wine makes an appearance.

I know for me this valentines day I had a glass of sparkling wine with my meal.  It was a Grand Mark from Tabor hill winery in Michigan.  It was wonderful and hit the spot.  I don’t know why so many people pick to drink sparkling wine or champagne on a special occasion.  Maybe it is because of the advertising and marketing we see.  Maybe it is the notion that this type of wine doesn’t go well with a lot of food, or maybe because we think it is to expensive.  Let me tell you that champagne and sparkling wine can be affordable and pairs well with many dishes and deserves a place at our tabel on more then a special occasion.  So next time you are at the store pick up a bottle for your next meal.  I think you may enjoy it.

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Out in the far reaches of the Chicago suburbs lies a new winery called Acquaviva that I recently visited.  This doesn’t seem like the first place for wine to be made.  However, the question is why not?  The Midwest may not have the ocean and climate like the west Coast or the storied history and topography of the old wine world.  However, what they do have is the love of wine and what it signifies and as they say where there is a will there is a way.

What I always find amazing about these wineries is there passion and love for the wine and all that surrounds it.  This was evident when I visited Acquaviva recently.  There love of family, passion for wine, and hospitality showed in all that they did.  From the time we walked in to the time we left we were greeted by family members and employees willing to share their passion and knowledge of their wine.  I look forward to going back and seeing how they continue to improve on a good thing.

If you have never experienced wine from the Midwest let me suggest a few places to cut your teeth on.  If you are in Illinois you may enjoy Galena Winery, Bluessky Winery, and Acquaviva Winery.  If you are in Wisconsin make sure to check out Cedar Creek Winery and Wollershiem Winery.  If you are in Michigan a few to check out include Round Barn Winery, Tabor Hill Winery, and many more.  I am unsure about what exists in other Midwestern states, but I would love to hear what your suggestions are.

http://www.acquavivawinery.com

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