out which is which . Include in your destination some wines you know and love , but also leave enough time to visit their lesser-known neighbours .
Open the door . While some wineries offer a small taste without charge , many will ask a nominal fee for a taste or a flight of tastes , or have a formula in place if customers make a purchase . Tasting a flight of wines makes sense because it offers a unique window into the approach of the winemaker . To get the most of the experience , be a good taster : hold the glass by the stem , give it a swirl , a smell and a taste . And whether the person pouring is the winemaker or a staff member , be sure to ask questions . These people are almost invariably knowledgeable and enthusiastic .
Immerse Yourself . Plan to fully immerse yourself in the wine community , advises Sherri Lockwood , the Marketing Manager of Premium Wine Channels in Niagara . “ A bit of pre-planning is good , so you can find your favourites and taste wines that you know ,” Sherri says . “ But be open to something interesting . Ask the locals for their recommendations .” In any region , the wine community is relatively small , and people know each other . They will be able to send you to interesting new places or lesser-known gems .
“ A bit of pre-planning is good , so you can find your favourites and taste wines that you know .” — Sherri Lockwood , Marketing Manager of Premium Wine Channels in Niagara
Travelling in wine country is not just about tasting wine . Some wineries offer fine dining with celebrated restaurants on-site , making for a truly remarkable experience . Peller Estates in Niagara-on-the-Lake is home to the renowned Chef Jason Parsons , who has brought his work into their signature “ Art of Wine and Food ” event . Cellar Door Bistro at the Sumac Ridge Estate Winery in Summerland , British Columbia is another great wineryhosted eatery , featuring the regionally inspired culinary creations of Executive Chef Roger Planiden .
In some places , the added option of staying on-site is a remarkable experience in immersion . Ployez-Jacquemart , a French family-run , high quality Champagne producer , has a beautiful bed and breakfast at their estate in the town of Ludes ( see www . ployez-jacquemart . fr ). It is a short , scenic drive of about fifteen minutes from the city of Reims . Make sure to book your rooms early : there are not many of these around , and they go quickly .
Top : Ployez-Jacquemart Bed and Breakfast in Ludes , France ; Centre : Peller Estates , Niagara-on-the-Lake ; Bottom : Clayhouse Vineyard in Paso Robles , California
Getting there , getting home . If you are travelling in the summer , it ’ s a good idea to bring along plenty of water to drink along the way — it ’ s
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