FAQs
Are wineries safe to visit?
Wineries are in the process of re-opening, and many have put new safety protocols in place. Check with each winery for the latest details as you plan your visit. Many wineries are operating with reduced capacity, limited indoor seating, mask requirements (when not tasting wine), and enhanced cleaning measures. Some wineries are also requiring reservations and restricting the number of guests who can visit, so consult their websites and make reservations in advance if you can.
State and local COVID-19 restrictions will also impact how each winery is able to operate. Napa Valley, for example, is advising visitors to wear masks and practice social distancing. In general, expect limited interaction between customers and servers at tasting rooms, contactless ordering and payment, and even temperature checks before entering some wineries.
What's the best time to visit a winery?
Keep in mind that vineyards are working farms, so they'll be busy places during peak grape harvest season (roughly July to October, depending on the region). A winery (where wine is produced) may be separate from the actual vineyard, and a tasting room might also be separate from the growing operation.
Many are open year-round, but check with the winery for specifics on their schedule, including any vineyard tours and wine-tasting programs they may offer. If you're hoping to have a chance to chat with a winemaker, you might want to choose a quieter time of year.
Keep in mind that finding available accommodation in high-demand areas during the peak summer and fall seasons can be a challenge, so book early to avoid disappointment.
What are the best wine regions in the US?
There are currently 252 established AVAs across the country, reflecting a wide range of growing conditions and geographic features in states you might expect (California, Washington, Oregon, New York), and those which might surprise you (Texas, Arizona, New Jersey, Wisconsin). In fact, the oldest AVA is actually in Missouri (the Augusta AVA, established in 1980, just a few months before Napa Valley). There's a wine region for every taste, and that's what makes them so much fun to explore on your way to finding your own personal favorite.
Washington State has 16 AVAs producing over 70 grape varieties. The Yakima Valley AVA is known for chardonnay, Riesling, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and syrah.
Oregon's 19 AVAs grow nearly 100 grape varieties. The Willamette Valley's Eola-Amity Hills AVA is known for its pinot noir and chardonnay; and the Yamhill-Carlton AVA specializes in pinot noir, chardonnay, and pinot gris.
California has a whopping 141 AVAs, with over 100 varieties of grapes growing throughout the state. In Napa Valley, the Calistoga AVA is known for producing cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel, petite sirah, charbono, and syrah. The Mount Veeder AVA specializes in cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, malbec, merlot, and syrah; and the St. Helena AVA is recognized for cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, syrah, zinfandel, and sauvignon blanc. You'll find plenty of zinfandel and sauvignon blanc in Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley AVA; and the Paso Robles AVA has built a reputation for cabernet sauvignon, merlot, zinfandel, syrah, and chardonnay.
Texas has eight AVAs. The Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country AVA specializes in chardonnay, chenin blanc, merlot, and pinot noir.
Colorado has two AVAs. The Grand Valley AVA is known for syrah, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and chardonnay.
New York's wine producers are classified within 11 AVAs. The Hudson River Region AVA specializes in pinot noir, cabernet franc, Riesling, and merlot. Seneca Lake AVA, in the Finger Lakes region, is recognized for its Riesling, cabernet franc, chardonnay, pinot noir, and Gewurztraminer. Long Island's North Fork AVA is especially known for its cabernet franc, merlot, and chardonnay.
Virginia has eight AVAs. The Monticello AVA specializes in chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, and viognier.
Are Airbnbs safe?
As summer approaches and vaccines roll out, we're all eager to travel again. The CDC recently announced that fully vaccinated people can safely travel in the US.
Experts also consider private vacation homes like Airbnbs, one of the safer choices, especially when compared to hotels. This is because you are often booking an entire home protected from interaction with others.
Airbnb also announced rigorous new procedures including the Enhanced Cleaning Protocol, which includes guidelines on personal protective equipment, disinfectants, and mandatory waiting periods between previous guests and cleanings.
However, there are still serious risks to traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it's important to follow advice from leading health organizations such as the CDC and the WHO. Look into the latest local and state guidelines before planning your vacation, and take precautions including wearing a mask, washing your hands frequently, and maintaining social distancing.
What is Airbnb's cancellation policy?
Airbnb cancellation policies are set by each home's host, so check the individual listing for details. You can read a full breakdown of Airbnb's cancellation policies here.