You’ve certainly heard of chartering van (or even a bus) and driver to take you to different wineries on a day tour, but have you ever considered chartering a plane? Yes, more and more oenophiles (that’s ‘wine lovers’ for the uninitiated amongst us) are choosing to charter their very own planes to take them to the grapes.
Imagine arriving at the following wine destinations in your very own luxury aircraft, ready to be picked up on the airstrip and whisked to the best local vineyards. You’ll have a glass in hand before you know it! Best of all, you’ll be secure in the knowledge that you are taken care of by the best aviation professionals in the business.
Without these worries, you can relax and truly focus on the aromas, flavors, sights, and sounds of these idyllic wine destinations. This year, why not consider chartering a private plane to land in one of the following wine regions?
Jet Set to Yamhill County, Oregon
When you think West Coast wine, you likely immediately think of California. However, to find the region ranked as the number one wine destination in America for the second year in a row, you need to head a bit further North. That’s right – it’s Yamhill County, Oregon!
Home to more than 80 local wineries and a rich terroir, don’t miss a tasting at the highly regarded Domaine Drouhin. Claiming that they have “French Soul and Oregon Soil,” they have been in business 30 years, and are known for their Pinot Noir.
Charter a Plane to the Napa Valley, California
The famous Napa Valley is regarded as one of the world’s most popular destinations for wine, and it is easy to see why. Napa can boast the highest concentration of wineries in America, with more than 300 different wineries. That's one every 2.2 square miles!
When you come to Napa, you are really coming to taste some of the best Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that are grown on the planet. I’ll drink to that…
Make a Smooth Landing in Santa Barbara County, California
The Napa Valley is far from the only winery region in California. No, the great Bear state boasts many different grape producing regions and dozens of varietals. One of the other must-visit areas is Santa Barbara County – after all, there’s a reason why the 2004 Oscar-nominated film Sideways takes place here!
When in Santa Barbara County, you can visit more than 70 wineries, taking advantage of a series of different microclimates in the region. Syrah, Viognier and Grenache Blanc are local favorites. Here are a few of the top Santa Barbara wineries to help you plan your visit.
Arrive in Style in Suffolk County, New York
While we tend to think of wineries as a West Coast phenomenon, New York boasts some of its own viticultural marvels. The Long Island Wine Region (which includes the Hamptons wine region) is home to more than 60 wineries. This is terroir where the earth meets the Atlantic Ocean, and the local vineyards are passionate about their connection between land, people, and the glass.
Don’t ‘fly over’ Coshocton, Ohio
You might not immediately think of Ohio as a wine producing region, but Coshocton, located in east-central Ohio, is changing all of that. They are home to the highest rated winery in the entire USA, Heritage Vineyards, as well as 8 others. What a lovely, unusual, and interesting wine trip this would be!
Touch down in King County, Washington
King County, found in Washington state, is home to more than 60 wineries, and a fresh and dynamic new scene. More than 10 wineries have opened here in just the past few years, drawn to its thriving viticulture and terroir. Known for lush green landscapes and plenty of rain, this is a wild and beautiful place to visit.
Don’t miss Andrew Will Winery on Vashon Island. They’re known for their reds, particularly their Sangiovese. Pop by for a tasting, and buy a bottle – they produce more than 4,500 cases per year, with most sold in and around the area.
Wine and Dine in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland
Now back over to the East Coast with a region known for achingly fresh seafood and fantastic wine. Many of the Chesapeake Bay area’s wineries are centered around the city of Easton, where you will find 43 to visit and taste to your heart’s content. Warm days, cool nights and well-draining soil makes for lovely growing conditions in this region.
No matter which wine region you plan to visit, arriving in a chartered aircraft is the way to travel. Bon voyage, and cheers!
