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The Grape Escape: Lehigh Valley's Wine Trail

With eight wineries across miles of vines, you're bound to find your perfect wine.

Kelly-Anne Suarez, Neighbor

Posted Wed, Aug 3, 2011 at 1:29 pm ET|Updated Wed, Aug 3, 2011 at 1:32 pm ET

Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, it’s a safe bet you’ll be a little happier, a little more relaxed, with a glass of wine in hand. All over the world, wineries and vineyards are tourist destinations. The Valleys of Napa and Loire, Tuscany and La Rioja. People plan trips around the promise of a solid vintage or an earthy pinot noir. Lucky for us, the Lehigh Valley boasts its own wine destination: The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail.

The area was designated an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 2008, and since then, the eight family-owned companies that comprise the trail have been joining forces to entertain and delight aficionados from all over the eastern seaboard. During harvest time, the wineries come alive with live music and chefs preparing canapés for pairing.

Although it’s not yet time to harvest – that’ll be in the fall – summer remains a lovely time to vineyard hop. Many of the wineries boast lovely decks with panoramic views, and they encourage guests to bring their own picnic lunches. Between your bread and cheese and their wine selection, you have the makings of a very picturesque – very relaxing – afternoon.

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Feeling a little more ambitious? Enlist a limo service and visit four or five. Compare notes at day’s end, and kindly ask your driver to return you to your favorite one so you can stock up for a rainy day.

Salud, salute, sante and cheers!