# Travel >> Types of Travel >> Winery Tours

New York Wine Getaways

Five major regions of New York State produce a variety of vinous drinks every year. From deep merlots to friendly cabernets to sweet Rieslings, the varietals range according to their viticultural areas, of which New York state has nine. Only two states have more. New York vineyard history dates back to the first Dutch, English and French settlers who planted the first vines, according to Uncork New York. Today, 400 years later, the state has over 200 wineries and plenty of wine trails, country inns and eager guides ready to host an engaging wine getaway.

Finger Lakes
- Taste a red wine on your tour of a winery's barrels.
  
  New York's Finger Lakes region is a popular area for wine tourists, demonstrated by over 200 different accommodations available for visitors. These accommodations are listed on the Finger Lake Wine Country website. The region has three wine trails, including the Cayuga Wine Trail, Keuka Wine Trail and Seneca Lake Wine Trail. These are groups of wineries connected by their proximity to one another and to the region.
  
  Those on wine getaways can plan to walk or drive the trails over the course of a day or weekend. Finger Lakes Winery Tours offers transportation along these trails. Visit the New York Wine and Culinary Center in Canandaigua for an education in the fine wines of the region.
Hudson River Valley
- A winery's storage facilities are often part of a vineyard tour.
  
  The Hudson River Valley region is an easy getaway for residents of New York City. Hudson Valley Wine Country lists 26 wineries linked by two wine trails, the Dutchess Wine Trail and Shawangunk Wine Trail, the latter being 80 miles long.
  
  Fortunately, companies like The Little Wine Bus or Exclusive Wine Vacations offer transport to tour the valley. There are many country inns or bed and breakfasts listed on the Hudson Valley Wine Country website that can accommodate the region's wine tourists.
Long Island
- Walk through the vineyards of a winery on your tour.
  
  Long Island has three viticulture areas: the island itself, the Hamptons and the North Fork on the island's east end. The Long Island Wine Council claims 3,000 acres of vines, 60 vineyards and 42 wineries.
  
  Several limousine companies offer tours, and will pick up guests from hotels and inns within the region. Vintage Tours offers a four-vineyard tour of the North Fork. Also popular in the North Fork is Wine Camp, a four-day learning and tasting excursion.
Lake Erie and Chautauqua
- Taste the white wine of a viticulture area.
  
  The Lake Erie viticulture area spreads into Ohio and Pennsylvania, but there is plenty to see within its New York boarders. The region hosts the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail and 23 wineries. Lake Erie Wine Country lists 20 hotels and inns for accommodations.
Niagara Escarpment
- There is a wine region close to Niagara Falls.
  
  The area near the Niagara Escarpment hosts the Niagara Wine Trail of 15 wineries. This region has the advantage of its proximity to Niagara Falls accommodations and attractions, giving the getaway more diversity for cuisine and activities.
  
  Plan a stay to include the area's diverse attractions, or travel with a company like Grape Escape Wine Tours, which creates day trips and accommodation packages for visitors to the region.