“Giant Napa without the attitude” is a thought that often flutters through my mind any time I hit the road to explore wine trails in the southwestern United States. Our wine trails happen to wind through some of the most stunning open country on the planet. They are also situated at higher elevations here in the southwest, so visits in the summer can be cool and pleasant. Though they do have hot days, these areas tend to be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than nearby cities at lower elevations.

West Elks AVA (winegrowing area) near Paonia, Colo.  Photo:  Cradurr Photography

Somehow, generous Mother Nature has created ideal soil compositions, deep flowing aquifers, and plenty of hillsides to help with drainage that allow the planting and flourishing of vineyards that enhance the dramatic local scenery with their fresh colors and patterns. For the traveler, in addition to being scenic, these vineyards hold the promise of a delightful and delicious wine tasting experience at the next stop, or a sumptuous meal with wine and new friends at the end of the trail.

Wine tasting event at Page Springs Cellars in northern Arizona.  Photo: Page Springs Cellars

Having spent over 25 years in the San Francisco Bay Area, I witnessed the area wine scene grow from a hushed buzz among cuisine geeks to a wholesale cultural revolution that has transformed the regional economy and created untold wealth for myriad businesses and individuals. Much of this success can be attributed, not just to the wine, but to the wine travel experience, particularly in the Napa Valley area. The Napa wine trails in the 1970s were rustic and humble, tasting rooms were basic and functional, and wine tasting was free. You brought your own bread and cheese with you because the only restaurants were greasy spoon diners in the tiny local towns. The winemakers themselves poured for the public, and it was possible to make lifelong connections with them in one visit to their tasting room. That was why they were there. That was why you were there.

Summer scene at southern Arizona's Canelo Hills Winery,  photo:  Canelo Hills Winery

Of course the old Napa, with its local caché and affordability no longer exists. Most of the restaurants are world-renowned and wine-themed. There are wine trains, wine trams, wine tours, wine schools, and wine spas at every turn. Wine travel in Napa has certainly changed. It is less casual, personal, and intimate, and much more expensive.

Harvest time at Casa Rondeña Winery, Albuquerque NM.  Photo:  Casa Rondeña Winery

Here in the southwest, vintners appreciate the lessons learned from the growth and development of the Napa Valley wine country, but, in most cases, still prefer a slower pace, less product output, and greater contact with the public. The southwest wine traveler reaps the benefits, not just of the natural beauty of the area, but of a local industry with vintners and other professionals who are world-savvy, educated, and widely experienced, but who are also dedicated to supporting their local economies, keeping their wines natural and ecologically sustainable, and providing a personal touch for visitors.

Texas Hill Country AVA view, central Texas  photo:  The Vineyard at Florence

Wine travel, in general, is made for sharing.  In fact, it is important to remember not to take these types of journeys alone, as wine tasting at local wineries usually involves ingesting alcohol while touring by car.   As you plan your journeys, each day's itinerary must include determining a designated driver for the day.  

But more than this, throughout its 6000 year history, drinking wine in moderation has been proven to enhance human sociability and zest for life, and it has healthful properties, as well.  Tasting wine with other travelers in congenial wine tasting rooms leads to new connections and friendships, and you may find yourself dining and journeying with new friends from other parts of the country or the world.

Hawk Watch Winery tasting room view San Diego CA  Photo:  Hawk Watch Winery

Southwest wine travelers have a huge range of experiences to choose from depending on their preferences, their budget, and the length of their journey. My web page here at Examiner.com will cover the growing wine travel scenes in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, Southern California and northern Baja California. Please share your experiences with me through the comment section, and we can make this a one-stop interactive resource for southwest wine travel lovers worldwide.

Travelers exploring Baja California's Vinedos Malegon 400 acre ranch and vineyards on horseback.  Photo:  Vinedos Malegon

Exploring the wine trails of the southwestern United States and northern Baja California is an exciting, affordable, educational, civilized, and utterly delicious way to travel.  Understanding this mode of travel and learning the language and methods of appreciating the local wine experience help travelers when they head to destinations like France, Italy, Spain, and even New Zealand and South Africa.   All wine travel, even within the US, is truly an international experience -- one made for sharing.  It's not just about Napa anymore.