Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/744999
2 8 V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T | N o v - D e c 2 016 w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m fter all the hard work that goes into creating exceptional wines, it's time to open them up to the rest of the world. Some people consider this step one of the hardest of all. How does one go about sharing the wine with others — beyond friends and family — in a way that will keep them coming back for more? This year, Vineyard & Winery Man- agement asked industry professionals nationwide about their favorite wine tasting rooms and experiences in the United States. What stood out to them and why? The answers were as varied as you can imagine — from ambiance to food pairings, events and the owners and hospitality professionals who bring it all together. It's well documented that the direct- to-consumer channel is one of the most important to embrace. Part of the rea- son is it's that personal connection that makes a winery stand out in people's minds. Think about it: Even if the wine is outstanding, the way it's presented can make all the difference if it isn't done right. There are way too many options for people to choose from, and they'll easily move on to the next stop if they don't feel engaged. And that's where the details truly start to matter — and where the real fun begins. The wineries that made our 20 Most Admired list this year have each demon- strated a distinct brand of professional- ism when it comes to inviting visitors to their property. They hail from all parts of the country and offer all types of wine, food, education, events and adventure. They've created personalized experienc- es that show off their unique attributes and interests in an honest and inviting manner — one that creates happy mem- ories and great stories to share. We're more than pleased to present, in alphabetical order, the most admired wine tasting rooms and experiences in the United States. W i n e Ta s t i n g R o o m s a n d E x p e r i e n c e s MOST ADMIRED MOST ADMIRED MOST ADMIRED