Every year, more and more American consumers embrace the epicurean lifestyle that favors fine wine, fine cuisine and altogether fine living. And every year, more and more of these consumers are entering this lifestyle with incredible savvy to guide them. They know what they want, and they know how to get it.

Booming in response to this trend is the relatively young industry of wine tourism. Ranging from do-it-yourself winery visits to well-orchestrated, multi-venue group traveling juggernauts, wine tours are a fabulous way to immerse yourself in the effervescence of the highlife.

We've scoured the nation coast to coast and arranged a collection of must-visit wineries for the budding enthusiast in us all. Hotel recommendations with a focus on locations and convenience will also be provided.

The Williamsburg Winery - Williamsburg, Virginia

When the first colonists arrived in what would later become Williamsburg in the early 17^th century, the last thing on their minds was the cultivation and production of wine. In fact, it took well over 300 years for enterprising individuals to realize the vast potential of the local soil to grow lush, verdant and wholly unique breeds of grape, something that the Duffeler family at the Williamsburg Winery has taken full advantage of in crafting their one-of-a-kind, award-winning varietals.

Visit the Williamsburg Winery, about five miles out from Colonial Williamsburg, all year long for a fresh, seasonal wine experience. Enjoy a guided tour through the vineyard and cellars complete with wine tastings, or take a crash course in wine pairing with a bountiful multi-wine lunch.

The Perfect Pour: Governor's White. First produced in 1988, this delicate and fruity sip was a gold medal-winner within two weeks of its debut.

Where to Stay: For Williamsburg hotels close to the winery, stay at the Crowne Plaza Williamsburg.

Miami Winery - Miramar, Florida

Leave it to the zesty, tropical attitude of eastern Florida to do fine wine its own way. Not a grape in sight, at the Miami Winery in Miramar, Florida the specialty is wine made from an assortment of easy-growing tropical fruits including guava, mango and the sweet, grape-like lychee. Unusual though it may be, the Miami Winery still prides itself on the same care and process as traditional winemakers, including the pressing, aging and fermentation of their wines.

Where to Stay: Now the winery may be named after Miami, but it's actually located much closer to Fort Lauderdale, so for Fort Lauderdale hotels we recommend the Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach.

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards - Clermont, Florida

With 110,000 annual visitors, the Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards in Clermont, Florida is no stranger to wine tourism, and the moment you take your first sip of one of their vintage-dated varietals, you'll understand why it has become Florida's largest premium winery.

It's not just the tourists. Since the Lakeridge Winery opened its doors in 1989, the varied wines that make up the two Lakeridge labels have collected over 400 awards of excellence. The winery is best known for its cultivation and employment of hybrid grapes, including the Stover, Blanc Du Bois and Suwanee. At the moment, tours and tastings are complimentary at the Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards.

The Perfect Pour: Southern White. This gold medal-winner exudes the faint fruitiness of the muscadine.

Where to Stay: Your best bet near Clermont is to choose from one of the vacation resorts in Orlando. Consider the Holiday Inn Orlando - International Drive Resort.

Fall Creek Vineyards - Tow, Texas

Promising a truly global wine experience, the Fall Creek Vineyards in Tow, Texas boasts European know-how, Californian technology and the rugged Texas Hill Country attitude all in one. Established in 1975, Fall Creek capitalizes on the warm climate and cool, breezy days off of nearby Lake Buchanan to recreate and modify ideal European growing conditions, particularly those of southern France.

Fall Creek Vineyards allows daily visitation, but the best way to see it is as part of the Vanishing Texas River Cruise, a stunning ecological excursion along Lake Buchanan and the Colorado River that passes right near the Vineyards. Absorb the vivid nature of the Texas Hill Country before stopping in for a tour and tasting.

The Perfect Pour: Meritus. A single-wine brand, Meritus is the most-awarded red wine in Texas, currently enjoying its 2004 vintage.

Where to Stay: For Texas Hill Country Resorts, you must do Canyon of the Eagles. An exciting nature lodge in its own right, the resort has an ongoing relationship with Vanishing Texas River Cruises and is able to offer wine packages to its guests.

The Village of Elgin Winery - Elgin, Arizona

Unlike the younger wine regions along the east coast or even central Texas, the dry climate and particular elevation of southern Arizona has rewarded wine connoisseurs since Franciscan missionaries cultivated the first grapevines in the area in the 17^th century.

Embracing not only the rich bounty of southern Arizona, but also the proven, traditional methods of those same missionaries, the master winemakers at The Village of Elgin Winery have made their mark on the region with an unerring commitment to excellence and value. Reds are foot stomped on premises and macerated, aged and pressed in high quality, imported European Wood barrels for a deep flavor that truly feels earned.

The Village of Elgin Winery is open daily and allows online ticket purchase.

The Perfect Pour: Andrew. An unassuming name for a powerhouse wine, this white port provides exquisite balance and finish.

Where to Stay: Consider the Arizona vacation rentals of Wyndham Canoa Ranch when visiting the Village of Elgin Winery.

Los Cabos Winery - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The California wine country is so well known that we didn't think it necessary to include, and instead chose to highlight a south of the border upstart to finish out our coast to coast exploration of top wineries.

In the beachfront resort spirit of Cabo San Lucas and the Los Cabos corridor, Los Cabos Winery delivers as much glamour as it does fine wine. Along with tours of the state-of-the-art bottling facilities and wine "cave", there is a vast tasting room, upscale wine lounge, an art gallery featuring both Mexican and International art and they are currently putting in a fine dining restaurant and events theatre. At Los Cabos Winery, you don't just get a great glass of wine, you get a great day.

The Perfect Pour: 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. This stout red pairs well with the spicy cuisine of the Mexican Baja.

Where to Stay: For Cabo San Lucas hotels, indulge in the opulent luxury of the Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort.

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