With more than 100 wineries and endless networks of trails winding past splashing waterfalls and cavernous gorges, New York's Finger Lakes region during the winter is a sipping, snow-covered mecca for outdoor-obsessed oenophiles. Almost all of the allure can be attributed to the area's geography; 11 finger-shaped lakes, each dubbed with Native American names, define the landscape to create a natural playground that has drawn the active-obsessed, 365 days a year, for as long as humankind has known it exists. And vineyards have been there since the 1860s, naturally fortified by the sunshine that reflects off the lakes onto the vines.
The deep lakes also absorb considerable amounts of heat, which is then released during the winter to maintain moderate microclimates and prevent early frost in hillside vineyards—geographically unique conditions that help produce a variety of award-winning wines, from Riesling and Gewürztraminer to chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet franc, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and a grab bag of indigenous varietals. You can read the rest of my story on Away.com: http://away.com/feature-article/cross-country-skiing-vineyards-finger-lakes-region-new-york-1.html
For a journey farther afoote than New York, to claim the solitude that truly refreshes. Moab Utah has winter camping in the adjacent LaSal Mountains. Tomasaki Or Beaver Lake Huts has propane heat, two burner cook top and propane wall lamps. Hire the snowcat to haul supplies into the hut and ski 5 miles to reach Tomasaki Hut or 8 miles to reach Beaver Lake Hut. More information: http://www.tagalong.com/index.php?page=WI0
Posted by: Michele Hill | August 17, 2009 at 11:10 AM