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5 Affordable U.S. Wine Destinations Outside California

Author: Holly Johnson / Source: Wise Bread

California wine country boasts locally grown grapes of nearly every variety, world class dining, the ideal climate for being outdoors, and spectacular views to enjoy while you sip the day away.

Ask anyone who has visited and you’ll probably find out exactly what’s so unsavory about this gorgeous part of the country — the cost of visiting.

Like most of California, wine country charges a premium for hotels, rental condos, and even food and wine.

While many would say an authentic experience in Napa or Sonoma County is well worth the splurge, you don’t have to go broke planning a wine-themed getaway. Heck, you don’t even have to travel to California at all.

Before you overpay for a winery weekend in one of the most expensive parts of the country, consider these destinations for wine lovers that may be more affordable. You can always help defray the cost of travel, too, by using travel credit card rewards.

1. Texas Hill Country

While you may not automatically think of Texas when it comes to fine wines, Texas Hill Country is home to over 50 wineries in cities like Austin, Fredericksburg, Lampasas, and New Braunfels. The area boasts self-guided wine trails you can book if you want to explore on your own. You could also book a stay at a winery or vineyard near an especially affordable hotel for a vacation package you won’t forget.

In Cedar Park, Texas, which is part of Texas wine country, you’ll find Bent Oak Winery, for example. This unique establishment makes its own wine from grapes grown in California wine country as well as West Texas High Country, and even in their own vineyard.

It sounds fancy, but the winery offers events like music and movie nights, and cork painting classes, as well as $15 wine tastings each Thursday through Sunday at designated times.

Cedar Park hotels are affordable, too, starting below $100 per night. With a location just north of Austin, Texas, this is the ideal spot to visit several different wineries and spend some time in the city as well. (See also: 5 Cheap International Destinations for Wine Lovers)