#OklahomaWineryMap

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QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN LOOKING AT AN OKLAHOMA WINERY MAP*=

If you want to sample wines that are only created in our state, an Oklahoma winery map can help you find the perfect destination. The wineries and vineyards featured there will each provide a unique experience to its visitors. To plan your perfect wine tasting trip, there are a few questions you should ask yourself when looking at the map.

4 Things to Ask When Looking at an Oklahoma Winery Map

1. How Many Wineries and Vineyards Should I Visit?

Our state has many wineries and vineyards; in fact, over 30 members of the Oklahoma Grape Industry Council are wineries! There are many possible destinations, so try to limit yourself to a select few. When you give yourself the time to enjoy each location, you can gain a true appreciation for the space and its unique wines.

It is easier to determine the ideal number of locations to visit when you consider the length of your trip. If you are planning a day-long tasting experience, limiting yourself to 1-3 wineries and vineyards that are near one another could be best. If your trip will be over multiple days, you can visit several more destinations without feeling rushed.

2. What Time of Year Should I Go?

While you can (usually) visit a winery or vineyard at any time of the year, the season can determine the experience you have there. For example, if you discover Oklahoma vineyards between the late spring and early fall, you may be able to observe parts of the grape growing and harvesting process. If you visit a winery in the fall or winter, you can still have a wonderful tasting experience, and it may feel more personal as there could be fewer visitors.

3. Should I Make Reservations for the Visits?

Many spaces will gladly allow walk-in visitors; however, that is not always the case. To ensure you can visit each of your preferred destinations, call ahead. In addition to reserving a spot in a vineyard tour or wine tasting, you could become one of the first to learn about special events and offerings. Also, some locations are closed for part of the year or may have limited hours due to events, so calling ahead can help you become aware of unexpected changes.

4. Do I Know the Best Way to Discover Oklahoma Wines?

When visiting the wineries or vineyards featured on the map, you can discover Oklahoma wines made on the premises. You should know the types of wine you want to try before visiting the destinations; this can ensure that there is something in each space that appeals to your palate. Remember to also keep an open mind, as trying new wines can help you find new favorites.

To truly appreciate the wines you sample at the wineries or vineyards, try to follow the 4 S’s of wine tasting. When you know how to properly See, Swirl, Sniff, and Spit the wines, you can perfect your palate and notice the intricate flavors of each red, white, or rosé wine. Of course, you should also remember the fifth S: Savoring each wine!

Discover Oklahoma Vineyards and Wineries

If you are planning a wine tasting trip through our state, make sure to visit members of the Oklahoma Grape Industry Council! These wineries and vineyards each produce delicious wines and provide unique experiences. To learn more about our members, please contact us.

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WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT PAIRING DISCOVER OKLAHOMA WINES WITH FOOD

Whether it be a birthday, holiday, or get-together, enjoying delicious Oklahoma grape wine with your meal is an excellent way to enjoy time with your friends and family. It is always best to pair your wine closely with your meal of choice to enhance your dining experience. Here is what you should know when pairing your favorite wines with your meal.

The Basics of Wine Pairings: Food Flavors

To help select your wine choice for your gathering, categorize the main dish of your meal into one of the five food flavor profiles. These profiles can help you determine which wines work best with certain flavors.

Acidic

Acidity is a common flavor in a variety of dishes. The general rule of thumb is that the wine should be equal to or more acidic than the dish, adding a crisp freshness to your meal. If the dish is more acidic, the flavor of the wine will fall flat. Crisp white discover Oklahoma wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc, pair well with acidic dishes such as fish or a fresh salad with an acidic dressing.

Bitter

Unlike acidity, bitter foods should not be paired with bitter wines, as it only enhances the bitterness. Complementary pairings, or those that do not share many flavor compounds, work best with bitter foods. Consider pairing bitter foods with an acidic white wine or red wine with lower tannins, such as Pinot Noir.

Umami

Umami is a unique, earthy flavor that enhances the acidity and bitterness of wine and decreases the perception of sweetness. It is crucial to consider the dish’s salt content. If the meal has an umami flavor with low salt content, it can make the wine taste harder, so try sweet or off-dry discover Oklahoma wines packed full of fruitiness. If the food has an umami flavor with high salt content, it tends to have the opposite effect. Try pairing it with a more fruity, acidic wine to bring some crispness.

Sweet

When it comes to sweet dishes and desserts, it is best to pair these with sweet wines equal to or higher in sugar content than the food. If the dish is sweeter than the wine, your wine will be stripped of its delicious flavors. Likewise, sweet foods can make wines taste bitter and lose their fruit flavors, so avoid pairing sweet foods with wines with high tannins.

Salty

Salt rounds out the taste of many dishes, from fried foods to pasta sauce. Salty foods can help bring out the sweetness of Oklahoma grape wine and hide bitterness and tannins. To bring more balance to a salty dish, try pairing it with acidic, fruity wines or sparkling wines.

Discover Local Wineries On the Oklahoma Winery Map

If you are searching for a wine to compliment your meal, browse your local wineries to find the perfect match. At the Oklahoma Grape Industry Council, we have members throughout the state that sell delicious, locally-made wines. For more information about the OGIC or to learn more about the Oklahoma winery map, please contact us today.

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Plan Your Perfect Trip with Oklahoma Winery Maps | OGIC

If you are preparing for a couple’s vacation, a getaway with friends, or a trip with your family, an Oklahoma winery map can be a valuable tool as you plan your travels. These lists feature winery and vineyard locations that offer unique wines and experiences – many of which may only be available locally.

When You Choose Your Destinations with an Oklahoma Winery Map:

Figure Out How Long the Trip Will Be

Whether you are visiting one winery or several, give yourself the time to enjoy the unique experiences each location offers. This will not easily be done if you are rushing from place to place. As such, before you start choosing wineries and vineyards to visit, you need to first determine how long your trip will be. Depending on the length of the trip, you may go to one vineyard or several locations.

Pick the Ideal Time of Year to Go

Many people who travel Oklahoma winery and vineyard locations do so from the late spring through early fall. At that time, the weather is pleasant enough to enjoy wine outside, and you may be able to watch the grape harvest. Of course, you can still enjoy a winery trip in the fall or winter. Because there may be fewer people at the winery or vineyard, your experience could be more quiet and personal.

Study the Available Types of Wine

Before you select which locations to visit, it can be helpful to first look into the varieties of wine that the vineyard or winery specializes in. This can ensure that, when you visit the tasting room, you will have at least a few options to look forward to. Of course, as with any wine tasting experience, try to stay open about trying new things.

Reserve Your Tours and Tastings

Many wineries and vineyards gladly take walk-in visitors, but you do not want to drive to your destination, only to discover that a reservation was required. To prevent this issue and ensure that you still have your ideal vacation experience, call before you visit the Oklahoma winery. During your call, you may learn more about available tours and tastings. You could even find out about special events before they are posted online.

Consider Transportation and Lodging

While these trips are meant to be enjoyable, it is important that you enjoy everything responsibility. As you plan your trip, remember to consider your options for transportation and lodging. If you visit a tasting room or a wine tasting event, you could hire a taxi or bring a designated driver. If the winery or vineyard is far from your home, it can be best to book a hotel room.

Travel Oklahoma Winery and Vineyard Locations with OGIC

If you want to enjoy unique wines and fun traveling experiences that you can only find in our state, consider visiting some of the winery and vineyard members of the Oklahoma Grape Industry Council. To learn more about OGIC’s members and our industry as a whole, please contact us.