Off the beaten wine country track in Oregon to explore volcanic wines

Our recent Southern Oregon roadtrip took us to Volcanic Winery in Klamath County,  east of the Cascade Mountains. I came to explore volcanic wines. Volcanic wines, wines born in volcanic soils, have been on my radar for awhile. Volcanic wines became a hot topic for me after a recent visit to the Canary Islands peeked my interest. Volcanic Winery, a family-owned winery in Merrill, Oregon produces small batch estate wines from American Hybrid grapes grown in Klamath Basin's volcanic soil at high elevation.

Vineyard at Volcanic Winery, May 2026 © Spaswinefood

Introduction to Volcanic Wines

Volcanic Winery, about 20 minutes south of Klamath Falls, is located at 4,200 feet elevation. Its small-batch wines, showcase grape varieties that thrive in a high desert climate in Klamath Basin's volcanic soil. 

Volcanic Winery Vineyard © Spaswinefood

In recent years volcanic wines have built cult followings because of their unique flavor profiles. While volcanic wines depend on grape variety and region, they do tend to share a few common characteristics. Characteristics like 1) Minerality, although not everyone agrees on this, is nearly always present in volcanic wine, and 2) an earthy smokiness. Volcanic soils tend to be rich in nutrients and minerals, which can add a complexity and sophistication to the wines. In general volcanic wines are celebrated for their high acidity, structured tannins, and mineral or savory characteristics. 

Volcanic wines regions around the world include Italy, France, Greece, Chile, Argentina, and the United States. In the US the Pacific West Coast and Hawaii is where ancient lava flows and volcanic ash have created volcanic soils. The Pacific Northwest and California regions come to mind, like the decomposed basaltic soils (Jory soils of Oregon's Willamette Valley), or ancient volcanic bedrock (California's Lake County) are most commonly cited. Klamath Basin, located east of the Cascade Mountains, is an outlier and niche high-desert sub-region. This region's climate is quite different from Oregon's mainstream, marine-moderated AVAs like the Willamette Valley. Given the basin's harsh, high-elevation alpine climate, Volcanic Winery instead relies primarily on resilient, experimental varietals rather than source its grapes from elsewhere.

Volcanic Winery Tasting Room, Merrill, Oregon © Spaswinefood

Volcanic Winery Tasting Room

Volcanic Winery's tasting room on Front Street (Highway 39) in Merrill offers a tasting of wines with a unique taste of volcanic terroir. This boutique tasting room specializes in grapes that thrive in high-elevation volcanic soil. Earlier this month while in the area we dropped by to checkout their wines.

Volcanic Winery Tasting Room © Spaswinefood

The tasting room offers curated wine experiences and food. They also host events, and vineyard weddings. They described themselves as: passionate about agritourism, sustainability, and creating unforgettable experiences that celebrate our land, our wines, and our people.  

We were delighted to do a wine tasting at Volcanic Winery's tasting room.

Tasting at Volcanic Winery © Spaswinefood

During our visit we were delighted to further our knowledge of wines produced from hybrid grapes. Wine Enthusiast notes: 

In North America, there’s a rich history of farming hybrids. Many were developed at Cornell University and the University of Minnesota. In places like Vermont, Michigan, Canada and the Finger Lakes region of New York, hybrid grapes like Chambourcin, Vidal Blanc or Marquette have been grown for decades.

My introduction to hybrid wines have been in British Columbia, Canada, and New York State in places like the Finger Lakes and Thousand Island wine regions.

 

Volcanic Winery White Wines  © Spaswinefood

We began the tasting with two white wines.

1. Volcanic Winery, Ivory Crest La Crosse 2024 

Volcanic Winery, Ivory Cress La Crosse 2024  © Spaswinefood

La Crosse, named after a city on the banks of the Mississippi river, is a light-skinned hybrid grape variety bred in Wisconsin. 

2. Volcanic Winery, Lava Springs Frontenac Blanc, Klamath County, Oregon 2022 

Frontenac gris, a white wine version of Frontenac was introduced in 2003. It started as a single bud mutation of Frontenac.  Frontenac blanc was later introduced in 2012 from white fruited mutations found in both Frontenac and Frontenac gris vines in Minnesota and Canada.

Next, we tasted a number of red wines.

 CHEERS! Volcanic Winery © Spaswinefood

1. Volcanic Winery, Eternal Embers Leon Millot, Klamath County, Oregon 2022 

Volcanic Winery, Leon Millot © Spaswinefood

Volcanic Winery, Leon Millot  © Spaswinefood

Volcanic Winery, Eternal Embers Leon Millot, Klamath County, Oregon 2022 © Spaswinefood

Léon Millot, a blue-skinned grape, is well suited for cultivation in cooler climates. It ripens early, has a vigorous growth, and a high resistance to fungal diseases. It is commonly produced as, a similar wine to a ripe Syrah, or a lighter wine similar to Pinot Noir. 

2. Volcanic Winery, Crater Bloom Maréchal  Foch, Klamath County, Oregon 2018

Volcanic Winery, Crater Bloom Maréchal  Foch, Klamath County, Oregon 2018  © Spaswinefood

Maréchal Foch, an early-ripening, cold-hardy French-American hybrid red grape, produces deep purple, medium to full bodied wines. The wines typically have high acidity, mild tannins, and prominent dark fruit, earthy, and roasted coffee notes. Other than dry red wines, Maréchal Foch can be used to make rosés, and even dessert wines like ice wine. It does well in regions like the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, and Canada.

3. Volcanic Winery, Scarlet Veil Sabrevois, Klamath County 2022 

Volcanic Winery, Scarlet Veil Sabrevois, Klamath County 2022  © Spaswinefood

Sabrevois, a French-American hybrid, a cold climate cultivar named after a small town in southern Quebec, Canada. Sabrevois produces red wines with aromas of fresh violet and sour cherry and flavors of burgundy notes and cherry, bold in flavor. With higher acidity and tannins and fruit flavors, it is soft on the front palette with a robust acidic finish. 

We tasted two Frontenac red wines. Frontenac develop by University of Minnesota, can be used for the production of dry red wines, rose, and fortified port style wines. 

4. Volcanic Winery, Mount Mazama Frontenac, Klamath County, Oregon 2021

5. Volcanic Winery, Lil Miss High & Mighty Frontenac, Klamath County, Oregon 2022

Volcanic Winery, Mount Mazama Frontenac, Klamath County, Oregon 2021 © Spaswinefood

Lil Miss High & Mighty Frontenac, Klamath County, Oregon 2022  © Spaswinefood

Frontenac is an interspecific hybrid grape resulting from research and crossbreeding (a crossing of the complex interspecific hybrid Landot 4511 and a very cold-hardy selection of Vitis riparia) at the University of Minnesota. It was released in 1996.

Frontenac gris, a white wine version of Frontenac, was introduced in 2003. Frontenac blanc was introduced in 2012 from white fruited mutations found in both Frontenac and Frontenac gris vines in Minnesota and Canada.

Volcanic Winery, Frontenac 2021 & 2022 © Spaswinefood

Overall, the cold-hardy grape varieties grown at Volcanic Winery that we tasted, I would describe as, having vibrant acidity and bold aromas.

Volcanic Winery, St Croix 2099 & 2021 Wines © Spaswinefood

There were other hybrid wines, like St. Croix that we did not taste. The St. Croix, a dark-skinned American hybrid variety, is also renowned for its exceptional resistance to cold. It was developed by Wisconsin grape breeder Elmer Swenson through the University of Minnesota.

The winery also produces Albariño and Pinot Noir. My understanding is that these wines are produced grapes grown elsewhere in Oregon. There was no Albariño available for tasting but we did taste their Pinot Noir.

Volcanic Winery, Pinot Noir © Spaswinefood

The wines at Volcanic Winery are not only interesting because they are volcanic wines but also, because of the Klamath Basin's climate they produce wine from hybrid grapes. In this case the climate calls for cold-hardy grapes. Volcanic Winery, like other wineries that I have visited New York State and elsewhere use cold-hardy hybrid grape varieties developed by University of Minnesota and others. 

Tasting Room, Volcanic Winery © Spaswinefood

Our visit to Volcanic Winery's Tasting Room was a delightful experience. 

After the wine tasting we visited the vineyard. Even though it was early May we did manage to see bud break. A few buds were starting to break on the vines.

Volcanic Winery Vineyard © Spaswinefood

A Closer Look: Volcanic Winery Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Further along we did see some early spring buds on the vines.

Checking of Bud Break, Volcanic Winery Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Budding Grape Vines, Volcanic Winery Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Checking for Budding, Volcanic Winery Vineyard © Spaswinefood

The vineyard has a number of blocks that we walked looking for signs of early bud break. We were happy to discover the early signs that spring was arriving in the vineyard.

Signs of Spring at Volcanic Winery Vineyard, May 2026 © Spaswinefood

I am happy to report that the rugged climate has not deterred a handful of local vintners from planting vineyards in the high desert. Besides Volcanic Winery there a few other wineries, such as Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards in Terrebonne, about 30 miles north of Bend. There you can also taste Volcanic wines. If you travels take you to Southern Oregon's Klamath Basin then put Volcanic Winery on your list. It is well worth it to explore off the beaten wine country track. Join me in the sharing of wine adventures in Oregon and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook. 

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Cheers

Sharon

May 2026

Merrill, Oregon

© Spaswinefood

Harvest Host Site, Volcanic Winery, Oregon © Spaswinefood

Volcanic Winery Vineyard © Spaswinefood

My fearless companion on our wine adventures is always happy to explore with me.

John, Volcanic Winery Vineyard © Spaswinefood

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My recent posts (2025 & 2026) on Canary Islands volcanic wines has also reminded my earlier encounters with Volcanic Wines in the literature and at conferences. 

1. Hot Topic: Canary Islands Volcanic Wines

Onboard Views, Santa Cruz de la Tenerife, March 2025 © Spaswinefood

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Excerpt from earlier post on Volcanic Wines

John Szabo's Master Class on Volcanic Wines at the 2018 Rovinhud Wine Show in Timisoara, Romania was quite informative. Szabo, a Master Sommelier, has written a book entitled Volcanic Wines: Salt, Grit and Power. In his book volcanic soil is presented as a basis for understanding a wide range of grapes and wine regions. His Rovinhud presentation included wines from the volcanic regions of Greece, Italy, Sicily, and Hungary.

 Mount Etna Crater, Sicily 2014 © Spaswinefood

Obviously, such earlier travels influenced my decision to attend Szabo's session on Volcanic Wines at the 2018 Rovinhood Wine Show. Szabo was amongst the presenters at the show. His session was entitled Volcanic Wines: Salt, Grit and Power.

 Rovinhud Wine Show 2018 © Spaswinefood

Volcanic Wines: Salt, Grit and Power

Volcanic Wines, Rovinhud Wine Show 2018 © Spaswinefood

Master Class on Volcanic Wines, Rovinhud 2018 © Spaswinefood

We did take a further look at some Volcanic Wines from Greece, Italy, Sicily and Hungary that were shared during a Master Class.

Greece

The Greek Islands Arc have been identified as being of volcanic origin. While most volcanoes are inactive the most famous active volcanoes in Greece are Santorini, Nisyros, Methana and Milos island. During the class I tasted two wines from Santorini. Moreover, I have written a number of articles on Santorini wines.

Italy

My 2014 Spaswinefood travels to Sicily, Italy enabled me to explore the vineyards around Mount Etna's volcanic cone. The lower slopes of Mount Etna has fertile volcanic soil, which makes the area ideal for growing grapes. It was on this visit to Mount Etna that I had explored the area around the volcanic cone.

Mount Etna, Sicily 2014 © Spaswinefood

We drove up to the volcano in the mid-morning. The parking area near the top had good visibility. However, by mid-day, as we drove down the slope of the volcano, it became quite cloudy. The weather did not deter us from exploring the area on the volcano's slopes.

November 2014 , Slopes of Mount Etna © Spaswinefood

The lower slopes of Mount Etna has fertile volcanic soil, which make it ideal for vineyards. 

Countryside, Etna Area © Spaswinefood

During Szabo's Rovinhud presentation I tasted three wines from Campania and two wines from Sicily.

Hungary

The Hungarian wines shared came from regions where volcanic activity ceased long ago. The regions included a lakeside region (Badacsony), a volcanic mountain area (Somló-hegy, or Somló Hill area), and volcanic hills (Tokaj-Hegyáljs area).

Szabo's presentation provided insights into Volcanic Wines produced from grapes grown in volcanic soils. First, I must admit that the overall idea of a link between volcanic soils and wines makes sense. The Volcanic Wines Master Class was the perfect opportunity for me to get a more in-depth understanding of the diversity of volcanic wines from the various wine regions. I enjoyed getting to know wines from a volcanic wine perspective. Clearly, the exploration of Volcanic Wines adds a significant contribution to the overall understanding of terroir driven wines.

Without a doubt I learnt so much from Szabo's presentation, and the other Rovinhud master classes that I have attended. 

Szövérdfi-Szép Zoltán, Rovinhud Wine Show, 2018 © Spaswinefood

Special thanks to Szövérdfi-Szép Zoltán, Ceva de Spus Association, and the Rovinhud Wine Show for being such wonderful hosts during my Timisoara visit. 

Sharon

November 2018

Timisoara, Romania

© Spaswinefood

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Our Great Northern Adventure: Travels west on US 2, Maine to Michigan

Welcome to our Great Northern Adventure on West US 2 (Great Northern). This post is part of series about our travels, from Maine to Michigan. US 2 is sometimes described as, the most stunning and unforgettable route. It is certainly one of the longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips. Before beginning this adventure we picked up our van conversion, at Sportmobile in Austin, Texas. Then off to Maine we went. After completing our travels, from the west to the east coast, we (Karla, Gary, John and I) arrived at the coast of Maine.

West 2, Rumford, Maine © Spaswinefood

A Great Northern Adventure
By the time we had reached Rumford, a city in the River Valley area of the Lakes and Mountains region of Maine on Route 2, we had already traveled across the US to the east coast, mostly on I-80, and explored Maine for two weeks. Just in case you are wondering US 2 is an east–west United States Numbered Highway, covering 2,571 miles (4,138 km) across northern continental United States. US 2 consists of two segments on the US side of the Canadian border. It is one of the remaining US highways with an interrupted route. Travelers therefore need to cross through Canada if they wish to drive the entire length without detours. Our original plan was to leave the west coast journey east on US 2, criss-crossing the US and Canada border as needed; and return across Canada, from the east to west coast, and then head back into the western US. Back in 2021, when we realized that our original plan was not possible, we quickly crossed the US to Maine, and then return as much as possible on US 2. We stayed on the US side of Highway 2 because of the Canadian travel restrictions during 2021. 

 As a prelude to our adventure we journeyed to the Atlantic Ocean at Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia National Park, the kickoff point for our Great Northern Adventure (US 2). Once we arrived we decided to explore Maine for two weeks before heading back west on US 2. 

Acadia National Park, Maine © Spaswinefood

I previously described our travels crossed the US to Maine as (Prelude to a Great Northern Adventure). We reached Maine on the 4th of June. Given we had time, we explored Maine for about two weeks, before heading back to the West Coast on the Great Northern Route (US 2). 

Travels on US 2: On the Road

Upon reaching the coast of Maine, the Atlantic Ocean at Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, the kickoff point we explored Maine by traveling north. Two weeks later we traveled south to the White Mountains. We camped at a National Forest Camp in the White Mountains. For two days or so, we would tour Maine's White Mountains near the New Hampshire border. 

Coos Canyon Wilderness Campground, Byron, Maine © Spaswinefood

Exploring Coos Canyon Wilderness Campground, Byron © Spaswinefood

From Coos Canyon Wilderness Campground in Byron, Maine we headed west on US 2.

Up Next, Great Northern Route (US Highway 2)

Indeed after completing the first lag in our overland travels to Maine, and after spending two weeks in Maine, we were now ready to travel west on the Great Northern. After we arrived on the coast of Maine, the Atlantic Ocean at Acadia National Park, our kickoff point, we heading north before following US 2 through Maine. We were ready to take US 2 through the rugged granite peaks of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, and the hardwood forests of Vermont’s Green Mountains. These are two very different ranges, even though they are only 50 mi (81 km) apart.

 West on US 2 © Spaswinefood

 Continuing West on US 2 © Spaswinefood

We were off to the White Mountains and beyond. We would spend two nights at the White Mountain National Forest Campground at .

 White Mountains National Forest Campground © Spaswinefood

White Mountains National Forest Campground © Spaswinefood

We enjoyed taking in the sites in the White Mountain National Forest. As we explored along the way Stow Corner Store & Cafe, Maine was a great place to pickup tasty lunchtime food.

Stow Corner Store & Cafe, Stow © Spaswinefood

Stow Corner Store & Cafe © Spaswinefood

The time we spent exploring the White Mountains and surrounding area was so delightful and rewarding. After exploring the White Mountains area for two days off we went to New Hampshire on our Great Northern Adventure along US 2. Traveling along US 2 the landscapes, rather than cities and towns, began to play starring roles along on the route. 

New Hampshire

We continued to explore the White Mountains as we were welcomed to New Hampshire. 

Welcome to New Hampshire © Spaswinefood

After leaving Maine we checked out New Hampshire's Mount Washington area. Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States at 6,288.2 ft (1,916.6 m). It is located in the Presidential Range of the White Mountains, in Coös County, New Hampshire. The mountain is mostly in the White Mountain National Forest, an area of 60.3 acres (24.4 ha) surrounding and including the summit, which is designated as Mount Washington State Park.

Wildcat Mountain, White Mountain National Forest © Spaswinefood

We passed by the entrance to Wildcat Mountain, a ski resort in the White Mountains, New Hampshire. 

Besides skiing the area is popular for outdoor activities. For example, located at the base of the Mt. Washington Auto Road in Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire, is the family-owned Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center. It offers seasonal activities and events for all ages.

Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center © Spaswinefood

Besides offering activities to enjoy nature all year long there are welcoming accommodations, like the Mount Washington Hotel & Resort. 

Mount Washington Hotel & Resort  © Spaswinefood

Mount Washington Hotel & Resort © Spaswinefood

 We managed to spot geese enjoying a swim.

Geese Enjoying a Swim, Mount Washington Hotel & Resort © Spaswinefood

After exploring Mount Washington it was onto the Gorham. 

Junction of Highways 2 & 16, Gorham © Spaswinefood

We stopped at the state park in Goran, New Hampshire for two nights.  

Moose Brook State Park, Gotham, NH © Spaswinefood

During our stay we enjoyed some special Croatian wine, Plavac Mali that I had brought with me.

Grgić Plavac Mali 2017 © Spaswinefood

Grgić Plavac Mali  2017 © Spaswinefood

We spent time exploring the White Mountains and surrounding area. One of our activities was a hike to Gelen Ellis Waterfalls.

Gelen Ellis Falls © Spaswinefood

Gelen Ellis Falls © Spaswinefood

Next, we continued onwards. Along the way we passed through Jefferson, a small town in Coos County. It is home to parts of the White Mountain National Forest and to Santa's Village, a Christmas-themed amusement park. 

Santa's Village, Jefferson © Spaswinefood

Jefferson, US 2  West © Spaswinefood

Later we would pass through Lancaster, another small town in Coos County, located along the Connecticut River. It is named after the city of Lancaster in England. Lancaster is the gateway to the Great North Woods Region. 

Lancaster, West on US 2 © Spaswinefood

Lancaster © Spaswinefood

Driving through Lancaster © Spaswinefood

We took in the views while driving through Lancaster. Soon we passed over a bridge and continued on US 2.

Taking US 2 West from Lancaster © Spaswinefood

That day we stopped for lunch at a state park.

Stopped for Lunch at Crawford Notch State Park, NH © Spaswinefood

The park is located in northern New Hampshire, between Bretton Woods and Bartlett. The park occupies the center of Crawford Notch, a major pass through the White Mountains.

One of the first covered bridges we saw along the route was in Bartlett, New Hampshire.

Covered Bridge Gift Shop, Bartlett, NH © Spaswinefood

It was a quick two day driving experience along US 2 through New Hampshire to Vermont.

Welcome to Vermont © Spaswinefood

Vermont

June 20th we crossed into Vermont, the postcard-perfect state. Here we traveled along Highway 2 for about 150 miles. 

Vermont Green  © Spaswinefood

Everything was so green in Vermont. 

Historic Home, Kirby, Vermont © Spaswinefood

The architecture, Historic homes and farms,  and landscape caught my attention as we drove along.

Large Barns, Kirby © Spaswinefood

 Echo Lodge Farm, Kirby © Spaswinefood

Kirby, a town in Caledonia County, is just east of St Johnsbury and Lyndonville. Kirby is in the beautifully scenic Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. This ia an area that National Geographic selected as part of their geo-tourism program for sustainable destinations. After visiting I can see why.

After leaving Kirby, about an hour later, I see exit signs to St Johnbury and Montpelier, Vermont's capital city, appeared on US 2.

US 2 Exit 21, St. Johnsbury © Spaswinefood

Exit 21, St. Johnsbury © Spaswinefood

Exit 21, St. Johnsbury to the Right © Spaswinefood

Just south of St. Johnsburry we stopped for lunch in a beautiful spot, a State Park in Peacham, a town in Caledonia County.

State Park, Peacham, Vermont © Spaswinefood

After lunch we would continue West on 302.

West 302, Vermont © Spaswinefood

That evening we stayed at Bragg Farm & Sugar House (Harvest Host) in East Montpelier. It happened to be both Father’s day, and 1st Day of Summer (June 20, 2021). 

This 8th-generation sugar farm has Harvest Host. We enjoyed camping in a peaceful grassy meadow overlooking rolling hills.

Bragg Farm & Sugar House, East Montpelier, Vermont © Spaswinefood

Camping at Bragg Farm & Sugar House, East Montpelier © Spaswinefood

They offer free guided tours, and maple syrup tastings where you can learn about the maple syrup process, from sap to syrup. You can enjoy sample sweet treats in the farm store, award-worthy syrup, creamy maple ice cream, and specialty foods. The day we arrived we enjoyed some ice cream.

Bragg Farm & Sugar House, East Montpelier © Spaswinefood

Bragg Farm Creemees, East Montpelier © Spaswinefood

During our stay we were given overview on Vermont Maple Syrup making. I left with some maple syrup, and knowledge of Vermont Maple Syrup making.

Next day,  June 21, Highway 2 took us through Montpelier, one of the most picturesque cities in the country.  Montpelier, Vermont's small capital city is known for its unique, non-chain-store vibe and notable for its gold-domed capitol building. Montpelier is full of charming shops, restaurants, and period architecture. We stopped to pick up goodies at a local bakery in Montpelier. 

Montpelier, Vermont © Spaswinefood

That day we also managed to visit the number one tourist attraction in Vermont, Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory. Here they offer tours, there is a gift shop, and of course, there are decadent scoops of frozen goodness. It was another perfect stop that day. YES, Ben & Jerry’s has great ice-cream.

Ben and Jerry’s © Spaswinefood

Ben and Jerry’s © Spaswinefood

After some tasty ice cream onwards we went.

US 2 to Williston, Vermont © Spaswinefood

Through Williston, Vermont © Spaswinefood

Through Richmond © Spaswinefood

West 2 Onwards © Spaswinefood

We kept heading west to the Champlain Islands, which are nestled between Vermont’s Green Mountains and the Adirondacks of New York. The Islands sit below the Canadian border on the sixth largest freshwater lake in the United States. 

US 2 West © Spaswinefood

Further along South Hero Island came into view.

South Hero Island, Vermont © Spaswinefood

Next, we continued onto Grand Isle State Park, Lake Champagne, which has a lovely campground.

 Grand Isle State Park, Lake Champagne © Spaswinefood

Camping, Grand Isle State Park © Spaswinefood

We explored the park a little before leaving.

Exploring © Spaswinefood

Soon we were on our way west again.

Continuing West on US 2  © Spaswinefood

Alburgh, Vermont © Spaswinefood

Alburg Vermont, a town in Grand Isle County, is in the Islands & Farms region, which is located in the northwestern corner of Vermont. Of course it was early summer and everything was very green,  However, I have been told that Vermont is, one of the best places to see New England fall foliage. 

Since we could not continue on Route 2 into Canada, we stayed on the US side of the Great Lakes through New York state. 

Welcome to New York © Spaswinefood

These days we spent following US 2 through small towns and wide-open spaces, on the Great Northern Highway, certainly gave a feeling of getting away from it all.

New York State

Tuesday, June 22 it was onto New York State from Vermont. We traveled mostly along the St. Lawerence River. Along the way we stopped for lunch at site overlooking a lock. That afternoon it was onto Alexandria Bay to visit Thousand Island Winery (Harvest Host). Here we did a wine tasting and stayed overnight. The tasting room was busy when we arrived. 

Thousand Island Winery © Spaswinefood

Vineyard, Thousand Island Winery, Alexandria Bay © Spaswinefood

During the evening on the property I checked out some of the vines. They have wines produced from grapes developed by University of Minnesota. We managed to taste a few of those during the tasting. Our travels from Vermont to Alexandria Bay, NY look us along US 2, then 37 and 12 to arrive at the winery. 

Crossings into Canada © Spaswinefood

While traveling along Highways 37 & 12 we traveled along the St. Lawerence, passing crossings into Canada along the way.

Bridge to Canada, Thousand Island Winery © Spaswinefood

After our overnight stay, given our wine supplies were running low, we decided to head to the Finger Lakes. We did a two night stop-over in the Finger Lakes. On our way back to the Finger Lakes we passed through Celoron,  a village in Chautauqua County. It is part of the town of Ellicott, and sits on the west boundary of the city of Jamestown.

Celoron, New York © Spaswinefood

Celoron, New York © Spaswinefood

We also stopped in Dunkirk in Chautauqua County.

Dunkirk, New York © Spaswinefood

Later we stopped in Cuba, New York.

Cuba, New York © Spaswinefood

We would continue south towards Corning then onto Seneca Lake. This time we stayed at Seneca Lake State Park.

South to Corning, New York © Spaswinefood

We were happy to return to Finger Lakes Wine Country.

Dr. Franks Winery, Finger Lakes © Spaswinwfood

Our Seneca Lake winery explorations were delightful. We also drove to Keuka Lake to visit Dr. Franks Winery. We concluded our stay with an early dinner at Knapp Winery Restaurant.

Soon we were back on the road, and off to join US 2 West.

Pennsylvania 

From New York State we journeyed west into Pennsylvania. 

Welcome to Pennsylvania © Spaswinefood

After a long day traveling west we would exit and travel onto Three Meadows, a Harvest Host in Girard.

Exiting to Erie, Pennsylvania © Spaswinefood

Girard Township is approximately 13 miles from the City of Erie.

Girard, Pennsylvania © Spaswinefood

We dienjoyed an overnight stay at Three Meadows, a Harvest Host in Girard. Here we met the hosts and enjoyed getting to know their two Scottish Highlands cows. 

 Scottish Highlands Cows, Three Meadows, Girard © Spaswinefood

Pet Cows, Three Meadows, Girard © Spaswinefood

The pet cows M and Copper were such a delight. We so enjoyed a restful stopover at the farm.

Camping at Three Meadows, Girard © Spaswinefood

Ohio

Next day it was a quick jaunt across Ohio to Michigan to rejoin US 2.

Across Ohio © Spaswinefood

Downtown Cleveland, Ohio © Spaswinefood

Then onwards west towards Toledo. Earlier on our way to Maine to begin our Great Northern Adventure on US 2 we also drove east through Cleveland, Ohio.

Taking 90 West towards Toledo, Ohio © Spaswinefood

Soon we saw US 2 West.

Onwards to West 2, Ohio © Spaswinefood

We continued through Ohio on crossing the Bridge at Toledo-Birmingham.

Across the Bridge, Toledo-Birmingham, Ohio © Spaswinefood

Soon we were seeing signs to the various cities in Michigan.

Onwards to Michigan © Spaswinefood

Welcome to Pure Michigan © Spaswinefood

Next, we would explore Michigan. Although US 2 in Michigan is only 300 miles long, before reaching US 2 we needed to reach the Upper Peninsula. The good news is we would get to enjoy Michigan Wine Country along the way. 

I would like to thank all those who helped to make this adventure a success. Our journey along I-80 to begin our Great Northern Road Trip is an overland adventure that we will never forget (see Prelude to our Great Northern Adventure). Along the way (both I-80 east and US-2 west), we discovered beautiful cities, passed over mountains, passed by numerous lakes, and through many valleys. Our travels took us through the badlands, natural marvels, historical sites, and at times we traveled along the border with Canada. The best time of year for the Great Northern Road Trip (US-2), and sometimes referred to as Route-2, is spring, summer, or fall. I invite you to join me in my overland travels along Great Northern or US 2 (Michigan to Minnesota, and North Dakota to Washington), and elsewhere in the sharing of these adventures at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on  Bluesky  and Facebook. 

CHEERS!!

Sharon

Memories of Great Northern Adventures on US 2, June 2021 

January 2026

© Spaswinefood

Up Next on Our Great Northern Adventure: Michigan to Washington

Welcome to Michigan © Spaswinefood

Summer 2021 © Spaswinefood

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