Hitting the road this summer? You can also just sit in your backyard and travel through your glass. Here are some wines from less-travelled US wine paths.

Virginia
Mountain & Vine Screaming Hawk 2021 Meritage: With the grapes (50% Petit Verdot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec) you’d think would be really heavy but it’s not. Just sweet blackberry a bit of black slate with tons of acid and only 13% alcohol. Really young but very drinkable. ($68)

Texas
I haven’t had many wines from Texas, but recently had two Dolcetto’s from the Texas High Plains where wine has been made since the mid-1970s. It’s the second largest AVA in Texas with about 8 million acres. The elevation ranges from 3,000-4,100 feet with hot, dry summer days and cool nights.  Try Hye Meadow which is packed with black cherry ($36) or Bent Oak which is silkier and earthier with a hint of mushroom ($32).

Vermont
Some good whiskey is coming out of Vermont. Lost Lantern recently debuted their Single Distillery Series which blends casks from the same distillery, showing off its unique characteristics. Gentle Giant Balcones Distilling Texas Single Malt ($100) has lots of ripe yellow apple (the whiskey is partly aged in ex apple brandy casks) and a hint of anise. 

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