Orbitz Insider Index Reveals Fastest-Growing Destinations for Wine and Culinary Enthusiasts

20/09/07 With great wine producers located throughout the country, there is no shortage of vineyards for a fall grape getaway -- and food and wine enthusiasts appear to be growing in number along with the prime destinations. Focusing on the fastest-growing wine regions in the U.S., the 2007 Orbitz Food & Wine Index shows that while California's Napa Valley is still king, almost doubling its overall growth in Orbitz bookings since 2005, other regions of the country are coming on strong. From the pinots of the Pacific Northwest to cabernets of Kalamazoo, the Orbitz (http://www.orbitz.com) Insider Index is redefining "wine country."

"No matter where you live in the U.S., you're probably not more than a few hours away from a great vacation that pairs a nice hotel with a local vineyard," said Heather Leisman, senior director of merchandising for Orbitz. "Fall is a great time for food and wine lovers to enjoy the many harvest festivals and winery tours, which often combine fine cuisine with the best in local wines."

Which Regions Toast The Most?

Distinctive wines combined with southern hospitality have vaulted the Texas Hill and Arkansas Wine Countries to the #2 and #3 spots respectively on the Orbitz Insider Index fastest-growing list. And the Pacific Northwest is gaining on California as the place to be when it comes to wine excursions. Three of the top ten fastest-growing regions in the U.S. hail from points of interest in Washington and Oregon. And before snow starts to fall in the Midwest, there are a number of growing wine regions that have given destinations in Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee and Michigan four of the top 10 spots.