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(Photo by Sara Bozich)

As the number of wineries in Pennsylvania has grown over the last few years, more wine trails have cropped up as well, providing easy excuses for groups to experience the area’s impressive variety of handcrafted wines.

The greater wine region is host to a number of trails, including the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail, Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail, Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country, which celebrates its ValenWine's Weekends Feb. 7-8 and 15-16. Not much further out of town is the Berks County Wine Trail, whose chocolate pairing weekend recently was covered by my colleague Paul Vigna.

Wine trails are a great way to expose yourself to this growing industry and to take part in the local wine community.

"Most wineries are thrilled that people want to come out and sample their wines," said Carl Helrich, Allegro Winery. "We all have different wines, but most of us are small, family-owned businesses. Allegro, specifically, is focused on making premium, Bordeaux-style wines. Sure, we have sweeter wines because we know that some people prefer them.

“This wine region will eventually be known for its unique ability to blend varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Franc like the French regions of St. Emilion and Pomerol. I think it's exciting for people to see our evolution over time.”

Of course, you're not expected to hit every winery in one day, and like beer field trips, a good plan will maximize your excursion.

1. Research. "Do your homework ahead of time," said Larry Kennel of The Vineyard at Grandview. "Map out your route and allow time for travel. Research winery websites to find wineries that carry the style of wines you enjoy."

2. Transportation. Decide in advance which of your party will be the designated driver. While you're not likely to get sloshed on a few samples, a whole day of sampling is different. Some trails, like the Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country, partner with limousine companies, which offer group and event packages.

3. Dress. One of the nice things about exploring Pennsylvania wineries is there isn't a particular dress code. In nicer weather, sundresses and shorts are common, while in winter, boots, scarves and sweaters keep you cozy while sampling.

4. Supplies. While some wineries sell cheese, meat or fruit plates and others have food trucks on-site for events, others simply encourage you to bring your own food. Last year for Mother's Day, I packed a salad and snacks for my mom and I to enjoy while overlooking The Vineyard at Grandview's grapes. I also like to bring my own water bottle to properly rehydrate along the trail.

5. Sampling. Don't worry too much about "how" to sample. Our winemakers tend not to be too snooty and are more interested crafting wines that make people smile.

However, here’s a quick primer:

Also, though not law, wines are often sampled in order from dry to sweet or white to red. This order keeps your palate most balanced, as sweeter wines and tannic reds are more likely to overpower lighter wines.

6. Take your time. "My one piece of advice is to be sure to give every winery a chance," said Paul Vezzetti, The Vineyard at Hershey, "Most of these events run multiple weekends, and the tickets are good on any and all of those days. That all being said, space it out, don't be in a rush, and enjoy the products responsibly. Stop for lunch, pace yourselves, and be safe!"

“Responsible consumption is imperative,” Helrich said. “It's not bar-hopping, and we are not allowed to serve intoxicated people. It doesn't matter if you have a designated driver or not. We're here to educate and share our livelihoods with you all, and we appreciate those who respect our wines.”

7. Maximize your visit. Whether you live nearby or are traveling from elsewhere, there is enough to do in this area to make a weekend out of it. "The best part of a wine trail is enjoying the versatility and uniqueness of not just the wines at each winery, but also the local independent restaurants, lodging options and attractions that are great stops along the way," said Mike Wilson, Vice President of Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country.

“Many wine trails also offer incentives on weekend packages to make the experience that much more enjoyable,” Wilson said. “For example, we [HHWC] partner with Premiere 1 Limousine and local hotels that range in price point from great value to luxurious, depending on a trail goers budgetary needs as they look to maximize their experience both safely, and in style. With so much to offer between wineries, countless independent restaurants and world-class attractions in between, a weekend getaway is the best bet, for sure.”

8. Don't wait

. “Visiting Wine Trails should be a year-round event not just during special W

ine Trail weekends,” said Jim Miller, Moon Dancer Winery . “Touring a wine trail during the week off season is a great way to get a slower paced visit to some great Pa. wineries.”

SARA BOZICH: about.me/sarabozich Celebrate responsibly.