Whether you live in the area or have out-of-town visitors that you want to entertain, you'd probably like to know which are the best wineries near Baton Rouge. Although the south's high humidity isn't conducive to grape-growing, local wineries have risen to the challenge and produce many award-winning wines.

Louisiana's hot and humid climate is more conducive to sweeter grapes such as muscadine and the hybrid blanc du bois. However, one of the area's successes is the native La-Sarachannah grape that was discovered by accident less than a century ago. It is available exclusively through Amato's Winery, located at 1913 Westshore Avenue in Port Allen. Other wineries include:

Pontchartrain Vineyards

Located at 81250 Hwy 1082 in Bush, Louisiana 70341, Pontchartrain Winery is available for groups and events as well as individual tastings from Thursday through Sunday. Entertainment is provided throughout the summer, and a list of their events is on their website. They'll ship their wines in fifths or half-bottles and offer:

• Dry blanc du bois
  

• Petit syrah
  

• Sweet white
  

• Tawny-style port
  

• Zinfandel
  

• And many more!
  

For more information, contact them at (985) 892-9742.

Landry Vineyards

When Hurricane Katrina devastated the Folsom area where Landry Vineyards was located, the owners, Jeff and Libby Landry, moved to higher ground in West Monroe. Their vineyard now boasts a new winery, tasting room, and acres of grapevines. Designated as a Louisiana native winery in 2003, Landry Vineyards produces high-quality wines that complement the local cuisine. Information on concerts, tastings, tours, and where to purchase their extensive offering of quality wines can be found on their website.

Nola Tropical Winery

A trip to Baton Rouge wouldn't be complete without a side trip to The Big Easy! Nola Tropical Winery, located at 500 Port of New Orleans Place in New Orleans, offers some of the best tropical wines you'll find. Their knowledgeable staff can lead you in the right direction, whether your taste is red, white, blush, sweet, dry, or sparkling. Nola is one of the best wineries near Baton Rouge, and you can reach them at (504) 561-6010.

On Cloud Wine

Shreveport is very proud of its best-rated On Cloud Wine winery and tasting room and its contributions to the local community. Community events are hosted year-round, and the winery is available for private events. They carry a variety of spices, sauces, salsas, and dip mixes to complement their wines, and they have a wine to suit almost everyone's tastes. Guests can relax with their wine in the pond-side log cabin or learn more about wine from any of the knowledgeable staff. Generic or custom gift baskets are available, and On Cloud Wine's wines can be shipped. Military personnel receives a 10 percent discount on wine, and everyone receives a 10 percent wine discount on Wino Wednesday. For more information or to order wines to be shipped, call (318) 687-9816.