California's Napa Valley is the pinnacle of American viticulture. This nearly 800-square-mile expanse in Northern California is home to literally hundreds (and hundreds) of vineyards, and Napa Valley is celebrated as one of the best wine-growing regions and destinations in the world. But the viticulture movement in America isn't limited to NorCal; all across the U.S., there are unique and incredible wine regions that rival the bounty and beauty of Napa Valley. Here are some of the best and most unique wine regions in the U.S.:
1. Walla Walla - Washington
Do you know where the best wineries in the U.S. are located? Walla Walla has been voted America’s Best Wine Region more than once, which is surprising to absolutely no one who has been there in recent years. With more than 120 wineries and 2,900 acres of grapes, it’s pretty much impossible not to find a varietal you don’t enjoy in the Evergreen State. And since drinking and driving is discouraged (and rightfully so), we highly recommend booking an experience with Tesla Winery Tours. Not only can you visit five or six vineyards in a single day, you can do so in an eco-friendly style!
Take a look at this video about the wine region of Walla Walla by @visforvino:
2. Willamette Valley - Oregon
There's nothing better than a trip to Oregon Wine Country; the Willamette Valley a flush and fertile land where grapes thrive and wineries flourish. Best-known for producing world-class Pinot Noirs, Willamette wineries also produce top-notch Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Merlot, Syrah, and sparkling wines lauded as some of the best in America. This 150-mile expanse is home to an abundance of world-renowned vineyards and wineries, and the eponymous Willamette Valley Vineyards is one of the best. It's a fertile oasis where grapes meet PNW cuisine and culture, which is Oregon Wine Country in a nutshell.
Take a look at this video about the wine region of Willamette Valley by @visforvino:
3. Snake River Valley - Idaho
Idaho may be best known for its scenic vistas, world-class skiing, and epic outdoor recreation, but did you know that this state was home to the first wineries in the Pacific Northwest? And within the 70+ wineries and 1,300 acres of grapevines found in the Gem State, most are centered in the Snake River Valley, Idaho’s first American Viticultural Area, in fact. Here, a high elevation, moderate climate, and minimal rainfall make it more conducive to growing grapes, including riesling, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and syrah. Up until the last several years, most people were completely unaware that the Snake River Valley was producing such unforgettable wine, which is why we're putting it on your radar as a must-visit viticultural destination in the U.S.
4. Sonoma County - California
No list of must-visit wine regions in the U.S. would be complete without mention of Sonoma County, Napa's wine-producing neighbor to the south. If you've yet to experience the splendor of Sonoma County, now’s the time to change that. Between long-standing institutions like Gundlach Bundschu Winery (the third-oldest winery in the state, in fact) to beloved family-run operations like Chateau Diana, wine lovers have a lot to celebrate (and taste!) in Sonoma County -- as do environmentalists. With 99% of Sonoma County’s vineyards certified sustainable, this is the most sustainable wine-growing region in the world. Take a look at this video about the wine region of Sonoma County by @visforvino:
5. 290 "Wine Trail" - Texas
Texas Hill County isn't just one of the most picturesque places in the state; it's also the Lone Star State's very own slice of Wine Country. Rolling hills, sprawling estates, and absolutely unparalleled sunsets are all the ingredients necessary for a rejuvenating getaway – so adding in a few glasses of high-quality vino is just icing on the cake. The 290 "Wine Trail" lets oenophiles savor the bounty of the region, with the majority of the wineries nestled between Hye and Fredericksburg. The unique terroir of the Texas High Plains captures the essence of the area in the most refined and resplendent of ways, making for a wine-tasting experience you can only have in Texas. Among the myriad destinations on the Wine Trail, Lost Draw Cellars is celebrated as one of the best.
6. Yadkin Valley - North Carolina
A veritable viticultural oasis, North Carolina's Yadkin Valley is home to dozens of top-notch wineries and vineyards. This American Viticultural Area includes land in seven counties of northwestern North Carolina, encompassing an area of approximately 1,400,000 acres in the immensely beautiful Yadkin River Valley. The Yadkin Wine Shuttle Service provides transportation to numerous world-class destinations in the valley, including unique places like Devine Llama Vineyards (which, true to its name, *is* home to llamas) and Slightly Askew Winery, a quirky spot specializing in fruit-forward wines made from local juices and harvests.
7. Charlottesville - Virginia
If the vineyards of Wine Country are beckoning, might we suggest a visit to Charlottesville, Virginia, instead? This charming Southern town, dubbed "CVille" by residents, is home to local restaurants, beautiful outdoor spaces, access to higher education, diversity, local art, and much more -- including its very own, sublime Southern Wine Country. In fact, for oenophiles, Virginia is one of the country's top wine-producing states, and the Charlottesville area alone is home to more than 40 wineries. Some of Charlottesville's most popular wineries include Barboursville, Jefferson Vineyards, Michael Shaps Wineworks, Early Mountain Vineyards, and King Family Vineyards, and both casual and serious wine aficionados alike will be quite happy sipping Virginia vintages whilst gazing out at the beguiling Blue Ridge Mountains. In short, some of the most beautiful vineyards in the U.S. reside in Charlottesville.
8. Traverse City - Michigan
The splendor of #PureMichigan extends far beyond its pristine lakes and isles, with the Great Lakes State home to a burgeoning wine country worthy of any oenophile's attention. Within the state, 55% of Michigan’s wine grapes are grown in the Traverse City region. The Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas are designated as American Viticultural Areas, in fact; together, the 40+ wineries throughout the area make up what's commonly known as the Traverse Wine Coast. Some must-visit vineyards include Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn (pictured), which offers a taste of French-inspired charm right in the Great Lakes State and Mari Vineyards, which has a stunning, 31,000 square feet facility that's straight out of the Old Country.
9. Finger Lakes - New York
Not only are the New York Finger Lakes immensely beautiful and scenic, but this region is also home to one of the best wine regions in the U.S. that's truly one of the industry's best-kept secrets. Within the area, the Seneca Lake Wine Trail is considered the best, where over two dozen wineries produce authentic Northeast vintages and play host to year-round tasting tours and events. Among the trail's participants, Atwater Vineyards is a perennial favorite, growing 17 different varieties of grapes, including both vitis vinifera (a species native to the Mediterranean region) and French-American hybrids. From reds and whites to rosés and sparkling wines, you're sure to find a new favorite libation at this New York winery.
10. Champlain Valley - Vermont
A happy surprise, Vermont is lauded as the country's most intriguing and unique up-and-coming wine-producing region. With its four distinct seasons -- including springs and autumns characterized by warm days and cool nights -- the diurnal shifts necessary for ultimate wine growing are wholly present in Vermont. Among the state's many notable wineries, Boyden Valley Winery and Shelburne Vineyard (pictured) are the best of the best, with the latter celebrated for its reds, whites, rosés, and ice wines.
An escape to Wine Country is closer than you think. You don't have to travel overseas or cross-country for a viticultural experience that's truly bucket-list worthy; some of the finest wine regions in the U.S. might just be in your own backyard!
If you love exploring the best wine regions in the U.S., did you know you can take a tour? Check out the variety of wine tours on Viator.
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