When considering the best wine region in the U.S., you would most likely think of California's Napa Valley first. Yet, there are several grape-producing areas around the country, and you might be surprised where you can find them. Without further ado, here are three highly underrated wine regions around the U.S. that you simply must visit:
Not far from the incredible city of Portland awaits a dream-like stretch of land known as the Willamette Valley. Some of the wine produced from this region, which is particularly famous for its pinot noirs, could easily rival anywhere in the world. You can easily lose yourself in the scenery, which is characterized by gently rolling hills and beautiful rivers.
The Texas Hill Country is known for its vast open skies and beautiful wildflowers, but few people realize this spot also produces remarkable wines. In fact, some of the vintages grown in this region have been served at the White House's state dinners. Enjoying a Mediterranean-like climate, this area is home to over 70 wineries and, given the mild temperatures in the winter, you can visit year round.
Believe it or not, the Finger Lake region of New York state is one of the most up and coming areas for impressive wines. Despite its difficult climate, the area has been producing award-winning Riesling that has gained worldwide recognition. Not to mention the fact that many of these wineries have gorgeous lakefront views, which makes visiting them all the more memorable.
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Have you visited any of these lesser-known wine regions around the U.S.? We'd love to hear about your experience!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
Raise a toast from coast to coast as you explore the origin stories of some of America's best beverages. Whether you prefer wine, beer, or spirits – or all of the above – these destinations are all hits and no misses. Extraordinary experiences and spectacular sipping are on tap at these award-winning wineries, breweries, and distilleries across the US.
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Award-Winning Wineries
When it comes to globally renowned wine, most folks think of the West Coast. We've covered some of that region here. You may be surprised at a couple of our other picks that have taken top recognition. Get your pen and palate ready to taste notes!
Slip back to the Middle Ages for sumptuous food and wine pairings at Castello di Amorosa. The Tuscan-style castle was created authentic to 14th century architectural elements. The Napa Valley destination is open by reservation only for experiences that include tastings and tours. In 2020, USA Today named it the best tasting room in America, and the next year brought many awards, including 15 gold medals and three best-of-class honors between the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition & The American Fine Wine Competition.
Oregon's Willamette Valley is well-known for its outstanding Pinot Noirs. You can try one of its best at Archery Summit Winery. The winery's 2021 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir was the only US wine to win Best of Show honors at the prestigious 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards. Take in magnificent views of the sweeping valley as you sample the world-class wines it produces. Archery Summit is open daily by appointment only.
Abeja Winery and Inn produces award-winning wines in the Pacific Northwest countryside. Head to the heart of Walla Walla Valley wine region to this beautifully restored century-old farmstead that is the 2023 Washington Winery of the Year. Abeja Winery has won numerous awards for its wines, including a double platinum designation for its 2019 Merlot from Great Northwest Wine. Many publications featured the inn also for its luxurious accommodations and stunning views. Visits must be scheduled in advance.
Botham Winery, a picturesque winery located in rural Wisconsin west of Madison, is best known for its estate-grown red wines. Its tasting room opens seasonally on weekends in March. Summer months bring extended hours during the week. When you visit, you can sample "grape-to-glass" Wisconsin wine as you marvel at Botham's many medals (more than 150) and accolades. One of its most significant recognitions is having earned a double gold medal on two occasions in international competitions.
Becker Vineyards, the 2023 Top Texas Winery, grows 11 different varietals across its 66 acres of vineyards. The Texas Hill Country production facility covers 10,000 square feet and is a replica of a late 19th-century German stone barn. At the 2023 American Fine Wine Competition, Becker Vineyards earned the Best of Show Red and Best of Class/Other Red Single Varietal for its 2019 Barbera which scored a 96. The tasting room has regular public hours throughout the week. Call ahead to confirm availability and make reservations for group tastings or tours.
Award-Winning Breweries
After over a decade of rapid growth, craft beer has leveled out quite a bit and yet hardly fallen flat. Many brewers have risen to the top, maintaining big fan bases by remaining dedicated to new tasting room experiences and turning out innovative new brews. We've gathered five award-winning breweries that have recently garnered well-deserved recognition for bottling up the best of the craft beer scene.
Love a wheat beer? Well, you've arrived at the pinnacle at Allagash Brewing Co., where you can hoist the holy grail of the most-awarded wheat beer in the world. The brewery arrived at this by counting its awards at the three most prestigious global beer awards: World Beer Cup, Great American Beer Festival and Euro Beer Star awards. It then compared their results against other award winners over decades. Besides its tasting room, the brewery offers several different tour experiences and hosts special events. Don't miss the luscious lobster rolls and other goodies at the award-winning Bite Into Maine food truck.
In 2023, Saint Arnold Brewing Company took home its second Brewery of the Year title, having won six years before. Saint Arnold also is the longest continuously-operating craft brewery in Texas, having brewed its first beer, Amber Ale, in 1994. That classic took home a World Beer Cup (WBC) bronze award. Earning golds were Saint Arnold's Lawnmower Kolsch and Elissa English-Style IPA, first brewed in 2001 and 2004, respectively. The brewery took home a bronze for its Irish Hello Classic Irish-Style Dry Stout at the 2024 WBC. Try all four when you visit the Saint Arnold Brewing Beer Garden & Restaurant, which overlooks downtown Houston and serves a full food menu seven days a week.
8. Fat Head's Brewery & Saloon – Pittsburgh, PA & North Olmsted, Middleburg Heights and Canton, OH
In 1992, this award-winning brew pub brand grew out of a South Side Pittsburgh restaurant that specialized in chonky sammies and smoked meats – all guzzled down with craft brews. Fat Head's flagship brewpub opened in 2008 in North Olmsted west of Cleveland. Its production headquarters opened a decade later 10 miles southeast in Middleburg Heights, and the Canton location is a satellite pub. You can visit any one of the four destinations today to sample its 2024 World Beer Cup gold-medal-winning Goggle Fogger South German-Style Hefeweizen and Bone Head Strong Red Ale.
Awarded the 2023-2024 “Best Brew Pub in America” by USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards, Stronghouse Brew Pub welcomes guests to step back into history and up to its beautiful 1880s mahogany bar for a pint, flight or beer boot. You'll find a selection of a dozen or so craft brews made on site, plus other options that include cocktails, wine, cider, and draft kombucha. For bites, choose from a full food menu of apps, salads, brats, soups and several entrees. The Stronghouse dates to 1892 and is the last surviving intact building in the city's historic Four Corners corridor.
Hop on the De-Stress Express American Stout at Georgia Beer Company, which took a gold medal at the 2023 U.S. Open Beer Championship. If an Amber is more your speed, go for the Azalea City Amber, which took a bronze medal in the 2023 Great American Beer Festival. Georgia Beer Co. became Valdosta's first brewery in 2014 and eventually moved into its current facility adjacent to the downtown shopping and dining district. While this is a production facility that does not serve food, the brewery frequently hosts food trucks and other food vendors. With board and card games and a dog-friendly outdoor beer garden, full families are welcome.
Award-Winning Distilleries
Kentucky bourbon rightfully runs the show in the distillery category. And yet there are other locales home to award-winners in the art of distillation across the nation. We'll start in the Bluegrass State and the world's most acclaimed distillery, then clink our ice curiously as we explore the offerings of other passionate craftspeople winning awards for transforming grains and botanicals into liquid gold.
Taste over two centuries of dedication to the craft of creating bourbon whiskey at Buffalo Trace Distillery, the most awarded distillery in the world. With over 40 distillery titles from trusted industry publications and more than 500 awards for the whiskey itself, it stands to reason Buffalo Trace has also been named the 2024 Visitor Attraction of the Year by Whisky Magazine. Choose among five different curated tour experiences that range from the introductory Trace Tour to the behind-the-scene, production-focused Hard Hat Tour. Another guides you through the property's arboretum and botanical gardens. Again, they're all free! Registration is recommended.
Since it opened in 2008, the Breckenridge Distillery has piled on awards as heavy as the snowpack that makes its Tenmile Range location a world-class ski and snowboard destination. The distillery is best known for its blended bourbon whiskey, Breckenridge Bourbon, which is a four-time winner of the World Whiskies Awards Best American Blended honor and 2011 Bourbon of the Year at the International Wine & Spirits Competition. In addition to an astonishing selection of whiskies, Breckenridge crafts rum, five vodkas, a bitter, aquavit, and spiked sparkling water beverages. The distillery offers several different tastings and tour experiences.
A visit to Weldon MIlls Distillery artfully blends rich history, award-winning spirits, and warm Southern hospitality into an unforgettable experience. After opening in 2018, Weldon Mills won the honors of "Best Whiskey Micro Distillery" and "Best Cask Strength Bourbon" just a few years later at the 2021 International Whiskey Competition. The distillery is open daily from noon to 7 p.m. with tours starting at the top of every hour until one hour before closing. Don't miss the opportunity to explore picturesque surroundings and nearby Roanoke River, a key ingredient in the locally sourced, small-batch bourbon. Weldon Mills also produces three gins, two vodkas, and a rum.
Recently awarded the coveted 2024 Dave Pickerell Memorial Craft Member of the Year award by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, Swilled Dog Distillery is known for supporting fellow distillers to advance the industry as a whole. Beyond the benevolent spirit, Swilled Dog's excellence shows in its portfolio of several award-winners, including its Sherry Cask Finished Bourbon and Double Oaked Series Bourbon, which have garnered gold and silver medals in prestigious competitions like the World Whiskies Awards and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. And what's not to love about a place with a Chief Fetching Officer, Lucy Pickles, the brand mascot and pup behind its purpose to give back to animal-related charities.
A refurbished 1800s corset factory is now the home of the world's best whiskey, according to the American Spirits Council of Tasters, who've conferred the honor in 2022 and 2023 upon Journeyman Distillery. Appropriate to the distillery's historical location, the name of the spirit is Corsets, Whips & Whiskey. When you visit, you can tour the distillery operations, enjoy tastings and explore the factory space. Outside, practice your putting skills on the Welter's Folly green. Journeyman opened a second location in Valparaiso, Indiana in October 2023.
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From California's sun-kissed vineyards to Kentucky's historic distilleries, these award-winning wineries, breweries, and distilleries exemplify the best of our continuously evolving craft beverage industries. To help you savor every flavor as you explore these first-rate places, sign up for a Master Class to learn more about the nuances of different wines, or basics of mixology to make perfect cocktails when you return home!
