14 Surprising American Destinations for Wine Lovers
Most people think of American wine and California’s Napa Valley comes to mind. Yes, Napa’s iconic vineyards are worth the visit. There are, of course, some surprising wine regions in the U.S. that are just as delightful, with everything from classic reds to experimental blends. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a full blown wine aficionado, these lesser known spots are worth raising a glass to.
It might be fun to venture off the beaten wine path and you’ll find some interesting discoveries. From coast to coast, wineries are making great wines that don’t always get the same attention as their West Coast cousins. Napa and Sonoma are well known — but these other destinations have their own undeniable charm and flavor profile as well. So let’s take a look at 14 American wine regions you may not have known about.
Finger Lakes, New York
The Finger Lakes region is known for stunning landscapes and cool climates and is quickly becoming known in the wine world, especially for its Rieslings. Finger Lakes wines are on wine lovers’ maps since their crisp acidity has won numerous awards. The lake shores are lined with scenic wineries, and lots of tasting rooms are open with a similarly relaxed vibe and views to go along with it.
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Pinot Noir lovers will find their heaven in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The area is famous for its moderate climate making it ideal for this delicate grape, known for producing some of the world’s best Pinot Noirs. The region’s terroir, however, is what gives the region’s wines their “vibrant, fresh and structured” flavor profile, which has wine critics talking, according to the Oregon Wine Board.
Hill Country, Texas
Although you might think of Texas as a beer-and-barbecue state, Texas Hill Country is rising as a star in American wine. This region has become famous for warm-weather wines such as Tempranillo and Mourvèdre, with over 50 wineries. This surprisingly charming wine getaway is nestled between rolling hills and rivers
Charlottesville, Virginia
Charlottesville is the heart of Virginia’s wine scene, and it’s one of the oldest wine producing states in the country. Cabernet Franc and Viognier wines are famous in this historic area. The Monticello Wine Trail, named after Thomas Jefferson’s home, features a chance to taste some of the most remarkable wines in the world while taking in centuries of history.
Santa Barbara, California
California is best known for Napa and Sonoma, but Santa Barbara’s wine scene is becoming increasingly popular for its microclimates. Santa Barbara makes everything from Chardonnay to Syrah. The coastal area also has beautiful scenery to go with your glass.
Snake River Valley, Idaho
Idaho! Rhône varietals such as Syrah and Viognier have made the Snake River Valley a known name. Idaho’s wine industry is blossoming with a climate similar to Spain’s Rioja region. The altitude and rich volcanic soil produce big rich complex wines. The region’s winemakers still argue that it’s under the radar, but it’s changing as word gets round.
Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan
Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula is a cool climate wine gem. The area is surrounded by Lake Michigan and has a climate that allows for some lovely reds as well as crisp whites such as Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Over the last decade, Michigan’s wine industry has grown by 20 percent and wine enthusiasts are catching on to the region’s unique offerings.
Temecula Valley, California
Temecula Valley, just an hour from San Diego, is a laid-back wine experience with a variety of styles. Temecula is known for its bold reds and lush landscape and is becoming a favorite of visitors looking for a less commercialized wine region to visit. There are wineries here with some truly innovative blends and unique tasting experiences.
Walla Walla, Washington
Walla Walla produces highly praised Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Walla Walla is one of the nation’s fastest-growing wine regions making Washington the nation’s second-largest wine-producing state. Over 120 wineries means you’ll find a wide range of tasting options and some unique wine flavors.
Traverse City, Michigan
Besides its beaches and views of scenic lakes, Traverse City has a thriving wine community. Unique white and red wines are produced here and reflect the unique terroir of Northern Michigan. This area has become a popular stop on the “Traverse Wine Coast” and has gained recognition for its Pinot Blanc and Riesling.
Oregon and Washington, Columbia Gorge
The Columbia Gorge wine region, straddling the border of Oregon and Washington, is one of the most diverse wine growing areas in the country. The area, known for its stunning geography, grows more than 50 grape varieties, from Pinot Noir to Zinfandel. The Columbia Gorge’s microclimates permit wide variation on a small scale, so you can find a whole range of wine styles in one place.
New Jersey, Outer Coastal Plain
New Jersey’s wine industry may be small but it is expanding, especially in the Outer Coastal Plain region. The area is famous for its Bordeaux-style blends and fruit-forward wines made in sandy soil and in a mild climate perfect for growing grapes.
Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
The Shenandoah Valley in Virginia is another hotshot for Virginia wine. The cool climate is ideal for growing Chardonnay, Riesling, and Merlot. As one of the state’s most picturesque vineyards, it is a lovely stop for wine lovers. The Virginia Wine Board says wines from the Shenandoah Valley are “bright and fruit-forward,” a trait that has won the region praise.
Missouri, Ozark Mountain Region
Missouri may not be the first place that springs to mind, but the Ozark Mountain region has been making wine for over a century. Missouri wines are known for their robustness. They are made from the Norton grape. It is fascinating for wine lovers because of the region’s long history and specially dedicated local vintners.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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