16 Ultimate Wine Destinations in The United States
You do not need to travel to France or book a plane to Italy just to taste great wine. There are so many amazing vineyards to visit right here in the United States. The US is actually known around the world for its incredible wine, and with more and more vineyards popping up across the country, you need to start your US wine tour right now! Check out these 16 amazing spots that are growing some delicious grapes and turning them into award-winning wines. You are about to fall in love with American wine and forget about those foreign bottles forever.
Finger Lakes, Upstate New York
This region of Upstate New York has been cultivating wine for over 200 years. Groups can enjoy sweeter varieties of white wine, take a boat ride on any of the lakes, and explore Upstate’s famous and quirky towns. This can be the ideal option for group of friends wanting to enjoy a relaxing trip trying delicious wine while also immersing themselves in nature.
Walla Walla Valley, Washington
The Walla Walla Valley is a red wine lover’s paradise. Downtown Walla Walla is the perfect place to stay with friends and experience Washington’s best produce and wine, with over 100 vineyards to visit. This site is home to over 130 wineries as well as nearly 3,000 acres of grapes. Wine here is characterized by its robust and unique flavor, which is a favorite for many.
Mesilla Valley, New Mexico
Not all wine valleys are green and lush! Mesilla Valley is unique for its desert viticulture and bold flavors, resulting in getaways with the perfect blend of history and agriculture. This area is located in New Mexico, specifically from Radium Springs to the west side of El Paso, Texas. Here, tourists will find native cottonwood trees, bosques, and tamarisks, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers.
Texas Hill Country
More and more visitors flock to Texas yearly for its bustling cities and, recently, its vineyards. Hill Country’s beautiful weather is ideal for wine, outdoor activities, and live events, all elements of vacation fit for bonding. This area spans over central and south Texas and is considered the border between the American southwest and southeast regions!
Paso Robles, California
Halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles sits Paso Robles, another iconic Californian wine valley. This is an excellent visit for the ladies who love Bordeaux, the beach, and soaking in natural hot springs. Apart from these activities, tourists can spend their days enjoining a unique hot balloon ride, horseback riding, or visiting local museums.
Albemarle, Virginia
Just two and a half hours from Washington, DC, the Monticello wine trail is home to over 35 vineyards in a setting perfect for wine and history fanatics. This area was elected the 2023 Wine Region of the Year thanks to its over fifty years of history, unique terroir, and enthusiastic winemaker. It is considered the birthplace of American wine.
Traverse City, Michigan
Friend groups can relax on the shores of Lake Michigan while imbibing on Michigan’s best wines. Due to its cool climate, the area is ideal for cultivating many grape varieties, from Riesling to Pinot Noir. Apart from enjoying delicious wine, tourists here can try some water activities, such as kayaking or swimming, to keep themselves active during their trip!
Ozark Mountains, Missouri
The Ozarks are another area that is growing in wine tourism. The Lake of the Ozarks Wine Trail offers six renowned wineries, and visitors can stay in charming towns among the mountains. This mountainous area is located in the US states of Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, even though wine tourism is particularly present in Missouri.
New Jersey Wine Region
Wine country spans across the state and is particularly popular in the south around Cape May. Girl groups can enjoy the coastline and explore whimsical beach towns, connecting over crisp white wines like Albariño. This type of wine is originally from Galicia and Northwest Portugal, known as Alvarinho and Cainho Branco. The perfect wine to enjoy with a group of friends while on holiday.
Snake River Valley, Idaho
Idaho tends to be a generally underrated destination in the United States, but its popularity is growing thanks to its wine production. Despite its high-altitude desert climate, the valley produces bold, delicious, and distinctive wines at over 50 wineries. According to the Idaho Wine Commission, this success is due to the state’s favorable climate, geographical condition, and soil content, allowing people living here to grow a wide diversity of wines.
North Georgia Mountains
Girl groups can enjoy private wine tours two hours outside Atlanta in a picturesque setting. What’s better than sipping delicious wine while fully relaxing, immersed in lunch nature, and chit-chatting with your best friends? Travelers can expect southern charm, sprawling mountain views, and award-winning wines. Time to book your trip right away!
Vermont
Vineyards are starting to pop up all over the Green Mountain State, offering a variety of famous and artisan wines. This can be quite surprising to wine experts, considering the cold climate of this state. However, people are now managing to grow grapes here to produce unique and delicious wine. Fittingly, Vermont is also known for cheese, an iconic wine accompaniment.
Santa Barbara, California
When talking about US wine, it is hard not to mention Santa Barbara County in California. This area is renowned for its many microclimates, contributing to the growth of various grape types, all of which are used to produce the most delicious wine in the state. Here, you will find warm hospitality, scenic landscapes, and – of course – the world’s renowned wine.
Willamette Valley, Oregon
The Willamette Valley is especially renowned for its production of Pinot Noir. Located in the northwest corner of Oregon, this region is characterized by a cool climate ideal for the growth of this type of grape. Wine enthusiasts here will also find Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Riesling wines as well as lesser-known varieties to surprise their taste buds.
Sonoma County, California
Have you ever heard of Sonoma County? Located in California, this is another great option for wine lovers. This county is home to several American Viticulture Areas (AVAs), including Alexander Valley, Green Valley of Russian River Valley, and Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak, just to mention a few. Apart from trying delicious wine, tourists here can visit Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, home to ancient sequoias.
Long Island, New York
Long Island, New York, is home to about 60 vineyards, and that number continues to grow. The island’s North Fork is the perfect place to drive from vineyard to vineyard, taking in the gorgeous landscape while tasting everything from crisp whites to rich reds. Plenty of vineyards host live music events, tasting specials, and food truck weekends, so there is always plenty to do. Any wine lover needs to plan a trip to Long Island, as this incredible wine hub won’t remain a secret for very long.
With so many beautiful wines across the country, there is no better time for best friends to travel and enjoy time together. Happy sipping to all wine fanatics!
