These 12 States Have the Best Vineyards in the U.S.
While many world-renowned wine regions reside in European countries like Italy, France, and Spain, there is something to be enjoyed with the vineyards in the United States as well. The U.S. doesn't produce as much wine as some other countries do, but there is still an expansive list of vineyards and regions that are well worth your attention and time. Spots like Napa Valley and Sonoma in California are some of the most well-known wine destinations in the U.S., while true oneophiles know that you can find incredible wine all over the country, from the Midwest to the Northeast.
The climate, soil, and types of grapes grown are a few things that ultimately affect the wine, so each of these states offer something slightly different in terms of taste and quality. Here, the states with the best vineyards in the U.S.
California
It should come as no surprise that California has some of the most highly rated wineries and vineyards in the entire country. The state's climate and landscape—specifically its warm days and cool nights—make it ideal for grape-growing. They have more than four times the amounts of wineries as the next closest state, with a total of over 6,000. Standout wine regions include Paso Robles, Sonoma, Napa Valley, and Los Carneros.
Washington
Washington is the second largest wine-producing state in the country, with over 1,000 wineries to speak of. The state produces award-winning wines and has been gaining a stellar reputation over the last several years. Washington Wine Country consists of Tri-Cities, Walla Walla Valley, and Yakima Valley. Its location in the Northwest U.S. means that during the growing season, the area gets up to 17 hours of sunlight, and the climate and geography make the state an ideal spot for growing grapes.
Texas
It may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of wine, but it should be. As of 2022, Texas was the state with the third largest amount of wineries, and it was actually the first state to have a winery in the 1600s. The dry weather and long, hot summers, as well as the cold winters, make it a great spot for grape growing. Texas Hill Country boasts a number of vineyards, with a climate similar to the wine regions in Spain and Portugal.
Oregon
Oregon and Texas have nearly the same amount of wineries, with Oregon just slightly behind. Regions like Portland, Willamette Valley, Columbia Gorge, and Rogue Valley are all known for producing delicious wines, and help give the state its reputation for delivering high quality options. The state is known for pinot noir, pinot gris, chardonnay, syrah, cabernet sauvignon, and riesling, as well as many others.
New York
New York's wine reputation is steadily growing, with several wine-producing regions throughout the state and hundreds of celebrated vineyards and wineries. In terms of volume of wine produced, New York is ranked third in the country at the moment. The main wine regions are found in Niagara and Lake Erie, the Finger Lakes, the Hudson River wine region, and the East End of Long Island. Each region is known for a different type of wine. For example, the Finger Lakes are known for their riesling production, while Long Island is known for merlot and cabernet franc.
Michigan
There are hundreds of wineries to visit throughout the state of Michigan, with unique glacial soils in the area behind the success of its wines. It is the fifth largest wine-producing state in the U.S., and many of the vineyards are located along Lake Michigan, where the "lake effect" helps extend the growing season. Lake Michigan is known for reds like cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, and merlot, while the Leelanau Peninsula region is known for whites like pinot blanc, pinot grigio, and riesling. Inland, you'll find hybrid grapes like marquette, frontenac, and vidal blanc for something more unique.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has been building a reputation as a great state for wine production. The state has over 400 wineries and thousands of acres of vineyards that produce millions of gallons of wine each year. The climate of Pennsylvania makes it easy to grow European grapes like pinot noir and albariño, thanks to the hot summers and cold winters. Popular wine trails can be found in Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country, the Lake Erie Wine Region, and Brandywine Valley, among others.
Virginia
Virginia has 10 wine regions and hundreds of wineries, with over 4,000 acres of grapes throughout the state. Popular regions include Blue Ridge, Central Virginia, Chesapeake Bay, and the Eastern Shore, and each region is known for a different type of wine. There are popular wine trails and super gorgeous vineyards to visit, and the state is known for chardonnay, cabernet franc, merlot, vidal blanc, and viognier.
Ohio
Seven different wine trails make up the thriving wine country in Ohio, and these include Appalachian, Canal Country, Capital City, and the Ohio River. The wind coming off of Lake Eerie and glacial soil left behind are part of what makes Ohio such a great spot for grape growing. Riesling is an extremely popular wine from Ohio, and other award-winning options include chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc.
Missouri
Missouri has been producing wine for years, and it has become a more popular spot in the country in recent years. Wine regions in the state include Augusta, Central, Hermann, Ozark Highlands, Ozark Mountain, Southeast, and Western. You'll find hundreds of wineries worth visiting all over, especially in the historic German community Hermann. There are so many different kinds of wines produced, such as catawba, chardonel, and concord—a bright wine made from American concord grapes.
North Carolina
There are hundreds of wineries and vineyards in North Carolina, with regions in the mountains and on the coast. The high altitudes and cool nights of the mountain regions contribute to a booming wine industry, while Piedmont wineries found in central North Carolina are more similar to European wineries. A wide variety of different wine trails make this an exciting state to visit if you really love a good glass of vino.
Colorado
Colorado's climate and landscape make it an excellent spot for vineyards and wineries. The warm valleys and plateaus combined with mountain runoff, lots of sunshine, and chilly nights make it easy to grow grapes. There are nine different wine regions throughout the state, and it's known for delicious options like merlot, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, chardonnay, riesling, cabernet franc, and viognier.
You Might Also Like
