These 10 Unique Wine Regions Across the U.S. Rival Napa Valley

There’s nothing better than a trip to Oregon’s wine country; the Willamette Valley, an outcropping and fertile land where grapes thrive and vineyards prosper. Best known for producing world-class Pinot Noir, Willamette Vineyards also produce top-notch Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Merlot, Syrah and sparkling wines, considered among the best in America. This 150-mile stretch is home to an abundance of world-class vineyards and wineries, and the eponymous Willamette Valley Wineries are one of the best. It’s a fertile oasis where grapes meet PNW cuisine and culture, which is Oregon’s wine country in a nutshell.

Idaho may be best known for its sweeping vistas, world-class skiing, and epic outdoor activities, but did you know that this state was home to the first vineyards of the Pacific Northwest? And of the more than 70 wineries and 1,300 acres of vineyards found in the Gem State, most are centered in the Snake River Valley, Idaho’s America’s premier wine growing area, in fact. Here, a high elevation, moderate climate, and minimal rainfall make it best suited to growing grapes, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. Until recent years, most people were completely unaware that the Snake River Valley produced such unforgettable wine, which is why we’re putting it on your radar as a must-see wine destination in the United States.

No list of must-see wine regions in the United States would be complete without mentioning Sonoma County, Napa’s wine neighbor to the south. If you haven’t yet discovered the splendor of Sonoma County, it’s time to change that. Between long-standing institutions like Gundlach Bundschu Winery (the third-oldest winery in the state, in fact) and beloved family operations like Chateau Diana, wine lovers have plenty to celebrate (and taste!) In Sonoma County – as environmentalists do. With 99% of Sonoma County’s vineyards certified as sustainable, it is the most sustainable wine region in the world.

Texas Hill County isn’t just one of the most scenic places in the state; it’s also the Lone Star State’s slice of Wine Country. Rolling hills, sprawling estates and absolutely unparalleled sunsets are all the ingredients for a rejuvenating getaway – so adding a few glasses of high-quality wine is just the icing on the cake. The 290 “Wine Trail” allows oenophiles to savor the bounty of the region, with the majority of the vineyards nestled between Hye and Fredericksburg. The unique terroir of the Texas High Plains captures the essence of the region in the most refined and resplendent way, making for a wine tasting experience you can only have in Texas. Among the myriad destinations on the wine route, Lost Draw Cellars is celebrated as one of the best.

If Wine Country vineyards appeal to you, might we suggest a visit to Charlottesville, Virginia instead. This charming southern town, nicknamed “CVille” by residents, is home to local restaurants, beautiful outdoor spaces, access to higher education, diversity, local art and much more, including its own and gorgeous From South Wine country. In fact, for oenophiles, Virginia is one of the top wine-producing states in the country, and the Charlottesville area alone is home to more than 40 wineries. Some of Charlottesville’s most popular vineyards include Barboursville, Jefferson Vineyards, Michael Shaps Wineworks, Early Mountain Vineyards, and King Family Vineyards, and both casual and serious wine lovers will be very happy to sip Virginia vintages while admiring the seductive Blue Ridge mountains. .

#PureMichigan’s splendor extends far beyond its pristine lakes and islands, with the Great Lakes State home to a booming wine country worthy of any oenophile’s attention. In the state, 55% of Michigan’s wine grapes are grown in the Traverse City area. The Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas are designated as US wine areas, in fact; together, the region’s more than 40 wineries make up what is commonly known as the Traverse Wine Coast. Must-visit wineries include Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn (pictured), which offers a taste of French-inspired charm in the Great Lakes State, and Mari Vineyards, which has a stunning 31,000-square-foot facility that straight out of the Old Country.

Not only are New York’s Finger Lakes immensely beautiful and scenic, but this region is also home to one of the best wine regions in the United States which is truly one of the best kept secrets in the industry. In the region, the Seneca Lake Wine Route is considered the best, where more than two dozen wineries produce authentic Northeastern vintages and host tours and tasting events year-round. Among trail participants, Atwater Vineyards is a perennial favorite, growing 17 different varieties of grapes, including vitis vinifera (a species native to the Mediterranean region) and Franco-American hybrids. From reds and whites to rosés and sparkling wines, you’re sure to find a new favorite drink at this New York winery.

A happy surprise, Vermont is hailed as the most intriguing and promising wine region in the country. With its four distinct seasons – including springs and autumns characterized by warm days and cool nights – the diurnal changes necessary for ultimate viticulture are fully present in Vermont. Of the many notable wineries in the state, Boyden Valley Winery and Shelburne Vineyard (pictured) are the best of the best, the latter famous for its reds, whites, rosés and ice wines.