Johann Hunt
Forget what you know about wine country—America’s vineyards are diverse, vibrant, and full of surprises. In sun-kissed valleys and serene hillsides, these vineyards offer more than just great wine; they promise an adventure. Discover 15 states where you can savor exquisite wines while exploring breathtaking landscapes.
California
If you love the blend of tastes like black currant, blackberry, mint, green bell pepper, cedar, and tobacco, head to California for their specialty red Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. The Sonoma and Paso Robles vineyards also produce the red Zinfandel, Isosceles, Pinot Noir, Grenache, and the white Roussanne and Chardonnay, all thanks to the sunshine, fertile valleys, and meticulous vintners.
Washington
Eastern Washington’s arid climate and cool nights nurture exceptional red Cabernet Sauvignon and white Riesling. Both wines are acidic, but the Riesling fuses lime, green apple, petrol, honey, and apricot essence. The innovative winemakers in the Washington vineyards, like Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Crest, and Leonetti Cellar produce Syrah (Shiraz) and Merlot.
Oregon
Oregon’s Eyrie, Rex Hill, Adelsheim, King Estate Winery, and Domaine Serene are havens for Pinot Noir red and white wines, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. Foggy mornings and well-drained soils create Pinot Noir’s vibrant, complex aroma and flavors of cherry, raspberry, strawberry, mushroom, and forest floor. The Pinot Gris is also fruity, with pear, apple, melon, citrus, and some spice. Chardonnay has a rich green apple, citrus, and vanilla taste.
New York
The Wolffer Estate offers you pink rosé and a bold red Cabernet Franc. Bedell Cellars then tempts you with their robust Merlot and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. Finally, Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery presents a delightful contrast: a spectrum of dry to sweet white Riesling alongside a sophisticated Pinot Noir. The Cabernet Franc is the parent grape to Cabernet Sauvignon and offers flavors of raspberry, bell pepper, and subtle herbal notes.
Texas
Texas wine? Absolutely! The Hill Country, west of Austin, has quite the selection. Still, the winning glass is the red Tempranillo, a Spanish grape from the Bending Branch Winery and Messina Hof Winery. A swirl will offer hints of cherry, dried fig, cedar, tobacco, and leather because it’s aged in oak. Then, you’ll also be glad to savor Messina’s white, aromatic, full-bodied Viognier.
Virginia
Barboursville and King Family Vineyards tantalize with aromatic, low-acidity Viognier, a full-bodied delight bursting with flavors of peach, apricot, tangerine, honeysuckle, and even a hint of nutmeg. If you prefer reds, head to Thatcher’s Ridge Vineyard for their Petit Verdot. This bold wine has notes of black fruit, violet, lilac, and earthy tones, a perfect complement to a summer evening.
Missouri
Missouri’s Ozark Mountains whisper a story of resilience with the Norton (Cynthiana) red and the white Vignoles. Norton from the Chateau de Pommard and St. James Wineries will bless your taste buds with dark berries, plums, spice, and earthy tones. The white Vignoles (a French hybrid) from Stone Hill Winery will offer you citrus, pineapple, honey, and apricot.
Michigan
For a wine-and-dine experience along the coast, Michigan offers a haven for lovers of white wines from Chateau Chanal and Bowers Harbor, such as Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. These crisp white wines pair beautifully with some seafood. But wait a minute—red wine lovers can also cling to Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot produced in Black Star Farms or Shadt Lan Cellars.
Long Island
The reds you’ll find in Long Island are Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc from Wolffer Estate Vineyard and Bedell Cellars. The whites from Paumanok, Macari Vineyards, and Shinn Estate are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling. A unique addition is the pink rosé, filled with strawberry, raspberry, and watermelon with citrus and floral notes.
Oregon Coast
If you make it to Oregon, pass by Willamette Valley, Rogue Valley, and Umpqua Valley for some red Pinot Noir, Syrah, Tempranillo, Gamay Noir, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon. You’ll also be glad to find whites like the fruity Viognier, floral Albarino, lychee, rose petal, and citrusy Gewurztraminer. The pink rosé is also available.
Arizona
Arizona’s scorching Sonoran Desert produces the finest Syrah, Petite Sirah, Chardonnay, Grenache, and Mourvedre. The reds shine brightest here with the spicy Grenache with strawberry, black cherry, anise, and white pepper tastes, and the Mourvedre with blackberry, plum, game, and black pepper. Note that the Petite Sirah is similar to Mourvedre but with chocolate instead of play.
North Carolina
The top wines in North Carolina are the award-winning sweet Muscadine (white and red), red Cabernet Sauvignon, and white Chardonnay. Muscadine shines with unique sweetness and blends a musky taste high in antioxidants. The vineyards in North Carolina are the Biltmore Estate Winery, Childless Vineyards, RayLen, Sandhill, Elkin Creek, and the Duplin Winery.
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