U.S. Wine Destinations

Wine has been around for thousands of years, and has touched every major culture and cuisine in the world. A good meal with a lovely vintage is a little slice of heaven that most can appreciate. As your mind starts envisioning the perfect place to go wine tasting you probably think to places like Tuscany, or the south of France, but North America offers many great options also.  Take a look at the top 10 wine destinations within the United States.

Oak Grove, Virginia

Wine is a tradition going back all the way to the 1770′s and Jefferson’s Monticello in this northern region of Virginia. A land that was once full of colonial Americans began making wine, and passed their knowledge down several generations. The vineyards in Oak Grove, Virginia have grown to be a great wine destination in the northwestern region of the United States.

North Fork, Long Island, NY

This quiet island, close to the hustle and bustle of New York City offers over 18 different vineyards and distilleries. Most of the vineyards offer tastings and tours, as they are proud to display their hard work and fabulous wines. Four times a year North Fork wine council offers a camp for adults to enjoy and indulge in wines and wine making. One interesting fact is that in just over 25 years this area has grown from just one small vineyard to the world-class wine destination it is today.

Traverse City, Michigan

The grapes for these sinful wines come from the shores of Lake Michigan. Most of the Traverse City vineyards sit on the Old Mission Peninsula, which is protected from the harsh winters by Lake Michigan. The vineyards offer a variety of wines that include Rieslings, Pinot Noirs, Merlots and many other varieties of fruit wines.

Finger Lakes, New York

Another wine producing region in the state of New York. The Finger Lakes offer not only offers extraordinary wines, but also amazing panoramic views. This small area has over 100 wineries that offer tours and tastings year round. A trip up north to Finger Lakes is a trip well spent.

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Pinot Noir or Merlots are a stones throw away in Okanagan Valley, British Columbia. The area that was once made famous for pristine lakes and acres of fruit orchards are now making a name for itself in the world of wine. Fruit wines that offer more sweetness then their full-bodied counterparts, that brought fame to the area, are becoming a hit with locals and tourist alike.

Roseburg, Oregon

The Umpqua Valley offers a much warmer climate then most of Oregon, making it ideal for the production of grape varieties. This unique microclimate produces Syrah, Merlot, Dolcetto, Malbec, Tempranillo, Albarino, Grenache, and other varietals. Enjoy the breathtaking natural landscapes of Oregon while visiting its 20+ wineries.

Yakima Valley, Washington

Good life and great wines are what this area is all about. Yakima Valley is the oldest wine making area in Washington State. Over 50 vintners call this valley home and with so many wine makers in the area there is a large variety of wines to choose from. The Yakima Valley wine region primarily produces red wines.

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Oregon winemaking is not as well known as the Californian counterparts. It is known for amazing Pinot Noirs. Willamette Valley is a little farther north then the Umpqua Valley, Oregon. This area has over 200 wineries that range in size from large wineries to small family owned and operated vineyards. These distinctly different wineries offer different wines that are sought after worldwide.

Sonoma, California

Sonoma is the 2^nd most popular wine region in the United States, just behind the neighboring Napa Valley. The mountains that protect Sonoma from excessive rainfall help to create the prefect environment for vineyards. The wine culture is dominant in Sonoma, with the best wine bars, restaurants, boutique hotels, wineries, and tours in the country.  With an overwhelming amount of wineries open for tastings, you’ll need over a month to really experience them all.

Napa Valley, California

Napa Valley is the American capital for wine. Dating back to the early nineteenth century, Napa has produced world-class wines that compete with the most elite wineries worldwide. Choose from over 450+ wineries that produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and much more. From the famous restaurant French Laundry, to a limitless amount of spas, wine tours, and outdoor activities, Napa is perfect for a couples retreats, family weekend getaway, or just a break from urban life.

By Guillermo Bravo, Napa Wine Tours