A Guide to the Top 8 Wine Regions in the U.S.
Daydreaming about your next vacation? How does a vacation visiting wineries sound?
Whether you know what varietal of wine you like or what region of wines you prefer, we’re here to help you figure out what wineries you should visit in the top wine regions of the U.S.
Separated by region, we did our research to find the best wineries, the wines they’re known for and the best time of year to travel to make your destination decision that much easier.
The Finger Lakes, New York
When to travel: May through September
Known for: Riesling, Cabernet Franc
Not looking to travel to the west coast to enjoy good wine? No worries – meet us in The Finger Lakes, New York! It’s the largest wine producing region in the U.S. east of California, boasting over 130 wineries.
Sweet and sparkling wine lovers can visit Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, known for their riesling wines. Dr. Konstantin Frank came to the USA from Austria in the 1950’s and planted some of the first winemaking vines on the east coast. With Vineyards situated on Keuka Lake, the temperatures can get to below freezing, sometimes even freezing over. This leads to a very high acid, stony tasting riesling.
Known for growing in cool climates, cabernet franc can be found at J.R. Dill Winery in The Finger Lakes. This beautiful winery sits on the southeast side of Seneca Lake and is focused on hand crafted, small batch wines. J.R. Dill started making wine 20 years ago in his parents’ basement, and to this day it is a family affair with friends and family lending a hand wherever needed.
Hill Country, Texas
When to travel: April and September
Known for: Tempranillo
Grab your cowboy boots — and wine glass — we’re going to Texas! With over 50 unique and visually stunning wineries scattered throughout the Hill Country, there’s something new to try amongst the hills of Texas.
While Texas offers a wide range of wines, you’ll want to be sure to sip on tempranillo wines. Our favorite tempranillo wine can be found at Pedernales Cellars. While typically grown in Spain, the tempranillo of Pedernales boasts 100% Texas grapes and terroir. Located in the central region of Texas, the winery is named for the Pedernales River that runs through Texas Hill Country.
Lake Chelan, Washington
When to travel: Mid-June to Late August
Known for: Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Gris
Hosting fewer wineries than many wine regions, Lake Chelan AVA is home to over 40 wineries and 250 acres of vines. Think quality over quantity when planning a trip to Lake Chelan as winemaking in the valley has hit award-winning strides.
A visit to Tildio Winery will greet you with an abundance of flavorful Syrah wines. Tildio Winery boasts wines from both estate grown grapes and grapes from the best-known growers in Washington.
The glacier fed lake brings you the perfect climate for pinot noir. If you don't want any bad karma coming your way, you’ll want to visit Karma Vineyards – karma is the breeze of my hair sipping pinot noir at Karma Vineyards? (Where are our Swifties at?!) Being the first vineyard in Chelan to cane prune pinot noir, Karma Vineyards makes some of the best and only traditional method sparkling wines in Washington State.
If you love a full-flavored chardonnay, visit Lagrioth Winery in the Lake Chelan region. The word Lagrioth comes from a combination of the words, Lake, Agrotourism and Growth. This beautiful property also offers the option to book an Airbnb or VRBO on their farm – um, sign us up!!
Drink merlot among the mountains when you visit Chelan Ridge Winery. This family-owned winery is situated along the picturesque north shore of Lake Chelan. The tasting room not only includes delicious wines, but also woodfired pizzas and friendly staff.
And if you’re looking for a pinot gris that is sure to satisfy your palate, it can be found at Vin du Lac Winery, French for Wine of the Lake. Enjoy an array of award-winning wines, and bistro on property featuring farm-to-table meals!
Napa Valley, California
When to travel: August through October or March through May
Known for: Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
By now we all know that Napa is fondly referred to as wine country and probably the first place you think of when planning a trip to drink some good wine — and we don’t blame you! Full of exquisite tasting rooms, small towns and more than 400 wineries, there’s no shortage of discovering something you’ll enjoy.
If you love a good, oaky chardonnay you’ll want to visit Rombauer Vineyards in Napa Valley. For over four decades, Rombauer has been making wines with distinctive, fruit-driver expressions. The Carneros chardonnay has been getting top awards since 1993.
And if you’re more of a red wine drinker and fancy a delicious cabernet sauvignon, you can’t go wrong at Robert Mondavi Winery. Not only can you visit the winery of California’s leading Pioneer, Robert Mondavi, but you can also try wines from the renowned To Kalon Vineyard, rated #1 in North America and #7 in the World! Pair your cabernet with a Vineyard to Table Lunch or a Legacy Dinner from Robert Mondavi’s critically acclaimed culinary team.
Santa Barbara County, California
When to travel: March through May or September through November
Known for: Chardonnay
If you consider yourself to be wine-curious, you’ll get an authentic experience full of diversity in the Santa Barbara wine country. From a buzzing downtown to the urban wine trail, you’ll have plenty to see, do and drink with dozens of tasting rooms and working wineries peppered throughout the city.
Santa Barbara has the climate and terroir that allows for balanced and lively chardonnays to thrive year after year. If you're looking for an unoaked chardonnay, we recommend visiting Foley Estates. This winery is home to world class chardonnay from Santa Rita Hills AVA in Santa Barbara. Enjoy a curated wine & cheese pairing, or bring your furry friend along with you for a picnic on the grounds.
Sonoma County, California
When to travel: May through October
Known for: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
There is no shortage of wineries to visit in Sonoma County. With over 425 wineries, there is a varietal to suit any taste. From small family-run wineries to some of the most renowned wineries, you’ll be sure to find something you love.
You’ll want to visit Kunde Family Winery known for their dark fruit flavored cabernet sauvignon wines. Kunde Family Winery boasts history and tradition — the vineyards on the land were planted in 1879, with cuttings of vines from the famous Chateau Margaux and Lafite Rothschild in Bordeaux, France.
For a light-to-medium body and alcohol with high acidity wine, the pinot noir at Patz & Hall winery is a must. One of California’s most esteemed limited-quantity producers, Patz & Hall offers a great selection of single-vineyard pinot noirs.
Don’t shy away from a white wine with herbaceous flavors when visiting Sonoma County. If you love a sauvignon blanc, visit Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery. Enjoy a reserve wine tasting in the Villa Salon, or a Sunday Wine & Brunch outside in Villa Fiore!
You may think of a chardonnay to have buttery notes, but if you’re looking for a full-bodied, unoaked chardonnay, a stop at Sonoma-Cutrer winery is a must. Not only can you enjoy amazing Sonoma County wine, but you can also try your hand at croquet on the lawns of the vineyard — doesn't this sound like the most perfect summer?
Walla Walla, Washington
When to travel: May through September
Known for: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
With over 30 wine tasting rooms within walking distance of award-winning restaurants and accommodations, shopping, and a rich and diverse arts scene you’re sure to find more to enjoy than just really good wine.
You’ll want to visit Three Rivers Winery known for their bold and full-bodied syrah wines. The Rivers Winery boasts amazing fruit from some of the best vineyards in Washington. Experience the essence of Walla Walla Valley at the winery overlooking the surrounding vineyards and views of Blue Mountain in the distance.
For a boisterous black cherry flavored wine, the merlot at L’Ecole No. 41 winery is a must. This unique winery is set in a historic French town schoolhouse. L’Ecole stands for “The School” — if you visit, you can sip wine amongst original chalkboards, light fixtures, fir floors and moldings in the tasting room.
And if you’re looking for your new favorite cabernet sauvignon, try out Seven Hills Winery. It is downtown Walla Walla’s only historic working winemaking facility. Enjoy a signature tasting, or taste through Seven Hills past, present and future with their library tasting.
Willamette Valley, Oregon
When to travel: June through September
Known for: Pinot Noir
Home to more than 500 wineries, the Willamette Valley is known for its world class pinot noir. Willamette Valley enjoys mild weather throughout the year with cool, wet winters and drier summer months marked by lots of sunshine during the day and cooler evenings – making for an ideal environment for growing earlier-ripening wines.
While you won’t run into a not-so-great pinot noir on your trip to Willamette Valley, we highly recommend visiting WillaKenzie Estate, known for their single vineyard collection of pinot noirs. Explore the estate on an ATV tour through the vineyards and get up close and personal with the single-block, limited-quantity pinot noir.
