Ever since the release of Sideways, a movie which has become a cult classic among wine lovers, many now view the USA as a world-class destination for vineyard tourism.
From California to New York State, there are regions where wineries are clustered together to take advantage of favorable climates and fertile soil.
This guide will highlight the top ones so you can plan your holiday around what you consider to be the best wine region in the US.
Napa Valley – our best wine region in the US
California’s Napa Valley is one of the best-known wine regions in America. This fact has its share of upsides and downsides – the good news: you’ll have access to some of the finest wineries in the country, and restaurants lining the streets of places like Yountville and St. Helena serve amazing gourmet cuisine which pairs perfectly with local wines.
The bad news: every oenophile visiting the USA already knows about this place, and it is frequently visited by residents of the Bay Area. Still, we feel it is well worth braving the tourist crowds to sample some of the best vintages the Joesph Phelps and Mondavis of the world have to offer.
Willamette Valley
An excellent west coast alternative to Napa Valley close to the uber cool city of Portland, Oregon, the Willamette Valley is finally starting to get the recognition it deserves. Its pinot noirs put this place on the map, but it is this region’s natural beauty that will win you over.
With gently rolling hills, bucolic farms dotting the landscape, and a lazy river, you’ll get so wrapped up in the beautiful scenery you might miss some vineyards if you aren’t careful.
Snake River Valley
Looking to get away from all the pretense which defines a high profile wine region? Head to the Snake River Valley in Idaho, where a handful of vineyards are focusing on what truly matters: crafting vino that appeals to everyday people.
With dry, hot days with plenty of copious sunshine and cool nights during the growing season, grapes raised here produce wines that are fruity and well-balanced.
With plenty of incredible desert hills and mountain scenery to enjoy while you sip this area’s diverse varietals, it won’t be long before the secret is out on what some consider to be the best wine region in the US.
Texas Hill Country
Texas may not be the first state that comes to mind when one thinks about wine, but the vineyards in its Hill Country have produced vintages which have been served at state dinners at the White House over the years.
Like other things in the Lone Star State, the Hill Country wine region is large in scale, covering 15,000 square miles from San Antonio to Austin (home of the SXSW festival) to Dallas.
With 70 wineries, a Mediterranean climate which stays warm enough to make winter touring pleasant, and bluebonnet fields which burst into color during the spring, you’ll want to plan a road trip to properly explore this place.
Finger Lakes
Ask a sommelier in America what the best wine region in the US is and they’ll sing the praises of wines coming out of the Finger Lakes region in New York State.
With difficult climatic conditions, it is surprising this region was able to get started in the first place. With a mix of soils throughout the area, though, the Riesling wines produced here has garnered this region worldwide acclaim.
With over 200 vineyards situated around deep, scenic lakes, you’ll have plenty of amazing experiences to choose from here.
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