Love Wine? The Top Places to Get Amazing Wine
Many don’t realize wine is produced in all 50 states in the U.S. From small towns in Washington State and Idaho to the more well-known regions in the Napa Valley; wine lovers are never too far from a winery.
However, for the savvy wine connoisseur who wants to ensure they get the best of the best, learning about which wineries are known for quality wines and amazing flavors is important.
For those who related to that sentiment, the information here is going to prove extremely beneficial. Keep reading to learn more.
Hermann, Missouri
While Missouri may not be the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to great wine, it’s definitely a contender. Not only can visitors taste an array of amazing wines, but they can also sign up to tour the winery to get a first-hand look at how the wine is made.
This provides that “extra” that many wine lovers are looking for when trying out new types and flavors. Don’t let the unassuming city be deceiving; great wine is found here.
Asheville, North Carolina
The state of North Carolina is home to over 100 wineries, with over 20 of them in the mountains. The most prominent winery in this area is found at the well-known Biltmore Estate, which has been open since May of 1985.
While this is true, the Burntshirt Vineyards are also worth a visit, featuring a 10,440 square foot winery, along with a crush pad, and unique equipment to effectively de-stem the grapes.
Fredericksburg, Texas
In many ways, Texas hill country is very similar to the growing regions found in central Italy. Many restaurants in the area of Frederiksberg have joined up with various wineries to offer more unique events such as “Port and Pairings,” but local wineries also host private tastings with appointments.
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, California
Right now, the Santa Maria Valley is pretty hot. To begin with, the properties and cost of living in this area are more affordable than the properties in Napa. As a result, many up-and-coming, young winemakers are flocking to the area.
Also, the fruit is so amazing here that quite a few northern winemakers are going south to purchase the better-quality pinot grapes. The milder days and cooler evenings help the Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay grapes can reach their maximum potential.
Traverse City, Michigan
Touted as one of the friendliest cities in the entire country, the restaurants and wineries in Traverse City welcome visitors with an array of farm-to-table cuisine, wine bars, and food pairings. The grapes are grown nearby to Lake Michigan on the Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas.
Pinot Gris and Chardonnay are some local favorites in Traverse City.
Woodinville, Washington
Found in the heart of the Sammamish River Valley, this location makes the ideal trip for people in Seattle. Those who visit can spend a day relaxing at one of the over 100 wineries and the amazing tasting rooms found in this urban-esque area.
Finger Lakes, New York
Considered a popular tourist destination, Finger Lakes is found in Upstate New York and made up of 11 impressive lakes. While this is the case, the area is still known as a wine region best-known for the cool climate varietals such as ice wine, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.
A location also known for the breweries and amazing hard ciders, people visiting the region can tour the wine trails and pair the flavors with a selection of cheeses from the Finger Lakes Cheese Trail.
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Over 300 wineries can be found in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, and this region is the third-biggest wine grape producer in the U.S. Following the style and trends of Portland residents, over half of these wineries are considered dog-friendly, 13 are organic, and 19 biodynamic.
Located just a short drive from Portland, the Willamette Valley is best known for its award-winning wines, including Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Pinot. The majority of the wineries in the area are family owned and have small production volumes.
Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
Home to more than 24 wineries, this region is found tucked behind the Blue Ridge Mountains. While there are only six wine trails in the area, there’s also an impressive collection of natural wonders, college towns, and colonial hamlets within a few hours drive of Washington D.C.
The warmer growing season and fertile soil create the perfect environment for an abundance of varietals, such as Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Boise, Idaho
While many of the grapes in this region are imported from Washington State, Idaho is still ready to make its mark on the wine world. This is mainly attributed to the scrubby volcanic soil that offers superior drainage for the vinifera.
Approximately half of the state’s more than 50 wineries are found close to Boise, which is the Pacific Northwest’s third largest state. This makes the perfect day trip for anyone visiting the nearby area.
Texas Hill County, Texas
The expansive wine region in this part of Texas touches 23 different counties. It’s also the fourth biggest American Vinicultural Area in the entire United States.
While this area isn’t very well known outside of Texas, it still attracts more than five million visitors each year. Part of the reason for this is that it includes the larger and more popular cities of San Antonio and Austin, along with the historic town of Fredericksburg.
Some of the most popular flavors and varietals found here include Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each of these is popular in the region, and the wineries in this area that produce these varieties are growing, providing more experiences than ever before for those who visit this area of Texas.
Wine Tasting Paradise
When it comes to experiencing amazing wines from around the U.S., there are more than a few places to visit. Make sure to plan carefully to ensure that the best of the best locations are found and visited, as this is going to provide a great experience. – Travel Feeder