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Thu. Oct 3rd, 2024

Five US States with the Best Wineries According to a Sommelier

Five US States with the Best Wineries According to a Sommelier

vineyard at sunset in the Finger Lakes region of New York

California is not the only place in the US where you can visit vineyards. Bob Pool/Shutterstock

  • As a certified sommelier, I love visiting wineries across the United States.

  • The fact that California is on my list should come as no surprise, but other places are less obvious.

  • The Pacific Northwest states like Washington and Oregon have beautiful wine regions.

If you can’t afford to travel to Italy or France, there are many great wineries in the USA.

Believe it or not, grapes are grown in all 50 states—even in cold, snowy places like Alaska and Vermont, as well as in tropical regions like Florida and Hawaii.

I am a certified sommelier and there are five states that I always recommend if you are looking for the best wine, wineries and wine tastings

No wonder California rules.

sign for Napa Valley, Californiasign for Napa Valley, California

Napa Valley is probably the most popular wine region in the United States. Ritu Manoj Jethani/Shutterstock

No wonder California is at the top of my list.

Napa Valley offers something special for both cabernet-sauvignon lovers and those who enjoy luxury tastings. Key places to visit include Artesa Vineyards and Winery, Matthiasson Winesand Quintessa winery.

Sonoma has a more laid back atmosphere but equally good wine. My favorites in the region are Peay Vineyards and Chalk Hill Estate.

Paso Robles – Between Los Angeles and San Francisco — have recently made a splash by offering a wide range of tastings, from the casual (Thacher Winery and Tablas Creek) to the ultra-luxurious (Daou Vineyards or L’Aventure Winery).

Other famous wine regions in the Golden State include Lodi, which offers more sedate tastings, Santa Barbara, where you can sip wine on the beach, and Temecula, which offers additional unique experiences (including hot-air balloon rides).

Oregon’s wineries are also top-notch.

vineyard in willamette valley oregonvineyard in willamette valley oregon

The climate in Oregon’s wine regions is cooler. Bob Pool/Shutterstock

The expansive Willamette Valley begins just outside of Portland. It is a peaceful wine region with plenty of green landscapes and fresh air. Pacific Northwest air.

This area focuses on cooler climate chardonnay and pinot noir. Overall, the tasting rooms are more subdued and elegant.

CHO Wines, Abbey Road Farm Winery and Brooks Winery are wineries that offer a wide selection of wines.some of my favorite places to visit.

Be sure to check out the Rogue and Applegate Valleys in the southern part of the state. The climate is a bit warmer, so you’ll find more diverse styles of wine and wines made from a variety of different grapes.

My favourite places in this region are Troon Vineyard and Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, which generally have a relaxed, outdoor atmosphere.

If you’re already in the area, check out Washington.

columbia valley washington statecolumbia valley washington state

Most of Washington State’s vineyards are located in the Columbia Valley. Gary Gilardi/Shutterstock

The Columbia Valley, which covers more than a quarter of Washington state’s land area, is where most of the state’s wine is produced.

The hospitable wine region focuses on Bordeaux-style reds made from cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah (also known as shiraz) grapes grapes.

The Walla Walla and Red Mountain subregions emphasize quality. Additionally, proximity to the Columbia River Gorge, one of the most stunning landscapes in the state, is desirable.

Overall, Washington’s wine region is a versatile place to visit, with something for everyone. Must-visit tasting rooms include Three Rivers Winery, Frichette Winery, and Smak Wines.

Michigan is famous for its white wine production.

vineyard in traverse city michiganvineyard in traverse city michigan

You don’t have to leave the Midwest to find great wines. Dennis MacDonald/Shutterstock

Michigan may seem too cold to grow grapes, but the nearby Great Lakes moderate the temperatures in the northern part of the state.

Wine Coast Traverse (along The Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas are great places to start. Riesling reigns supreme here, and the views from this region make it one of the most visited places in the state.

Check out Brys Estates and Black Star Farms Old Mission. For a unique wine region experience, you can snowshoe through some of the vineyards in the winter.

In the southwest corner of the state Lake Michigan Shore The region is home to many small, family-owned wineries such as Cody Kresta Vineyard & Winery and Hickory Creek Winery.

New York is more than just a bustling city.

vineyard in the Finger Lakes region of New Yorkvineyard in the Finger Lakes region of New York

There are stunning vineyards along the Finger Lakes. Jim Schwabel/Shutterstock

Wine and peace are not the first things that come to mind when I think of New YorkHowever, the state’s Finger Lakes region is one of the most beautiful wine areas in the country.

The name comes from a collection of 11 lakes that look like long, skinny fingers on a map. The area has a very cool climate and is known for wines made from aromatic white grapes such as Riesling and Gewürztraminer, as well as red varieties such as Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir.

Standout wineries include Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard and Ravines Wine Cellars.

Read the original article on Business Insider

By meerna

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