Looking to plan a wine tasting trip but have already been to Napa or Sonoma Valley? Or perhaps just looking for something a little closer to home? There is an abundance of options around the United States just waiting for wine lovers to come explore and fall in love.
U.S. wines are all about innovation with a subtle nod to old world style tradition. Below are just some of the many areas you can visit to see that innovation first hand.
Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula
Home to 24 local wineries total, this region is making some good cold climate wines. Within the area, you can choose among following three different wine trails–the Sleeping Bear Loop, the Northern Loop and the Grand Traverse Bay Loop. The region is well known for its Rieslings and is one of the regions where you can find ice wine.
Virginia’s Monticello
This region got its start during the days of Thomas Jefferson. A wine lover, Jefferson has inspired the wine making process of the now 30 wineries in the area. With those years of practice, trying the award-winning Viognier is recommended.
Texas’s Hill Country
This is a region where new world meets old world style, making it very different from the wines you will get in California. Hill Country has 46 wineries, each with its own style and personality. They are making excellent Merlots and Rousannes.
Oregon’s Columbia Gorge
Due to the higher precipitation and diverse growing conditions in this region, they are able to make sparkling wines and a wide variety of traditional wines. This region is made up of 30 wineries located in a 40 mile radius. Wine enthusiasts will want to try the Sauvignon Samillion and Barbera.
New York’s Hudson Valley
A trip here promises some unique and less well known wines as well as beautiful views on the journey. The wineries here make everything from classic European wines to regional hybrids and even fruit wines. There are 20 wineries operating in Hudson Valley, each bringing something different to the tasting table. In particular, try the Rieslings from the Finger Lakes region.
Colorado’s Palisade region
Rent a bicycle and enjoy a beautiful day traveling to the wineries located in close proximity to each other. An unusual choice for a winery visit, Palisade’s is Colorado’s fruit capital and the growing conditions that make that possible are also perfect for wine grapes as well. The region makes fruit wines, Cabernet Francs and Chardonnays. If traveling with someone less enthusiastic about wine, the area also has a distillery and brewery.
California’s Paso Robles
With more than 200 wineries located on California’s Central Coast, it’s hard to go wrong when planning a tour. The region has adopted a laid back approach to making wine and is very friendly. Many of the wineries here are growing the zinfandel grape. Make sure to try the excellent red blends that come from this region.
There are many regions around the country pursuing innovative and excellent wines. Each region brings something different in the grapes they grow, their growing conditions and their approach to wine making. Visiting each of these regions will result in a unique experience combining wine and beautiful scenery.