Do you want to go wine tasting, but you’ve already visited all of the local wineries?
Dont worry – the United States has a lot to offer. If you enjoy wine, and want to incorporate it into your travels, you can plan your own wine tour through the United States. And trust us when we say there’s a lot to see and do.
In this article, we’ll share a list of the best wine destinations in the United States, beginning with the famous Napa Valley and moving on to the Central Coast of California, the Ohio River Valley, and the Columbia Valley of Washington, among others. Make sure to include at least some of them in your itinerary when planning your next trip abroud to the USA – you won’t be disappointed.
Napa Valley, California
Wine enthusiasts will definitely not want to miss out on a visit to the Napa Valley. This area is mainly known for its wineries, but it’s also known for its world-renowned restaurants and fantastic scenery. Napa has more than 375 wineries open for tastings within its boundaries, making it one of the most important wine regions in the country. In order to plan a comprehensive trip to Napa Valley, you can check the wine selection from Acker Wines from this region and identify the wineries you want to visit most.
Wine tasting is encouraged here, but you should also plan your stay in Napa Valley around some of the many annual events. This way, you’ll get to experience the rich culture of this region while enjoying some of its fine wines. For example, you can visit the valley during the Napa Valley Marathon in April or the Napa Valley Film Festival in March.
Central Coast, California
The Central Coast of California is another wine region that you shouldn’t miss. This area is home to more than a dozen American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) and hundreds of wineries and vineyards located along the coast. In addition to its vineyards, the Central Coast also offers a wide range of attractions, including lovely beaches, rugged mountain landscapes, and historic towns like Solvang in Santa Ynez Valley.
You can visit the Santa Barbara Wine Country, the Paso Robles Wine Country, or the Edna Valley Wine Country. All three areas are known for their vast number of wineries and outstanding wines. Plus, the scenery here is absolutely breathtaking.
Ohio River Valley, Kentucky
One of the lesser-known wine destinations in the country is the Ohio River Valley, which is located in Kentucky. Although you might not think about visiting this region for its wines, it does have some nice vineyards. For example, the Blackberry Farm Vineyards is one of the most famous wineries in this region, and it’s located on a working farm, making it a unique attraction.
There are even more vineyards in the Ohio River Valley – for example, A.R. Winery, Bardwell Winery, and many others are part of the Ohio River Valley Wine Trail and are all perfect if you want to get out of the hustle and bustle of big cities. This region is also noted for its ability to produce some of the nation’s finest late harvest, or “ice wines.”
Columbia Valley, Washington
The Columbia Valley, which is located in Washington, is also known for some of the best vineyards located near Walla Walla, which is where you’ll also find some of the best restaurants and hotels in this region.
Most vineyards in the Columbia Valley are located in the Walla Walla Valley, but there are also some great wineries in the Yakima Valley. You can visit them all if you plan your stay in the region long enough. For example, you can start your wine tour by tasting the award-winning wines from the Coyote Canyon Vineyard, driving to the Whitman Cellars Winery, and finishing it off with a stop at the Balcom & Moe Winery.
Palisade, Colorado
Last but not least, we have to mention the Palisade region of Colorado. Although this area is not as famous as the other wine destinations in the United States, it should definitely be on your list if you’re visiting Colorado. It offers an excellent selection of wineries, including the most notable ones, such as the Maison la Belle Vie Winery, the Hermosa Vineyards, and the Mesa Park Vineyards.
Moreover, you can plan your trip during the Colorado Mountain Winefest or visit some of the other wineries you’ll find on Palisade Wine Trail. They’re all excellent options if you want to enjoy the view of snow-covered mountains while tasting great wines.
Final Note
The United States has a lot to offer when it comes to wine tourism. It’s definitely not the first place that comes to mind when thinking about wine tourism, but there are some great places to visit if you want to enjoy the best American wines. If you want to explore the country’s best wine regions, don’t wait and start planning your next trip through the United States today. You won’t be disappointed!