You don't need to travel to France to spend the day touring beautiful wineries. Instead, take a step into your backyard and travel through some of the top noted US wine regions. The 4th largest wine producer in the world, every single state in the United States produces wine, with more than 3,000 vineyards selling everything from pinot noir to zinfandel. So where are the wine regions in the United States? Take a look at the map and hop in the car, it's time for an American wine road trip.
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The Top 10 US Wine Regions
According to USA Wine Ratings, these 10 states are the largest wine producers in America. All of these places are American viticultural areas (AVAs) which are designated wine-grape growing areas.
California
Napa Valley, Sonoma, Paso Robles, the Central Coast. With over 4,000 wineries, California is the capital of the wine industry in the United States. With unique soil and a long growing season, California is known for producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese, and Zinfandel grapes for winemaking. California wine can be found in pretty much every grocery store.
Washington
Known for Riesling, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Syrah produced in Walla Walla and Columbia Valley, Washington's 14 AVAs are unique and characteristic. My personal favorite Washington state wine is Chateau Ste. Michelle, which is known as Washington's oldest winery.
Oregon
Cooler in climate, Oregon varietals include Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Gamay. If you are in Oregon make sure to visit Willamette Valley and Snake River Valley.
New York
Home of the Finger Lakes region and the North Fork (which is in close proximity to the Hamptons), New York is home to East Coast winemaking. The upstate Finger Lakes region is known for Gewürztraminer and Riesling grape varieties.
Virginia
The area around Thomas Jefferson's Monticello home is the place for wine lovers to visit. With a 200 day growing season, this wine country has been up and running since the Colonial times.
Texas
Texas Hill Country wine region is the second-largest wine region in the country, spanning over 9 million acres. Grapes that come from this world-class AVA include Tempranillo, Syrah, Albarino, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel. The area is just beyond Austin.
Pennsylvania
Located between Lake Erie and the Atlantic Ocean, this state is home to over 120 wineries.
Ohio
Home to some of the most popular wineries during the 1800s, Ohio's wine industry took a huge hit during Prohibition.
Michigan
Nicknamed the "Napa of the Midwest," the moderate climate of the region helps grow complex wine grapes such as the Austrian Blaufrankisch. Stop by a tasting room while overlooking Lake Michigan.
Missouri
Settled by German Immigrants more than 100 years ago, the Missouri Rhineland is home to a wine trail and more than 90 different wineries as well as a state grape.
States with fewer wineries include Colorado, Arizona, and North Carolina.
