Ten Best U.S. Cities For Wine Lovers

July 5, 2022
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Ten Best U.S. Cities For Wine Lovers

All 50 states in the United States produce wine, so you’re likely to be just a hop, skip, and cork pop from any of the numerous vineyards scattered throughout America. You don’t need to travel far to taste the best wines in the US, no matter how busy you are.

These are some of the best cities for wine lovers in the US.

10. Fredericksburg, Texas

The hill country of Texas is reminiscent of the central Italian wine-growing regions, earning it a place on our top ten list of best places to drink wine. Fredericksburg restaurants join forces with wineries to host unique events such as “Port and Pairings.” However, nearby wineries are also available for tastings upon request.

Explore: The Fredericksburg Wine Road 290 runs through the hill country and takes visitors to the area’s wineries. Fredericksburg is a delight, offering bed and breakfast, great restaurants, and a historic Main Street.

9. Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City is one of the most friendly cities in the country. Its wineries and restaurants offer food pairings, wine bars, and farm-to-table cuisine. On the Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas, grapes can be seen growing near Lake Michigan. Local favorites include Pinot Gris and Chardonnay.

Stay at Black Star Farms Winery’s luxury inn if you have the opportunity. It boasts stable, urban tasting areas, and a historic village and is a top-rated wine getaway.

8. Yakima, Washington

The Columbia River Valley wineries are located at the same latitude as the Burgundy and Bordeaux wine regions. They are known for their award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon. These vineyards receive more sunlight than Napa Valley during the growing season, which contributes to the intense flavor of the grapes.

Explore: Yakima is the best city for wine tours.

7. Anchorage, Alaska

Yes, really. Anchorage lies at the northern end of Alaska wine country. However, these wines are not generally grape wines. Alaska produces delicious berry wines such as strawberry, raspberry, and rhubarb. You will find wineries all over the peninsula, including Kodiak Island and southwest of Anchorage.

Explore: Anchorage is a great place to visit for wine lovers. Alaskan Berry Wine Tasting is a great reason to travel.

6. Augusta, Missouri

Although Augusta in Missouri, is a new name, it has earned a place as one of the best wineries in the country (along with Hermann). It is located west of St. Louis in the low hills around the Missouri River. Here are some of the best wines in the Midwest. “Historic Missouri Wine Country”, a visitor’s bureau, invites guests to bike, drive, or walk.

Explore: Look for a bed and breakfast that is cozy and then head to the Montelle Winery or Balducci’s Vineyard and Restaurant or Mount Pleasant Estates for a few sips.

5. Middleburg, Virginia

Loudoun County in Virginia is Washington D.C.’s most famous wine region. There are more than 40 wineries along country roads and tasting rooms. It is home to award-winning blends of Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc as well as Cabernet Sauvignon and a native Virginia wine called Norton. This makes it one of the best wine destinations.

Explore: The Loudoun Wine Trail has 40 wineries that are grouped in six clusters.

4. Geneva, New York

There are more than 100 wineries that grow Chardonnay and Riesling grapes in the Finger Lakes region. In the 1860s, native rootstock was grafted with European grapevines by the original owners of the vineyard to create a robust plant that could withstand the cold.

Explore: The Seneca Lake Wine Trail begins at Geneva’s north end and runs around the perimeter of more than 30 wineries that serve wine and mead. It’s worth it!

3. Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara is on the Pacific Coast. There are many wineries and tasting rooms in the downtown area that offer a wide range of California-grown wines. This makes it one of our top picks for the best wine cities. It has everything: the beach, cool California cuisine, and hip hotels.

Explore: Enjoy an urban wine tour to taste the wines from the Santa Ynez Valley, without ever leaving the city. There are more than 20 tasting rooms within walking distance from the beach.

2. Portland, Oregon

The Willamette Valley is number 2 on our list of top wine getaways. It has some of the most iconic wine tastings in Portland and surrounding areas, with more than 500 vineyards. It was named Wine Region of the Year 2016 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. This region is famous for its Pinot Noir, which is grown on lush hillsides under the Cascade Mountains. This vast and beautiful area stretches from Portland to Eugene, along Interstate 5.

Explore: This wine trail is a multi-day adventure that includes wine tastings, biking, hiking, and breathtaking beauty.

1. Sonoma, California

It is not surprising that California has two entries on this list. California produces 90% of domestic wines. Because of the cool ocean breezes from the Pacific, the Sonoma Valley region north of San Francisco produces the best Chardonnay grapes. These grapes are frequently “exported” to Napa Valley wineries in the south.

Explore: The Wine Road offers a tour of wineries located in the Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River valleys.