There are 267 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) across 34 states, and many are within easy driving distance of major cities. These seven wine-centric spots offer something extra special for every oenophile.
LessBoise, Idaho is part of the Snake Rivier Valley AVA, home to about a dozen wineries and more than 1,000 acres (405 hectares) of vines. The region is especially famous for its syrah, viognier, and riesling grapes. Enjoy wine-tasting opportunities in downtown Boise at local wine bar Les Bois Wines and the SCORIA Vineyards tasting room. Or, visit nearby Garden City, where you’ll find top-notch wineries such as Telaya Wine Co., Par Terre Winery, Potter Wines, and Split Rail Winery.
Traverse City, Michigan has an incredible wine scene. That’s because it’s ideally situated between two AVAs—the Old Mission Peninsula (famous for its pinot grapes) and the Leelanau Peninsula (known for white varietals like riesling and chardonnay). This prime location means that you are in close proximity to around 40 different wineries, including Left Foot Charley and Mari Vineyards. Don’t forget to sample some sweet ice wine made from partially frozen grapes.
Sure, Sonoma and Napa are great, but they’re also packed with tourists. Those craving a more authentic, less crowded way to experience wine should check out Paso Robles, California instead. The Paso Robles Wine Country has 11 distinct viticultural areas and over 200 wineries, like the popular Eberle Winery. Not sure where to start? Consider a hop-on-hop-off winery tour, which allows you to visit up to five different wineries in the area.
Fredericksburg is conveniently located around an hour from San Antonio and two hours from Austin. This historic city, located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, is known for its chardonnay and chenin blanc grapes. While the surrounding area boasts more than 50 wineries, you don’t even need to leave Fredericksburg to indulge in a wine-filled afternoon. In the city’s downtown area, you’ll find over ten wineries and tasting rooms like Grape Creek on Main and Narrow Path.
Washington is the nation’s second-largest wine-producing state, and Walla Walla—which has over 120 wineries and 2,800 acres (1,133 hectares) of grapes—is one of the best places to sip. Here, you can savor wines such as cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, and malbec. Don’t skip town without visiting the Foundry Vineyards tasting room, where you can stroll the on-site sculpture garden, enjoy a picnic lunch, and bring along your pup.
Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains (about 90 minutes from Atlanta, GA), Dahlonega is famous for being the site of the first major gold rush in the 19th century. Today, it's famous for its cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, and merlot grapes. It's also home to a handful of wineries and tasting rooms. Embark on a guided wine hike at Montaluce Winery & Restaurant before enjoying a tasting at Frogtown Winery, which grows over 25 grape varieties across 23,000 acres (9,307 hectares).
Known as the nation’s horse and hunt capital, Middleburg, VA is a charming, brick-lined city in Loudoun County (about an hour’s drive from Washington, DC), which is famous for its viognier, cabernet franc, petit verdot, and norton grapes. Middleburg is home to some of the county’s best wineries, such as 50 West Vineyards and Boxwood Winery. Meanwhile, at the expansive, 128-acre (51.8-hectare) Greenhill Winery & Vineyards, enjoy mouthwatering mezze paired with a wide array of reds and whites.