Global Viewpoint writes that the United States is the fourth highest wine-producing country globally, preceded (unsurprisingly) by Italy, France, and Spain. While California is known for some of the best grapes, other standout regions provide some pretty stiff competition and are home to some of the top wineries in the United States. Which ones are on this elite list?
Top Wineries in Napa
Napa Valley is the most famous wine region in the U.S., and Food & Wine writes that it’s nearly impossible to choose the top wineries in Napa. However, they made a valiant attempt and picked out 10 of their favorites. Their number one is Alpha Omega, known for single-vineyard, high-end Cabernet and high-priced tastings (some are $75 to $150). Domaine Carneros is more reasonable, with tastings starting at $40, and this French-themed winery also features incredible wine and food pairings.
Chateau Montelena has standout Chardonnays, Cabernets, and Zinfandels, and it is housed in a 19th-century chateau. There’s also Beaulieu Vineyard, which is one of Napa Valley’s oldest wine producers. They offer a Cabernet Collector Tasting for $55. Long Meadow Ranch boasts a spectacular location in the Mayacamas Mountains close to St. Helena, and it also has the lovely Farmstead Restaurant.
Oregon Wineries
Moving north to Oregon, Trafalgar chooses Kramer Vineyards in Willamette Valley. This family winery has been around for three decades and produces excellent Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Chardonnay. Reader’s Digest claims that the Adelsheim Vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains is one of the top 25 in the United States. It’s been there for 50 years, has incredible Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and has a LIVE-certified sustainable winery and a private wine cabana.
The Abacela Winery in Southern Oregon’s Umpqua Valley has indoor and outdoor tastings, delicious food pairings, and an outstanding selection of Grenache, Tempranillo, Syrah, and Malbec. Culture Trip puts Bella Vida winery at the top of their list of favorite Oregon wineries and has good things to say about the views from the tasting deck, Riesling, and Pinot Gris. They also claim that Willamette Valley Vineyards is one of America’s great Pinot Noir producers.
Other Top U.S. Wineries
Wine Country explains that the top seven wine regions in the U.S. are Sonoma County, CA; Texas Hill Country, TX; Walla Walla, WA; Edna Valley, CA; Northern & Central VA; and Snake River Valley, ID. This list doesn’t include New York wineries like Finger Lakes or other smaller areas that are well worth visiting. Trafalgar chose the Vineland Estates Winery in Niagara Falls, NY, as their second-best winery; it’s family-owned and has a building dating back to the 1840s. They also mention the Colterris Winery in Palisade, CO; you can check out the fantastic view and the Merlot, Cab, and Bordeaux varietals.
Located on Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes, Red Newt Cellar has a reputation for its outstanding Riesling and their custom six-ounce tadpole wine tasting bottles. If you’re in Virginia, you should visit Chrysalis Vineyards in Middleburg. They even have an on-site, European-style creamery so that you can enjoy fresh cheese with your tastings; this winery is also female-owned and has tastings every day of the week.
No listing of the top wineries in the U.S. can leave top Sonoma wineries out of the mix, and one of the finest is the Scribe Winery. Two brothers run it, and two of their most highly sought-after wines are their Pétillant Naturel and 2020 Chardonnay. Trafalgar’s number one choice for this region is the Jacuzzi Family Vineyards. They produce delicious California and Italian varietals, and the tastings average around $30 to $40.