Discover 12 of America’s lesser-known wine regions

Not long ago, the renowned Napa and Sonoma valleys attracted only a small, quirky group of tourists. Everything changed with the iconic Judgment of Paris in 1976, where two Napa wineries triumphed over some of France's top vintners in a blind tasting, establishing Northern California as a premier wine destination.

Napa and Sonoma are now bustling with esteemed wineries and tasting rooms — many with high fees and requiring reservations well in advance — along with upscale farm-to-table dining, luxury spa resorts, and other hallmarks of high-end tourism. Other mainly West Coast AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) have gained international recognition for wine tourism, including Oregon's Willamette Valley, Washington's Walla Walla and Yakima valleys, as well as several regions in California like Mendocino, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara, notably popularized by the film "Sideways" (2004).

Today, wineries can be found in all 50 states, and while the aforementioned regions often grab the spotlight and accolades from reputable sources like Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast, impressive winemaking hubs are also emerging in New York, Michigan, Texas, and many other unexpected areas across the nation that have flourished in just a few decades.

Venture into these 12 remarkable yet relatively hidden wine regions throughout the United States, where you can not only sample exquisite wines but also enjoy stunning landscapes and discover charming places to dine and relax.

California's Gold Country

Encompassing a vibrant collection of mountain towns across nine counties, California's Gold Country was once the destination for hopeful prospectors during the legendary 1849 gold rush. Today, it boasts some of the most breathtaking alpine views in the state and renowned wineries in the Eastern Sierras. The star of the show is zinfandel, a rich, dark wine produced from ancient, twisted vines that thrive on the sunlit slopes of Amador and El Dorado counties. Additionally, Calaveras County excels in Italian and Spanish varietals like nebbiolo, tempranillo, and barbera.

In the charming towns of Sutter Creek and Plymouth, top zinfandel producers include Cooper Vineyards, Turley (which also features a popular tasting room in Paso Robles), and Sobon Estate Wine Company — be sure to try their outstanding petite sirah. Around the Sierra Nevada foothills town of Murphys, don't miss Twisted Oak Winery, celebrated for its robust Rioja-style blend called The Spaniard, and Ironstone Vineyards, a beautiful venue surrounded by vibrant gardens, hosting events from movies on the lawn to live music performances.

The Columbia Gorge, Oregon and Washington

As you drive from Portland through the breathtaking Columbia Gorge, an 80-mile stretch bordered by towering 4,500-foot cliffs, you’ll notice a shift to a drier climate as you reach the eastern end, near the friendly towns of Hood River in Oregon and the charmingly small Underwood in Washington. This marks the beginning of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most enchanting yet still relatively hidden wine regions. The Columbia Gorge AVA is remarkable for its diversity: Cooler-climate varieties like pinot noir, gewurztraminer, and gruner veltliner flourish in the rainier hilly vineyards, while further east, in the villages of Lyle, Mosier, and Wishram, sun-loving malbec, sangiovese, and even zinfandel gain notable recognition.

In this two-state region, home to around 50 wineries, you'll also find delicious stone fruits like pears, apples, cherries, and peaches. On the Washington side, Savage Grace and Syncline craft intricate wines with devoted fanbases, while Maryhill stands out for its stunning clifftop location and expansive indoor and outdoor tasting areas. In Oregon, don’t miss the 35-mile Fruit Loop, where excellent wineries like Marchesi Vineyards (famous for its Italian varietals) and Stave & Stone lie nestled beneath the majestic snow-capped 11,249-foot peak of Mount Hood.

Colorado's Western Slope

In the far western part of Colorado, just under 100 miles past the ski resorts and hot springs that connect Aspen and Glenwood Springs, lies a fertile valley renowned for its exceptional pear, peach, and apricot orchards. This area, stretching from Palisade to Grand Junction, is home to one of America's fastest-growing wine regions. More than 30 vintners thrive in this sun-drenched corridor, with elevations ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 feet, predominantly producing bold Bordeaux varieties like merlot and cabernet sauvignon.

Top spots for tastings in the Grand Valley AVA include Two Rivers Winery and Chateau, which offers charming overnight accommodations in a 10-room country French inn, and Colterris, where the sunlit tasting room is enveloped by peach orchards, vineyards, and fields of lavender. While you’re in the vicinity, don’t miss the chance to drive along the breathtaking Rim Rock Drive, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps through the stunning Colorado National Monument in the 1930s.

The Finger Lakes, New York

Located in central-western New York State, this 9,000-square-mile area, famous for its charming B&Bs and lakeside lodges, is characterized by 11 glacially formed lakes that resemble slender fingers. The Finger Lakes AVA began gaining recognition for its winemaking abilities in the 1980s and now boasts around 130 vineyards, primarily focusing on aromatic cool-climate grapes like riesling, gewurztraminer, and cabernet franc, as well as less common varietals in the U.S. such as zweigelt, lemberger, and seyval. This region is arguably the most esteemed wine area in the nation outside of the West Coast, according to wine critics.

For a taste of exceptional wineries — including Anthony Road Wine Company, Keuka Spring Vineyards, and the pioneering Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery — take a scenic drive along the western shore of Seneca Lake, then pass through Penn Yan to continue along the west side of Keuka Lake. Afterward, explore the eastern shore of Seneca Lake to discover renowned producers like Red Newt Cellars, Atwater Winery, and Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, plus top-notch whiskies and grappa at Finger Lakes Distilling. Don't miss the stunning contemporary and historical glass art at the Corning Museum of Glass, the awe-inspiring 400-foot-deep gorge and waterfall-laden trails of Watkins Glen State Park, and the lively bar and restaurant scenes in picturesque Ithaca, home to both Ithaca College and Cornell University.

Lake Chelan, Washington 

On the eastern slope of the evergreen-draped Cascade Range, a pleasant 50-mile drive north from the charming Bavarian-style town of Leavenworth leads you to the Lake Chelan AVA, an emerging winemaking region in a state already renowned for its Yakima Valley and Walla Walla wines. Before its winery renaissance in recent decades, this sunny area was primarily known for its stunning 50.5-mile-long fjord-like lake, which, at 1,453 feet deep, ranks as the third deepest freshwater lake in the U.S. It’s a haven for hiking, boating, fishing, and various thrilling outdoor activities.

The vibrant winery scene has flourished on both shores of the southeastern end of this winding, narrow lake. Over 40 producers now offer a diverse range of wine styles, with the cooler climate particularly favoring riesling and gewurztraminer. Spend some time on the southern shore at Karma Vineyards and Tsillan Cellars (which features an excellent Italian restaurant), where you can soak in the stunning views of the lake and mountains. Notable spots across the lake include Hard Row to Hoe, known for its playful bordello-inspired decor, and Vin Du Lac Winery, perched high on a bluff overlooking breathtaking scenery, serving delicious farm-to-table Pacific Northwest cuisine in its lively bistro.

Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, California 

Stretching over 60 miles from the charming yet laid-back Carmel Valley in Monterey County, up around the scenic Monterey Bay, to the breezy Corralitos Wine Trail in Santa Cruz County, California's upper Central Coast often flies under the radar compared to the more popular Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara further south. However, you could easily spend an entire week indulging in world-class wines in this region, boasting numerous options celebrated by Wine Spectator. The area's hilly landscapes and sandy loam soils, coupled with warm, sunlit days tempered by refreshing maritime breezes, create ideal conditions for grape growing.

Star varieties in this region include exceptional pinot noirs that rival those from coastal Sonoma and Santa Barbara, particularly from the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA in Monterey County. Here, vintners like Hahn Estate, Scheid Vineyards, and Wrath Wines craft outstanding wines against the backdrop of the eerie caverns and rugged peaks of Pinnacles National Park. In the picturesque seaside town of Aptos, located in the foothills of Santa Cruz County, enjoy a glass of chardonnay while playing bocce at Storrs Winery, then savor the unique gruner veltliner and elegant pinot noirs at Alfaro Family Vineyards.

Monticello, Virginia

Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the passionate francophile and third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, began cultivating grapevines and crafting wine at his elegant estate, Monticello, in 1773. This venture laid the groundwork for what is now considered one of America's earliest wine regions. The Monticello AVA currently hosts around 35 wineries, nestled within the picturesque hills of five central Virginia counties, and is renowned for producing some of the state's finest wines. Surprisingly, Virginia ranks sixth in the nation for the number of wineries, boasting around 300 establishments.

The temperate climate and extended growing season along the Monticello Wine Trail support a diverse range of grape varieties, with leading selections including cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, and viognier. At Jefferson's impressive Monticello estate, guests can savor award-winning Meritage and petit verdot at Jefferson Vineyards, which also hosts a summer concert series called Music at the Vineyard. Additional must-visit spots for wine tasting in this charming area, located just 120 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., include Blenheim Vineyards, Keswick Vineyards, and Barboursville Vineyards. At the trail's western end in Afton, just east of where the Blue Ridge Parkway meets Shenandoah National Park's Skyline Drive, visitors can enjoy delightful wines on the patio at Veritas Vineyards and Winery.

North-Central Rio Grande Valley, New Mexico 

Thanks to its semiarid climate and high elevations, where hot days transition to cool evenings, the series of north-south mountain ranges forming the backbone of central New Mexico is perfect for growing wine grapes. In the southern regions around Las Cruces and Deming, you'll discover excellent wineries like D.H. Lescombes Winery (with additional locations in Albuquerque and Santa Fe) and Luna Rossa Winery. However, the most prestigious producers are found in the North-Central Rio Grande Valley, extending from Albuquerque through Santa Fe and up to Taos—home to some of the highest vineyards in North America.

The most renowned winery in the region, and the state, is Gruet, which originated in France and now produces over 80,000 bottles of Champagne-style sparkling wines each year. You can taste these acclaimed bubbles at the Gruet tasting room in Albuquerque or at the historic Hotel St. Francis in Santa Fe. At Casa Rondena Winery, a Tuscan-inspired venue in Albuquerque's lush Los Ranchos de Albuquerque district, enjoy the exquisite viognier and a delightful tempranillo-syrah-cabernet sauvignon blend on the stylish terrace, followed by dinner at the celebrated Los Poblanos Inn and Organic Farm nearby. Further north, in quaint villages along the Rio Grande south of Taos, stop by Black Mesa Winery or Vivac Winery, which also features a boutique chocolatier, Chocolates Ek.Chuah.

North Fork Long Island, New York

At its eastern tip, about a two-hour drive from Manhattan, Long Island divides into two sections: the trendy South Fork, known for the Hamptons and the Atlantic Ocean, and the slender, fertile North Fork, which boasts a celebrated wine region bordering Long Island Sound. Once dominated by potato farms, the lush North Fork of Long Island AVA benefits from a climate influenced by maritime breezes. It started attracting winemakers in the 1980s and now hosts over 40 vintners, with predominant varietals including merlot, cabernet franc, and cabernet sauvignon, echoing the terroir of Bordeaux in France. Noteworthy tasting locations include Lenz Winery, a pioneer in the area with tastings held in a charming old barn; Macari Vineyards, where crisp sauvignon blanc is best savored on the spacious deck; and Osprey's Dominion, which offers a limited snack menu and uniquely encourages guests to bring their own picnic food to enjoy on the beautiful grounds.

Scattered throughout the North Fork are a handful of charming B&Bs and eateries, particularly in Greenport, a quaint former whaling town boasting a lovely waterfront and a relaxed atmosphere. This is also where you can hop on Long Island Rail Road trains heading into New York City.

The Rogue Valley, Oregon 

You may already be familiar with the lush Willamette Valley in northwestern Oregon, especially if you appreciate the elegant, earthy pinot noirs for which this renowned AVA is celebrated. However, about 150 miles to the south lies the rising star of Rogue Valley Wine Country, stretching from the relaxed fishing community of Grants Pass, southwest through the historic gold rush town of Jacksonville, to the vibrant college town of Ashland, home to the esteemed Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Nearly 35 wineries thrive in this expansive, sun-drenched area, ideal for cultivating robust cabernet sauvignons, merlots, syrahs, viogniers, and chardonnays.

In this laid-back valley—despite its impressive culinary scene—numerous tasting rooms are flourishing. Del Rio Vineyard Estate, Kriselle Cellars, and Irvine & Roberts, a unique Southern Oregon producer of exceptional pinot noirs, are all fantastic options. Within a sub-AVA that features around 20 remarkable tasting rooms, Applegate Valley offers a mostly undeveloped stretch of farmland sliced by a tributary of the Rogue River. Don’t miss Wooldridge Creek Winery, known for its exquisite goat cheese, and Red Lily Vineyards, popular for its Spanish-style tempranillo and verdejo, along with a lively summer concert series. Remember, the Rogue Valley serves as the southwestern gateway to Crater Lake National Park, located approximately 75 miles away.

Texas Hill Country 

Spanning an aptly named 31,000-square-mile area (roughly the size of South Carolina) of semiarid valleys and limestone and granite formations between Austin and San Antonio, Texas Hill Country stands as the premier wine region in the Lone Star State. It's also a hugely popular weekend getaway spot, offering rugged hiking trails, cozy inns, sprawling ranches, and picturesque small towns. Known for its peach, pecan, and various fruit farms, Fredericksburg serves as the heart of the wine culture in the region—home to nearly half of the area's more than 100 wineries, some located downtown and others accessible via scenic drives through the hilly terrain.

Among the wineries that feature stunning architecture, breathtaking landscapes, and exceptional wines are Augusta Vin, with 60 acres of vineyards cascading toward the Pedernales River; Becker Vineyards, a regional pioneer boasting fragrant lavender fields and tastings in a replica German stone barn; and Grape Creek, which serves classic old-world wines in an elegant Tuscan-style structure and its crisp methode champenoise sparkling wines (under the sister brand name Heath Sparkling Wines) next door.

Traverse City, Michigan

While respected wineries are plentiful throughout the Great Lakes, many, like those in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Prince Edward County in Ontario, are situated on the Canadian side. However, this stunning resort region anchored by Traverse City, Michigan, renowned for its tart-sweet cherries, has become the most acclaimed wine country on the U.S. side. Approximately 50 vintners thrive in this gently rolling area along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, primarily located on two peninsulas that benefit from the lake's moderating breezes.

The narrower of the two, Old Mission Peninsula, stretches about 20 miles north and hosts well-loved wineries such as Bonobo—owned by HGTV star Carter Oosterhouse and actress Amy Smart—and the long-established Chateau Grand Traverse. On the larger Leelanau Peninsula, where the breathtaking Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore dominates the western end, visit Shady Lane Cellars for their excellent French oak barrel-aged cabernet franc. With sites on both peninsulas, Black Star Farms Winery has earned acclaim for its rieslings, pinot noirs, and European-style brandies, with a beautiful bistro and cozy country inn at the Suttons Bay location. Traverse City itself (population 16,000) boasts a vibrant culinary scene, romantic hotels, trendy shops, and lovely beaches and marinas. The National Cherry Festival in early July is a particularly popular time to visit.