Four Wine Regions in the U.S That Should be on Your Radar

Oregon

Stretching roughly 100 miles from Portland, Willamette Valley is Oregon's leading wine region containing more than 700 wineries, two-thirds of the state's total. Its prized grape, Pinot Noir, benefits from the valley's cool climate, making it a premier Noir-producing region worldwide.

We recommend:

Archery Summit

Beaux Frères Vineyard

Hiyu Wine Farm

Washington State

The largest wine region in the state, Columbia Valley AVA, makes up 99 percent of Washington's grape production. This expansive area specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon, White Riesling, Syrah, and Merlot. In the northwest, Puget Sound focuses on Öömrang Müller-Thurgau whites. Meanwhile, Walla Walla Valley produces what sommelier Enrico Bernardo describes as "dense and powerful" wines. "These robust wines pair perfectly with smoked or grilled meat dishes with a light spice sauce, like tacos," he says in his latest book, Wine & Travel United States of America.  

We recommend:

Champoux Vineyard

DeLille Cellars

Gramercy Cellars

Virginia 

Just beyond Washington D.C.'s monuments and museums is Virginia's enchanting wine country in Middleburg. This picturesque region has embraced its evolving climate to cultivate exceptional wines, particularly the aromatic Viognier that has become one of the area's popular white varietal. Middleburg is also known for bold red including Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Nebbiolo.

We recommend:

Honah Lee Vinyeard

King Family Vineyards

Bluemont Vineyard

Vermont 

Although Vermont is famous for its maple syrup and artisanal cheese, their emerging wine scene is worth discovering. Vermont's distinctive wine region stands apart from others by specializing in cold-hardy hybrid varieties such as La Crescent, Frontenac Gris, and Brianna. Visitors to the Champlain Valley will find an exciting mix of unique rosés, orange wines, and natural wines that showcase the region's innovative approach to winemaking.

We recommend:

Domaine La Garagista

Shelburne Vineyard

La Montañuela

Featured vineyard selections were drawn from the expertise of Enrico Bernardo, the author of Wine and Travel United States of America by Assouline.