Recently updated on July 19th, 2023 at 10:13 am
Picture this: Rolling green vineyards, elegant chateaus and historic homesteads, and superb wines expertly paired with fine food. It might sound like Tuscany or Bordeaux, but you can find all this in the United States! From the sun-drenched valleys of northern California to the cool-climate varieties of the Niagara Escarpment, not to mention the hidden gems like Palisade in Colorado, the USA definitely holds its own when it comes to grapes. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or can’t tell the difference between a Chardonnay and a Shiraz, a wine tasting trip is always a good idea. Here are 9 of our favourite wineries to visit in the USA. Cheers!
1. Jacuzzi Family Vineyards (Sonoma Valley, California)
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Get a taste of Tuscany in Northern California’s original wine country at the Jacuzzi Family Vineyards. Set in the stunning Sonoma Valley, Jacuzzi was opened by Fred Cline in 2007. But their history goes all the way back to 1907 when his grandfather, Valeriano Jacuzzi, first arrived in the USA.
The story goes he moved his family to Northern California and bought a 161-acre farm in Contra Costa County. He began planting the open farm fields with grapes and applied for a licence to make wine in 1936.
Since passing on his magic touch, the family produces dozens of Italian and California varietals from Prosecco to Pinot Noir! If you’d like to sample the goods, join our USA trip for a special tour and wine tasting.Â
GET INSPIRED BY: Western Discoverer
2. Vineland Estates Winery (Niagara Falls, New York State)
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The mighty Niagara Falls isn’t the only thing worth seeing when you visit the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. We’ll take you to the Vineland Estates Winery, one of our favourite wineries to visit in the USA. It’s a local family-owned winery offering up fine vintages like their famous Riesling. They also pair it with some of the best regional food!
You can learn how to pair fine wine and food in the restored historic buildings. The oldest is a former Mennonite homestead that dates all the way back to the 1840s. Even better, it’s all backed up with spectacular views of the Niagara Escarpment, and rolling green vineyards overlooking Lake Ontario.Â
GET INSPIRED BY: East Coast USA & Canada
3. Folktale Winery (Carmel Valley, California)
Step into a wine fairytale at Folktale Winery, set on a magical patch of land in sunny Carmel Valley. The scenery is gorgeous, the buildings are enchanting and their wines are full of imagination.
Their famous Chardonnay has notes of soft melon, apple, lemon, apricot and kiwifruit. If you’re looking for something a little richer, try the Pinot Noir. With notes of violet, rose, chocolate and spice, it’s been likened to a decadent red velvet cake. It all sounds like a wine lover’s dream!
4. Kramer Vineyards (Willamette Valley, Oregon)
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California isn’t the only western state with some serious winemaking clout. We’ll take you to the beautiful Willamette Valley, Oregon’s green and gold wine country, home to some of the best wineries to visit in the USA. Enjoy an exclusive ‘Be My Guest’ gourmet lunch at Kramer Vineyards, all washed down with the region’s signature Pinot Noir.
Kramer Vineyards has been in the family for two generations and they’ve been growing superb wine for over 30 years, with fine drops of Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris and more.
GET INSPIRED BY: California high country adventure
5. Chateau Montelena (Napa Valley, California)
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Ever wanted to go wine tasting in a castle? Head to Chateau Montelena, one of the most renowned wineries in the Napa Valley. The winery was founded in 1888 and you’ll find a grand Gothic castle complete with stone walls and arched doors. Wander the grounds and you’ll even find a tranquil Chinese garden and lake.
Plus don’t forget the rolling green vineyards that reach all the way to the base of Mount St. Helena. If there’s one thing better than the views at Chateau Montelena, it’s their world-class vintages. Sip a glass of Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc or Cabernet Sauvignon, and soak it all in.
GET INSPIRED BY: Northern California
6. Colterris Winery (Palisade, Colorado)
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Venture inland into Colorado, and you’ll be rewarded with a wine oasis smack dab in the middle of the desert. We’ll take you for an exclusive ‘Be My Guest’ lunch at the Colterris Winery in Palisade, one of our favourite wineries to visit in the USA. Prepare for magical flavours like peach, cherries, lavender and lovingly blended estate-grown wines.
Be sure to sample their fantastic Bordeaux varietals, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. You’ll raise a glass all while overlooking the spectacular foothills of the Grand Mesa and the mighty Colorado River. Perfection!Â
GET INSPIRED BY: Welcome to Colorado
7. Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery (Dry Creek Valley, California)
Looking for a lavish, Italian-style wine experience in the United States? It’s got to be the Ferrari-Carano Winery, set in the Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma. Founded by Don and Rhonda Carano over 30 years ago, the winery is home to elegant gardens and stunning views.
There’s also the stylish Villa Fiore where you can enjoy wine tastings and food and wine pairings. Raise a glass of their award-winning rosé, or try out their other wines. You’ll love the classic Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon, the Italian Pinot Grigio and their Russian River Chardonnay.
8. Eberle Winery (Paso Robles, California)
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The Napa and Sonoma Valleys are famed for their California wines but they shouldn’t get all the credit. Paso Robles is a northern California city that also produces fantastic wines and olives. Located three hours north of Santa Barbara, we’ll take you to one of the region’s best, Eberle Winery.
Eberle has been producing wines for over 40 years, and it all began with the 1979 Cabernet Sauvignon. You can sample that and more in their charming tasting rooms or overlooking the sprawling green vineyards.
9. Chateau St. Jean (Sonoma Valley, California)
Want the views to match the vintage? Head to Chateau St. Jean in the Sonoma Valley, one of the most beautiful wineries near San Francisco. Here you’ll find a 1920s European-style chateau sits amongst a manicured lawn with French-inspired formal gardens and towering palm trees. It all feels quite enchanting and you can enjoy wine tastings and even a unique wine-themed escape room!Â
What are the top wineries in the USA on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments below!