A Taste of America: Top Rated Wineries Across the U.S.
When you think about top-rated wineries in the U.S., do you immediately think of California wines? If so, you aren’t alone. Nearly 85% of American wine is made in California, per the National Association of American Wines. Each year,42 million tourists visit California wineries.
To avoid the crowd, visit one of America’s other emerging wine regions. Not only will you get to taste the next big thing and meet the people who make the wine. Virginia, New York, Michigan, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon each have their own top rated wineries.
Visiting these wineries gives you a chance to try new wines in a beautiful setting. Even if you don’t drink wine, you get a chance to see agriculture in action. Vineyards guests often can hike portions of the property and go to special events like concerts.
Good wine starts with good grapes. A skilled winemaker uses techniques perfected over centuries to get the best out of those grapes. Wine grapes are finicky, requiring specific environments. If you think of the Three Bears, the grapes would be Goldilocks. Each type of grape needs a special microclimate with the right balance of sun, water, and nutrients. American wine grapes grow in regions called “AVA” which stands for an American Viticultural Area.
Each bottle of wine tells the story of the land, the fruit, and the people who made it. Visiting a tasting room gives you the chance to experience these stories. The best winery creates a unique story using the grapes and the land. Each of the award-winning wineries has its own story to tell.
1. Barboursville Vineyards in Charlottesville, Virginia
17655 Winery Rd, Barboursville, Virginia 22923
Charlottesville is part of the Monticello AVA. As the name suggests, its roots go back to when Thomas Jefferson planted some of the first grapes. He had hopes of founding a legacy of American wine at Monticello. More recently, Wine Enthusiast named this AVA the 2023 “Wine Region of the Year.”
The grapes that grow well define the AVA and the best wines made. Monticello AVA is an ideal place to grow grapes like Cabernet Franc, Viognier, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, and Merlot.
The hot Virginia summers and long, warm days and nights allow these grapes to reach high sugar concentrations and develop full-bodied, complex flavors. But gaps between the Blue Ridge Mountains create "rivers of cool air" that protect the grapes from getting too hot.
Just outside of Charlottesville, Barboursville Vineyards is a frequent winner of the Virginia Governor’s Cup. This winery also has a unique place in the region’s wine industry. The family that founded it in 1976 has roots in Italian winemaking culture going back to 1821. Their Meritage Blend Octagon is one of the best-known red wines in the area. While you are there, be sure to try the Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve and Brut Rosé Cuvée.
When visiting the Monticello AVA, book your accommodations with our partner Stay Charlottesville. Whether you prefer to stay in a downtown condo or a ranch estate with a private pool, you will enjoy the luxurious accommodations.
2. Weis Vineyards in Finger Lakes, New York
10014 Day Road, Hammondsport, New York 14840
The Finger Lakes currently has four recognized AVAs. The grape-growing environment is different from Charlottesville, Virginia. Finger Lakes, New York, has cold winters, contrasted with hot summers and a short growing season. As a cooler-climate growing region, it produces delicious Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc. The area is also well known for its version of sparkling wine, including Champagne-style blends with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.
Weis Vineyards won the New York Classic’s “Winery of the Year” in 2022, 2024, and 2025. With its location near the Keuka Lake shores, visitors enjoy the area’s natural scenery as well as refreshing wines. Be sure to try their Riesling, unoaked Chardonnay, or Dry Rosé while you visit.
When visiting the Finger Lakes, our partner Linger Hospitality provides vacation rentals that will elevate your visit to wine country. Imagine relaxing at a private lake house or villa with a hot tub and lake view.
3. Verterra Winery in Traverse Wine Coast, Michigan
103 East River Street, Leland, Michigan 49654
Some refer to Michigan’s Traverse Wine Coast as the “Napa of the Midwest.” The state of Michigan has five AVAs, but more than half of the wine grapes are grown in northern Michigan’s Traverse Wine Coast. The region is best known for white, sparkling, and rosé wines. Ancient glacial activity enriched the area’s soil with minerals. The rolling hills and Lake Michigan shoreline form an ideal growing climate for Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Gris grapes.
Verterra Winery won the Rose' category of the 2025 Taste Michigan’s Governor Cup, and the previous version won the 2024 cup as well. Verterra claims to be the first Michigan vineyard to make French-style dry rosé. Its recognition goes beyond the home state. Verterra has won national awards too, including Best of Class in the San Francisco Chronicle International wine competition. In addition to the rosé, be sure to taste Verterra’s Pinot Blanc, Chaos Sparkler, or Reserve Red Cab and Merlot blend.
Our partner Juniper Holiday + Home has a Stevensville Dunegrass Path rental home that’s just a two to three-hour drive (140 miles) from Verterra Winery. With a private lakeshore beach and indoor sauna, Dunegrass Path is well worth the drive.
4. Parma Ridge Winery & Bistro in Snake River, Idaho
24509 Rudd Road, Parma, Idaho 83660
The Snake River Valley is Idaho's largest wine region, but it’s a newcomer to the scene compared to some of the other wine growing regions since it officially became an AVA in 2007. This region is mainly in southwestern Idaho, with a portion extending into Eastern Oregon.
The volcanic soil and high desert climate allow Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon to thrive. The warmth creates a balance between acid and sugar. They also produce white wines like dry Gewürztraminer.
Parma Ridge Winery & Bistro is a multiple award-winning winery ranked Best in Show for their Dry Gewürztraminer in the 2025 Idaho Wine & Cider Competition. Other wines to try include their Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. In addition to traditional wine, Parma Ridge also makes cherry fruit wine. If you want to enjoy a meal with your wine, check out the on-site bistro for entrees like Storm’s Famous smoked and seared salmon or hand-cut filet mignon.
5. Echolands Winery in Walla Walla Valley, Washington
3281 Mill Creek Road, Walla Walla, Washington 99362
Washington State’s Walla Walla Valley is in the southeastern corner of the state, but extends partially into northeastern Oregon. The warm, dry climate makes it an ideal home for rich red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec.
Echolands Winery won the Platinum Award from the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards, making it the highest ranking Washington winery in the competition and one of the top three in the U.S.A. If you visit, be sure to try the Cabernet Franc that won over Decanter’s judges. Other notable options include Walla Walla Grenache and Syrah Les Collines Vineyard.
When you visit Echolands Winery, you may notice the airy modern design. You can bathe in natural light even when sitting inside. During harvest season, you can watch the action while you taste.
6. Abbot Claim in Willamette Valley, Oregon
11011 NE Bayliss Rd Carlton, Oregon 97111, USA
The Willamette Valley is another cool climate growing region with a long growing season. It has 11 recognized AVAs and is best known for producing Pinot Noir. But other cooler climate-loving grapes like Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Sauvignon Blanc also thrive.
The Willamette Valley wine industry is a close cousin to California’s more established wine industry. In the 1960s, a few UC Davis California winemakers had a theory that Oregon’s Willamette Valley is the perfect place to grow Pinot Noir, which doesn’t grow as well in California since the climate isn’t quite right. In 1965, David Lett planted his first crop and he went on to found The Eyrie Vineyards in McMinnville, Oregon, which helped establish the Willamette Valley as a top rated wine growing region.
While The Eyrie Vineyards is still going strong, Abbot Claim snagged the top spot on Decanter’s Top 50 Best US Wines of 2024 for their Due North Pinot Noir. When you visit Abbot Claim, you tour the underground barrel cellar with a tasting glass in hand. Above ground, the natural scenery is also well worth a trip.
If you are planning a trip to the Willamette Valley, our partner Lifestyle Properties offers cozy accommodations that put you right in the heart of wine country. Make your stay memorable with amenities like a chef’s kitchen, outdoor firepits, and private wine tour service. Lifestyle Properties homes range from three to six bedrooms. Check individual homes for specific amenities and details.
A visit to wine country offers a unique mix of beautiful scenery, delicious food, and a relaxing yet elegant atmosphere, whether you visit Virginia, New York, or Oregon.
