The Best Winery in Every State
Updated: Dec. 15, 2023
Vineyards can be the perfect destination, whether you're planning a romantic weekend getaway or a relaxing day trip with friends. From the valleys of California to the hills of North Carolina, here's the best winery in every state.
Alabama
Jules J. Berta Vineyards, Albertville
Named Alabama’s Winery of the Year two years in a row, this family-owned vineyard was the first in the state to grow grapes thanks to its high elevation atop Sand Mountain. You’ll want to try their award-winning “Dog at Large,” a sweet blackberry merlot.
Alaska
Bear Creek Winery, Homer
$5 is all it costs for a tasting at Bear Creek (and when you buy a bottle, it’s free). After you sample some a glass made from the juicy berries Alaska is known for, enjoy a stay at the vineyard’s charming bed and breakfast overlooking Kachemak Bay.
Arizona
Alcantara Vineyards, Cottonwood
The Verde Valley is Arizona’s own wine country, full of must-visit vineyards like Alcantara where you’ll feel as if you’ve landed in the middle of Tuscany. The rustic stucco tasting room is open year-round and serves up reds and whites from the 20 different types of grapes growing on their 87 acres.
Arkansas
An Enchanting Evening, Roland
An Enchanting Evening is a luxury cabin-plus-winery outside Little Rock. You can pack a picnic and enjoy the views of Pinnacle Mountain along with a glass or a bottle of wine, or plan to spend a romantic weekend at the gorgeous log cabin.
California
Palmaz Vineyards, Napa
Picking one winery in the country’s No. 1 destination for vinophiles is near impossible! But one of the most breathtaking is Palmaz Vineyards, where the stunning 18-story stone wine cave took almost 10 years of hand chiseling to build. Palmaz is now the producer of some of the top Cabernet Sauvignons in the country.
Colorado
Balistreri Vineyards, Denver
There’s something special about the white wine you’ll sip at Balistreri: It’s a golden orange hue because of the unique natural way the grapes are fermented, similar to a red wine. Choose a hand-corked bottle from three types of amber-colored white wines: the Colorado Riesling, Colorado Orange Muscat or Colorado Chardonnay.
Connecticut
Sharpe Hill Vineyard, Pomfret
With over 450 international awards for their vino, Sharpe Hill is Connecticut’s most decorated—and largest—vineyard. Don’t leave without a bottle or two of Ballet of Angels, their dry, fruity white that’s been deemed the best-selling wine produced in all of New England.
Delaware
Nassau Valley Vineyard, Lewes
Nassau Valley is Delaware’s first vineyard (it opened in 1993). They produce 14 different types of wine, from a dry French merlot to a semi-sweet peach ambrosia. Stop in on Sunday when you can walk the vineyard’s farmers market, which is complete with fresh produce, live music and a full sangria bar.
Florida
Lakeridge Winery, Clermont
Tour the 80 acres of Florida’s famous muscadine vines, sign up for the annual harvest season grape stomp in August or sit for a complimentary tasting at the lodge. Lakeridge also hosts 12 different themed festivals and events on its grounds throughout the year.
Georgia
Wolf Mountain Vineyards, Dahlonega
Want the “Napa style” tasting experience… without the high costs? Travel to Wolf Mountain where you can sample vino at their four-sided stone and cedar bar next to the cask room and cellar. Or take your Howling Wolf Red (the high altitude is perfect for growing red grapes) out to the open air veranda.
Hawaii
MauiWine, Kula
The only winery in Maui, MauiWine is rich with Hawaiian history as its grounds used to be home to a whaling captain and his sprawling mansion. Wander past the rose bushes that have been there since the 1800s and sip one of the fruity pineapple wines in what used to be the captain’s office.
Idaho
Coiled Wines, Garden City
If champagne and white wine had a love affair, the result would be Rizza, the signature sparkling Riesling invented by Coiled owner Leslie Preston. The secret is in the double fermentation process, the same one used traditionally in the Champagne region. Sip a glass at their modern downtown wine bar or in the traditional tasting room.
Illinois
Acquaviva Winery, Maple Park
It doesn’t get more authentically Italian than a slice of pizza with a glass of red! Order from the Neapolitan bistro, then indulge in six samples of Acquaviva’s hand-grown wines at their tasting bar. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot winemaker Sergio Benavides (who studied viticulture at Universidad de Chile) leading a tour through the facility.
Indiana
Oliver Winery, Bloomington
A glass of crisp refreshing white wine enjoyed in a grassy field overlooking a scenic lake sounds like heaven—and that’s what you’ll experience at Oliver Winery, which has been ranked by Travel + Leisure as one of the top 25 wineries to visit in the whole country.
Pro Tip: Bring your own cheese and crackers for the perfect picnic.
Iowa
Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery, Swisher
Sip on a glass of Iowa’s top-rated wine (off-dry white La Crescent) at Cedar Ridge’s complimentary tastings—all of its vinos are made from locally grown grapes. Liquor lovers will also want to pick up a bottle of the state’s very first bourbon made on-site in the distillery.
Kansas
Somerset Ridge Vineyard & Winery, Paola
Each of the 12 different grape varieties grown on the limestone hills at this Kansas artisanal winery are harvested by hand to produce some of the top quality wines in the area. Bonus: The vineyard is dog-friendly so feel free to bring Fido along!
Kentucky
Purple Toad Winery, Paducah
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a stop at Purple Toad, where they specialize in gourmet sweet wines like Lauren’s Blackberry, their top-selling bottle. (It’s named after the family’s youngest daughter!) On a hot summer day, you can even cool off with an icy-cold wine slushie.
Louisiana
Landry Vineyards, West Monroe
Landry Vineyards is known for more than just delicious wines—it’s also the place to be on a balmy summer evening for live music. The best way to enjoy their renowned concert series is with a picnic blanket, good company and a glass of chilled Redneck Red.
Maine
Breakwater Vineyards, Owls Head
Front porch sippin’ has never looked—or tasted—better than at this scenic vineyard. The view of the Atlantic Ocean crashing on the rocks below is the perfect backdrop for splitting a bottle of their Breakwater Blues, a dry blueberry wine made from Maine’s famous fruit.
Maryland
Boordy Vineyards, Hydes
It may be minutes away from the heart of Baltimore but at Maryland’s first winery, you’ll feel like you’re deep in the countryside thanks to its farmland setting and historic barn-turned-tasting room.
Massachusetts
Nashoba Valley Winery, Bolton
When you think wine, you think grapes—and while Nashoba Valley grows 13 different types of grapes, they also produce 22 100% non-grape wines including crowd favorite Cranberry Apple or the more adventurous Strawberry Rhubarb. After sampling, pick your own fruit from their orchards to make one of these mouthwatering apple recipes.
Michigan
Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn, Traverse City
Escape to Michigan’s gorgeous Great Lakes region where you can spend a weekend touring the wine cellars, watching the sunset with wine glass in hand and live jazz music in the background and retiring to a room in the cozy bed and breakfast.
Minnesota
The Winery at Sovereign Estate, Waconia
Minnesota wine tastes different than any wine you’ve had before—because of the colder climate, the grapes are more acidic than sweet, resulting in brighter, bolder flavors. Sip the earthy Marquette or the crisp La Crescent on the stone patio overlooking Lake Waconia.
Mississippi
Old South Winery, Natchez
You can’t visit the South without bringing home a bottle of its sweet muscadine wine. Snag one from Old South Winery (we recommend the popular rose, Miss Scarlett) where they’ve been perfecting the fruity wine-making process since 1979 using only the finest muscadine grapes. Here’s everything you need to know about rose wine.
Missouri
Belvoir Winery and Inn, Liberty
Wine isn’t the only kind of spirit found here. The historic inn on Belvoir Winery’s grounds is said to be one of the most haunted in the state! If you’re brave enough to visit, indulge in the full-bodied Norton, featuring Missouri’s state grape.
Montana
Hidden Legend Winery, Victor
If you could capture the wilderness and aromas of the Rocky Mountains in a bottle, the mead at Hidden Legend would be it. Choose from one of their many varieties of honeywine from the classic King’s Mead (made in the old world style) to the unique Chokecherry spotlighting Montana’s wild cherries.
Nebraska
Soaring Wings Vineyard, Springfield
While Soaring Wings is open all year round, the best time to visit is in the summer when the vineyard hosts their annual Wine, Blues, Beer and Hot Air Balloon Festival. Sip a glass of grapes while you listen to live music and watch the bright balloons launching into the sky.
Nevada
Pahrump Valley Winery, Pahrump
Vegas isn’t the only fun to be had in Nevada—there’s also the annual Grape Stomp at Pahrump Valley Winery. Sign up to compete and be prepared to get dirty—you’ll stomp barefoot in a barrel of grapes to see how much juice you can extract. Hydrate with a fruity Desert Blush or a smooth Burgundy.
New Hampshire
Flag Hill Winery, Lee
Wondering what type of cheese goes best with your favorite semi-sweet red? The chef at Flag Hill can help you find the perfect pairing after you take a behind-the-scenes tour of New Hampshire’s largest winery. Here’s a guide to pairing any food with the vino of your choice.
New Jersey
Sharrott Winery, Hammonton
Meet the winery that’s gone green. The entire winemaking process at Sharrott is powered by solar energy. No need to make a reservation—stop by any time to taste one of their hand-crafted wines and lounge on the lawn. Don’t forget these delicious picnic dishes for your afternoon!
New Mexico
Casa Rondena Winery, Albuquerque
Stucco buildings and bold art dot this Southwestern escape. And if you enjoy the robust wines at Casa Rondena, become a member of their exclusive 1629 Club. Not only will you receive two bottles a month and complimentary tastings, you’ll also be invited to fabulous events from luxe dinner parties to musical performances.
New York
Thousand Islands Winery, Alexandria Bay
This forty-acre farm nestled along the St. Lawrence River serves up award-winning wines every day of the year (except Christmas). Take a seat in the barn loft to look out over the rolling vineyards with a glass of crowd favorite Marquette paired with locally crafted artisan cheeses.
North Carolina
Biltmore Estate Winery, Asheville
Explore George Vanderbilt’s awe-inspiring mountain estate just outside of Asheville, a glass of full-bodied red in hand. The winemakers at Biltmore—which is the country’s most visited winery—grow six primary varieties of grapes (Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Riesling and Viognier) while they experiment with others in an adjacent smaller vineyard.
North Dakota
4e Winery, Mapleton
The name 4e looks like something out of chemistry class, but it actually stands for the four elements (earth, wind, fire and water) and the winery owners say their wines are “born of the northern prairie (earth), kissed by the sun (fire), nourished by the flowing rivers (water) and brought to life by prairie breezes (air).”
Ohio
Gervasi Vineyard, Canton
What is there to do at Gervasi? The question should be: What is there not to do? From tasting Italian reds, whites and dessert wines to lounging at the spa to taking a yoga class on the lawn, there’s something for everyone. You can even play a round of golf or sign up for a culinary class taught by a professional chef.
Oklahoma
Water’s Edge Winery, Oklahoma City
Barolos, Gewurztraminers, Petit Verdot, oh my! This Oklahoma winery offers 50 different types of wine, including the harder-to-find varieties. They source their grapes from some of the world’s best vineyards in places like Chile, France and New Zealand so you’re sure to find one that pleases your palate.
Oregon
Domaine Serene Winery, Dayton
The first thing you’ll see as you pull up the drive to Domaine Serene is Wooly, the giant wooly mammoth mascot paying homage to how the Willamette Valley was created during the Ice Age. This winery is pure class, though, as evidenced by everything from its Pinot Noir, ranked No. 1 in the world, to the stunning Chateau de la Cree which you can see from above on one of the helicopter tours.
Pennsylvania
Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville
Along the Lehigh Valley wine trail, you’ll come across Vynecrest, a family-owned vineyard that produces over 20 different types and 22,000 gallons of wine a year. Start in the restored 19th-century barn that now serves as a tasting room, and end in the sultry wine bar downstairs complete with piano jazz music.
Rhode Island
Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard, Little Compton
What makes the wine at New England’s oldest vineyard so special? The subtropical climate created by its location between two bodies of water allows for grapes to ripen longer and be harvested later. The result is a heartier, fresher flavored wine best drank to the tune of their popular Summer Concert Series.
South Carolina
Deep Water Vineyard, Charleston
Hidden among Spanish moss dripping from cypress trees lies Deep Water Vineyard, Charleston’s only vineyard. Their Lowcountry Red, an authentic muscadine wine, is a must-try—take a bottle with you on a self-guided tour through the seven miles of vines.
South Dakota
Prairie Berry Winery, Hill City
Elegant yet relaxed—that’s how we’d describe the atmosphere at this Black Hills winery. Grab a bite to eat from the Kitchen (there are plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian options) then linger over a glass of their well-known semi-sweet Red Ass Rhubarb or the traditional Anna Pesa wines.
Tennessee
Arrington Vineyards, Arrington
You can take the wine out of Tennessee but you can’t take the Tennessee out of the wine. At least not at this winery owned by country music artist Kix Brooks, where many of the varieties are aged in old whiskey barrels for a hint of bourbon and vanilla. You can try them in one of two tasting rooms, including a restored farmhouse.
Texas
Lost Oak Winery, Burleson
Come on in, y’all! Relax in Lost Oak’s cellar room with a glass of Shiraz or wander the walking paths that wind through statuesque oak trees. You can even take an educational tour led by vineyard founder Gene Estes, a microbiologist-turned-vintner, on the winemaking process, complete with a complimentary tasting at the end.
Utah
Castle Creek Winery, Moab
Great scenery, even better wine. You’ll agree after a visit to Castle Creek where you can uncork a bottle of one of their 30 award-winning wines—typically made from a single vintage, instead of a blend—on the tasting deck while gazing at the Colorado River rushing over red rock cliffs.
Vermont
Snow Farm Vineyard, South Hero
Located in the middle of Lake Champlain with a climate similar to that of Burgundy, France, Snow Farm excels at colder-weather wine types like Pinot Noir, Vidal Blanc and even their specialty ice wine. If you take a bottle home (which you should), here’s the right way to store it so it lasts longer.
Virginia
Barboursville Vineyard, Barboursville
Can’t make it to Italy? A trip to Barboursville might be the next best thing. The winery—founded by the Zonins, a family that has been making wine in Italy since 1821—boasts Virginia’s most famous red wine, Octagon. Don’t miss the ruins of the old governor’s mansion, designed by Thomas Jefferson.
Washington
Chateau Ste Michelle, Woodinville
Riesling lovers rejoice! At Washington’s oldest vineyard (some vines dating back to 1962), you’ll want to tip back a glass or two of their beautifully balanced reserve Riesling. While you’re there, tour the lush gardens or take a class on wine tasting—you’ll never make one of these vino faux pas again!
West Virginia
Forks of Cheat Winery, Morgantown
Only in West Virginia will you find a little moonshine alongside your wine at one of Forks of Cheat’s free tastings. The family-owned vineyard, snuggled deep among the Appalachian Mountains, boasts both French hybrid and American varietals of grapes.
Wisconsin
Wollersheim Winery, Prairie du Sac
It’s no secret that Wisconsin knows how to do cheese, but it also knows how to do cheese’s best friend: wine. Pair your creamy local dairy with Wollersheim’s award-winning Prairie Fume, a white wine made from seyval blanc grapes. Here’s how to create the perfect cheese board at home.
Wyoming
Table Mountain Vineyards, Torrington
What started as a research project to see if making wine in Wyoming was actually possible has now grown (literally) into a 10,000-vine operation. Sign up for a night of fun at their TMV Paint Studio, where you’ll sip some pure “Wyo wine” while painting a pretty picture.
Originally Published: August 22, 2018
