21 Wineries In The US You Need To Visit At Least Once
America's fascination with wine dates all the way back to the 16th century with the arrival of Ponce de Leon from France. However, it took a while for new settlers to perfect the art of growing their wine grapes on American soil, as unfamiliar pests and other interferences got in the way. It wasn't until the 1800s that people began successfully creating beautiful vineyards across the United States (via The Conversation).
That history brings us to today, with more than 11,000 wineries in the 50 states. California leads the way, hosting more than half of the country's wineries (per Statista). With so many incredible wineries full of gorgeous scenery, entertainment, relaxing vibes, and delicious wines, it can certainly be a challenge to choose which ones are must-visits.
This guide highlights some of the very best wineries in the U.S. to add to your bucket list wherever your travels take you.
1. Winery Oeno
If you're looking for a different experience when visiting a winery, then you can't afford to skip Winery Oeno. While most wineries offer more of a sit-down-and-relax atmosphere, this one is a hands-on approach to making your own wine. Nestled in gorgeous Kailua, Hawaii, Winery Oeno has been crafting unique wines, like Tropical Coconut Lime Sangria and Toasted Caramel Port Wine, since 2008. Its Chalkboard Series is among its most popular offerings and showcases tasty flavors like Peach Chardonnay and Plum Passion Sangria.
Visitors can taste wines to figure out what they like before making their own, which includes everything right down to selecting the labels. Or, bring a whole group with you to make memories for a bachelor or bachelorette party, anniversary, birthday, or other special events. Several Tripadvisor reviews rave about the welcoming experience, which reportedly puts customers at ease so they can enjoy this one-of-a-kind day out.
2. Chateau Montelena Winery
It's tough to beat the astounding scenery that you'll find at Chateau Montelena Winery in Calistoga, California. Situated in the popular, wine-rich Napa Valley, the winery embodies everything you think about when you think of California vineyards. Taste wine casually or book a luxurious, concierge-planned and guided event starting at $250 per person if you want to go all-out during your stay. Plus, visitors can experience the breathtaking stone castle — a sight that makes an ideal photoshoot backdrop — a Chinese garden, and other eye-catching views right on the estate's grounds.
This winery also has a prestigious historical accolade to its name. In 1976, Chateau Montelena's Chardonnay won the Judgment of Paris, a blind taste-test competition between Californian and French wines (via Napa Valley). To this day the event is widely talked about in the world of wine connoisseurs. Tripadvisor reviewers mention enjoying the winery's history as much as they enjoy sipping the wine when they visit.
3. Bear Creek Winery
If you make the trek to Alaska, be sure to visit Bear Creek Winery. This gem of a winery emphasizes unique fruity flavors in its wine blends, with fresh fruit sourced from a network of Alaskan farmers. Visitors can choose among 15 wines to taste, offered in a range of flavors and bodies to suit just about any wine drinker's preferences.
Some popular options that fans love? Bear Creek Winery's Glacier Bear Blueberry wine, rhubarb-infused Alaska Chardonnay, and Pomegranate wine. As one Yelp reviewer mentions, "They offer flights for $5 that allow you to try up to eight different flavors of wine," adding that "Most of the wines are on the sweeter side." So, you'll have an affordable opportunity to test out the wines and find those you like best before committing to buying.
Another perk of this winery is its relaxing accommodations set in a secluded wooded area that overlooks Kachemak Bay. Lodging includes kitchenettes and private baths to make your stay cozy while keeping you connected with Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. One Yelp reviewer also mentions getting a complimentary wine bottle and fleece robes during their stay.
4. Charron Vineyard and Winery
Located near the Emperita Mountains in Arizona, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the Tuscon valley as they eat, drink, and socialize at Charron Vineyards. Warmer temperatures throughout the year make Charron the perfect spot to cool off with one of their popular wine slushies or stick to a traditional format and taste from a selection of 16 types of wine. Charron also hosts a few events a month, such as holiday celebrations and wine festivals, making it a go-to entertainment spot throughout the year.
Charron is known for its pet-friendly atmosphere, and according to BringFido, well-behaved pets are welcome to join their humans for a day at the winery. One happy dog parent states, "Both 4 legged and 2 legged guests get spoiled rotten at Charron Vineyards. Our dogs were welcomed with treats, water, and belly rubs from the staff and other dog-loving customers." Bring the whole family and stay for the day!
5. Seven Birches Winery
Guests of the RiverWalk Resort in Lincoln, New Hampshire, don't have to travel far to enjoy tasty wines from Seven Birches Winery which became a part of the resort in 2016. However, you don't have to be a resort guest to sample what the winery has to offer, including its Cabernet Sauvignon, Ice Apple Wine, and Rhythm Ciders. Experience the wine tasting room or hang with your group at the Atrium Wine Bar which offers wine flights, food, and a spacious outdoor patio. If you want to learn more, attend a tour with the vineyard manager to discover how each wine is made.
Can't make it in person to the winery but still want to try the wines? Sample Seven Birches Winery's wines with a virtual tasting for 10 or more people in select states. Seven Birches will ship flights of wine to your home with tasting notes, as you meet online with experienced wine hosts who help your group along its tasting journey.
6. Hall Wines
Blend artwork, engaging tours, incredible tasting experiences, and yummy food in the Napa Valley, and what do you get? Hall Wines in St. Helena, California. This winery leaves a truly unique impression on guests, from its eye-catching architecture to its interesting sculptures both inside and outside — including a giant leaping bunny and hanging blown-glass decor. In fact, each tasting room has its own look, allowing guests to visit multiple times and always end up with a different experience.
Patrons can also book a private wine experience to get a more intimate look at the vineyards, tour the winery, or enjoy a glass of wine or two in a beautiful setting. The winery has received a perfect score from the prestigious publication Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, sparking owners Craig Hall and Kathryn Walt Hall to co-write a book about their big win, fittingly entitled "A Perfect Score." Their entire selection has continuously been awarded high scores, so you're guaranteed an enjoyable tasting.
7. Cream Ridge Winery
New Jersey is home to more than 50 licensed wineries (via the State of New Jersey Department of Agriculture), but many visitors agree that Cream Ridge Winery is a must-see. Founded in 1988, Cream Ridge Winery utilizes homegrown grapes, cranberries, and other fruits to create its fruity wine flavors. Among the favorites, try Barbera for hints of cherry, or Catawba, a blush wine featuring a naturally pink grape.
Despite its modest size, Cream Ridge Winery provides plenty for guests to experience. Enjoy festivals with food trucks, live music, and vendors, attend food and wine pairings, or experience a winemaking class with your friends and family. According to Tripadvisor reviewers, the small-town feel of Cream Ridge Winery is one of the many reasons patrons keep coming back. One fan writes, "Cream Ridge Winery is a must if you want great wine and a friendly atmosphere. I have been coming here for 19 years. The staff makes you always feel special and cared for. They are like family to us. If you are looking for a place to feed your soul, this is the place."
8. Oliver Winery
Pegged as one of Travel + Leisure's top 25 vineyards across the United States, Oliver Winery started as a basement hobby and grew to become one of the largest wineries in the country. Located in Bloomington, Indiana, the establishment prides itself on community, creating wines for every taste bud, and making charitable donations to the community and important causes, such as local Rotary Clubs and the American Cancer Society.
Choose among a diverse variety of beverages, from the new Lemon Moscato to the bold and refreshing Bourbon Barrel Hard Cider. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can also reserve a tasting for a more individualized experience. Or, book a two-hour picnic to enjoy the beautiful grounds with your wine and a selection of gourmet meat and cheese.
Google reviewers give Oliver Winery 4.7 out of 5 stars. One customer praised the views, stating, "the fall foliage around the pond they have was spectacular," while another enthusiastically noted, "We had a great time here. Good quality wines and beautiful natural setting! It was absolutely gorgeous out there! Highly recommended!"
9. Chateau Chantal
If you're driving to or through Michigan, don't forget to make a pit stop at Chateau Chantal, a Traverse City winery that overlooks endless hillsides and the Grand Traverse Bays. Enjoy the breeze of the Great Lakes as you relax on 65 acres of estate vineyards with tasty wines. Chateau Chantal features several tasting opportunities, including its summer Jazz at Sunset events with excellent music and colorful sunset views. Visitors can also book wine dinners for a vineyard tour, wine samples, and an in-house chef-prepared dinner.
Want to experience Chateau Chantal for more than one day? Stay overnight in the bed and breakfast, which was named one of USA Today's Best Wine Country Hotels in 2021. You'll be within a short distance of gorgeous beaches and popular tourist areas while enjoying a lavish room and mouth-watering breakfast. One reviewer on Chateau Chantal's website shares, "Never in our life have we experienced so many friendly people, such a beautiful environment, and such a wonderful stay."
10. Abeja Winery & Inn
Wine enthusiasts head to Abeja Winery & Inn to taste some of its award-winning wines, but Abeja is known for so much more. This winery presents a true experience to anyone who visits, from its refurbished farmhouse to its picturesque weddings with lodging for up to 28 guests. Abeja also hosts retreats, family reunions, private meetings, and other events throughout the year. Wine tastings are by appointment. What started as a plan to grow world-class Cabernet Sauvignon has turned into a 38-acre must-see travel destination in Walla Walla, an area of Washington well-known for its fertile soil and expansive agriculture.
The scenery surrounding Abeja is eye-catching, according to Yelp reviewers. One says, "This place is heaven on earth: beautiful, tranquil landscape, friendly and knowledgeable people, gorgeous detailed architecture, and great wine." Another adds, "This is why you come to Walla Walla: to get away from it all. The Inn and winery sit at the base of the hills, surrounded by vineyards and simple beauty. The grounds are well-groomed yet inviting. You may lose your shoes at some point." With such high praise, visiting Abeja is a no-brainer!
11. Savage Oakes Vineyard and Winery
Savage Oakes Vineyard and Winery embodies everything people love about Maine: breathtaking sights, wild Maine blueberries, and friendly people. Sip on wine in the tasting room or grab a bottle to bring outside for a picnic. Visitors can also take a tour of the grounds to learn about the homegrown crops that are bred to tolerate Maine's frigid temperatures — and meet some of the grazing cattle! That's right — this winery also sells naturally raised beef along with its tasty wine.
If you fall in love with the location on your visit, be sure to book it for a wedding or event. Savage Oakes has accommodated guests for various events for over 200 years, offering a gourmet Burger Bar using its own cattle and bar service featuring its selection of wines and spirits. Its Summer Concert Series is also something to mark on your calendar. Enjoy live music and good company under a setting Maine sun.
12. Put-In-Bay Winery
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Tripadvisor for its wine tour "full of fascinating tidbits," well-kept grounds, and friendly staff, Put-In-Bay Winery is one of the many treasures of Put-In-Bay, Ohio. The small town sits off the Lake Erie shoreline, transporting tourists to an island resort with a casual and inviting atmosphere (per Visit Put-In-Bay).
The winery offers a guided tour of its vineyards and estate which overlook the Put-In-Bay harbor. Feel the cool breeze from Lake Erie hit your skin as you sit outdoors sipping exclusive wines and enjoying the company. Find several different types and flavors of wine here, including the sweet Just Peachy and a sparkling Moscato fittingly labeled Celebration.
Visitors who would like to take a tour of the winery can visit multiple locations, including the gift shop, Historic Ice House, and the old wine press room. Not to mention, they'll get to sample some of the winery's most popular wines.
13. Times Ten Cellars
Times Ten Cellars is a winery unlike any other you've visited in the past. This hotspot in Dallas, Texas, is urban, edgy, and industrial. Inside the guest and party areas, find exposed pipes and bricks that create a unique, youthful atmosphere for a weekend amp-up or evening wind-down. Private parties are a hit at this winery, and six different areas — including the full winery for large events — accommodate as many as 175 people (with a reservation, of course).
The Dallas Observer reports that, although Times Ten Cellars doesn't have an array of food to choose from, it does have some easy snacks to please your palate. Plus, several local restaurants will happily deliver on-site. One Yelp reviewer describes a "Charming and cozy cellar with an amazing selection of wines along with charcuterie and desserts," adding, "The service is exceptional and our server offered recommendations to pair well with our cheesecake and chocolate."
14. Landry Vineyards
Landry Vineyards has spacious grounds, family-friendly live music concerts, and exceptional tours and wine tasting experiences. Located in West Monroe, Louisiana, the winery was founded in 1999 by the Landry family, eventually moving from its original Folsom location to pursue more favorable weather and soil conditions for grape growing. The vineyards now produce up to 70 tons of crops each year to make an assortment of popular wines, including Chocolate Raspberry, Blanc Du Bois Semi-Sweet, and Sweet Dixie White Muscadine Semi Sweet.
According to Louisiana Travel, Landry Vineyards is also a must-visit spot in the small-town area for anyone looking for yummy food and a close-knit community. Tourists and locals alike love visiting the grounds for their stunning beauty and seemingly endless hillsides. If you fall in love with the area and want to stay awhile, Landry Vineyards even offers two private cottages and RV spots with full camper utility hookups.
15. Cedar Ridge Winery and Distillery
Although it was only established in 2005, Cedar Ridge Winery and Distillery holds the unique distinction of being the first licensed distillery to open in Iowa since Prohibition. The spot specializes in wine, spirits, and whiskey, and it does it with success and praise. In 2011, the winery received another important title to its name: "Best Iowa Grown Wine," namely for its La Crescent wine, given at the Mid-American Wine Competition. Additionally, it walked away with a total of 25 awards at the event. Founder Jeff Quint stated upon receiving the honors, "This land produces superior fruit, allowing us to create unique, handcrafted wines. These awards support this vision." (via Entrepreneurial Development Center).
Guests can dine on wood-fired pizza and butcher platters, shop wines and gifts, or attend events at the winery. Cedar Ridge hosts weddings and meetings and even has an event center for up to 200 special guests. Head to the industrial-style tasting room, which includes a massive bar and plenty of space for large groups to enjoy.
16. Schnebly Redland's Winery
Scenery and wineries go hand-in-hand, but you probably won't find a winery with a more picturesque setting than Schnebly Redland's Winery in Homestead, Florida. This place brings the tropics directly to its grounds, with incredible views for weddings, parties, or a romantic evening with a significant other. Get inspired to plan your visit from the dozens of Instagram posts of patrons posing in front of palm trees, fountains, and the eye-catching restaurant that looks like it was transported from the beaches of Hawaii.
Tours of the winery include an hour and a half of exploring the grounds and tasting wine, and you'll get a free souvenir glass when you're done. Schnebly Redland's Winery also offers packages for birthdays, anniversaries, and bachelorette parties. Saturdays are one of the most popular days to visit, as the winery and its brewing company fill up with events such as live music performances, professional wrestling, and goat yoga.
17. Adelsheim Vineyard
People might visit Adelsheim Vineyard for the wine, but they stay for the stunning views of the Chehalem Mountains and engaging wine tasting experiences. Here, you'll find several wine tastings to choose from, including one by the fireside in the Founders Room or a two-hour guided tour and tasting inside the winery's barrel caves. Adelsheim also offers a vineyard hike experience through the beautiful Chehalem Mountains vineyards at certain times of the year.
The vineyards were planted in 1971 with Pinot Noir as the first grape variety. Today, the winery prides itself on its versatile and fertile soil, distinctive wine flavors, and sustainability practices. Adelsheim's Low Input Viticulture and Enology (LIVE) program even sets guidelines that dictate how the wine crops should grow to ensure their quality while making room for a healthy future for the Earth. The winery has also boosted its sustainability efforts with solar panels, motion sensor lighting, and biodiverse plant life throughout the grounds.
18. Ravines Wine Cellars
Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes wine region in New York, Ravines Wine Cellars overlooks the water from its well-kept grounds. The small, family-owned winery features a tight-knit community of patrons but welcomes tourists and first-time visitors to sample its wines, explore the property, and make memories.
Founder and head winemaker Morten Hallgren grew up in a family of winemakers in France and infuses his French-inspired winemaking roots into every bottle at Ravines Wine Cellars. The winery's Dry Riesling is one of the most popular offerings, but the Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other white, red, and sparkling wines are also hits. True fans of the winery become members of the Ravinous One Club and receive a shipment of 12 bottles of wine of their choice every year. Once you sign up, you'll even get a concierge service to help you decide which wine to try based on your preferences.
19. Grape Creek Vineyards
Grape Creek Vineyards is a sprawling area with three growing regions. Its largest 250-acre vineyard — Texas High Plains — is also the second-largest American Viticultural Area in Texas, responsible for growing two-thirds of the state's planted winemaking crops. Visitors can tour the full Tuscan-inspired winery to learn about the winemaking process, see how the vineyards grow quality crops, and sample different wines along the way. Then, wind down in the restaurant featuring large windows with picturesque views of the vineyards, or have a seat outside at one of two member patios.
The winery's Facebook community rates it 4.7 out of 5 stars, with experiences and staff friendliness topping the list of praises. One fan says, "We always come away with such a wonderful experience at Grape Creek tasting room on Main." Another gushes, "I am a member & enjoy relaxing on the patio every chance I get to visit. The vineyard seems to stretch on forever! The staff is very knowledgeable [and] so very pleasant."
20. Folktale Winery and Vineyards
You'll feel like you've stepped into a fairy tale when you visit Folktale Winery and Vineyards in Carmel, California. Founded in 1982, the winery was transformed in 2015 under new ownership, with a focus on bringing visitors' imagination to the forefront. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by an inviting castle-like entrance with massive hills, beautiful trees, and endless skies in the background.
The whimsical atmosphere won't be one you'll soon forget. One out-of-town visitor wrote on Tripadvisor, "Folktale has everything you need to add a bit of magic to your week — great wine, amazing farm-to-table pizza and salads, live music, wonderful staff, great ambiance, and a lovely gift shop. We were visiting Carmel and spent the best afternoon here."
Spend a couple of hours on a tour or sampling the winery's food and drinks. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are in-house specialties, but you'll also find Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache, Sparkling Rosé, and more.
21. Crossing Vineyards and Winery
Founded in 2000, Crossing Vineyards and Winery is an ode to one of the founder's childhoods, built upon the same property where he was raised. Since its beginnings, Crossing Vineyards and Winery has won multiple prestigious awards, including a Gold in the Sommelier Challenge in 2018 and a Gold in the 2019 International Eastern Wine Competition.
Head to Crossing for one of four unique wine tasting opportunities, including the Classic Wine Tasting experience with 10 wine samples per person or a Celebration Wine Tasting that's perfect for celebrating a special event with your loved ones. The winery also provides space for private parties and events, weddings, and public events. It's usually a go-to place to visit on weekends with live music from local artists and exclusive wine and beer options.
What do visitors love most about Crossing Vineyards and Winery? According to Facebook reviewers, it's the relaxing and charming setting, top-notch and friendly service, and tasty wines.