5 Fantastic U.S. Cities for Wine Lovers

Uncork your next vacation!

The American wine culture is surprisingly diverse, featuring sun-kissed vineyards and lush landscapes. From coastal communities to rustic towns, you can swish, swirl, and sip at some truly exciting cities for wine lovers. Because whether you’re a seasoned sipper or just beginning to explore wine, there’s a delicious, delightful destination just for you!

Ready to begin your grape-infused fun? Check out our favorite wine-tasting cities, where every cork pop is an adventure.

• Asheville, NC

  Our favorite mountain town has developed into quite the destination for drink lovers!

  Already renowned for its craft beer scene and breweries, the city is quickly developing a reputation as one of the best U.S. cities for wine lovers.

  Nestled in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is surrounded by a growing number of Appalachian vineyards and wineries, with a diverse range of varietals. Tours, tastings, and workshops keep it interesting… and fun.

  But you won’t have to travel from winery to winery. The city makes excellent use of its fortunate location, with wineries, wine bars, and tasting rooms offering local wine alongside international bottles.

  Or sip on regional wines at your favorite Asheville restaurant, where local wines perfectly complement the rustic farm-to-table cuisine for a truly Appalachian foodie adventure!

• Charlottesville, VA

  Get ready to hop on the trail—the wine trail, that is!

  Charlottesville serves as the charming gateway to the famous Monticello Wine Trail, which includes over 30 wineries and vineyards along a picturesque mountain setting.

  The wines produced here offer a wide variety of grape varietals, with a focus on Viognier, Cabernet Franc, and the ever-popular Chardonnay.

  And the history behind it is fascinating: Thomas Jefferson himself was a famed wine lover and attempted to grow European varietals. Today, his influence is recognized and celebrated by local wine lovers.

  And celebrate they do! The historic city has a grand time with its wines, hosting several wine-related festivals and events throughout the year. Mingle with local winemakers and fellow enthusiasts as you sample the wide range of local wines.

• New York City, NY

  If you think New York is all about steel skyscrapers and traffic jams, think again! Because while New York City itself isn’t a wine producer, it’s surrounded by high-quality vineyards.

  The Hudson Valley, the state’s oldest wine-producing region, is just outside the city and easily accessible by commuter train. And a few hours north is the Finger Lakes wine region, which produces several standout whites, particularly Rieslings.

  Inside the city, your wine-tasting options are seemingly endless.

  Rooftop wine bars offer sip-worthy views of the Big Apple, while art galleries pair carefully curated wines with their current display. And of course, traditional wine bars and restaurants offer everything from award-winning international labels to those delicious local wines.

• Portland, OR

  Portland has firmly established itself as one of the top cities for wine lovers—especially if you’re a fan of its flagship grape, Pinot Noir.

  The chill (climate-wise and vibe-wise) of the Willamette Valley wine valley region produces several acclaimed cool-weather varietals. Grapes such as Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay all thrive in Portland’s chilly temps and diverse soil.

  Within Portland, you’ll find a growing number of vibrant urban wineries and cozy tasting rooms. It’s temptingly easy to sample local wines from various parts of the famed Oregon wine region without having to leave the city.

  Restaurants and wine bars also take pride in featuring local wines on their menus. Their wine lists often highlight both established and up-and-coming wineries from Willamette Valley.

  And you guys will love Portland’s focus on environmental protection. Many of its wineries are certified organic and biodynamic, with a strong commitment to holistic, sustainable, and ethical wine production.

• San Francisco, CA

  San Francisco is considered one of the top cities for wine lovers not just in the U.S., but on an international level, too. The city expertly combines its proximity to two renowned wine regions, a thriving culinary scene, and a long-standing appreciation for great wine.

  The city is a short distance from two of the most famous wine regions in the world, Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley. The high-quality California wines produced here are considered to be among the very best, consistently winning multiple international awards and acclamations.

  But you don’t have to choose between Napa and Sonoma—you can explore the deliciously diverse local wine to your heart’s content without leaving San Francisco. The city boasts a variety of wine bars and tasting rooms, ranging from casual to upscale, that showcase local offerings.

  It’s also the ideal place to learn more about wine and wine appreciation, with classes, tastings, and workshops tailored to wine enthusiasts.

Ready for a wine-centered getaway? Visit one of these awesome cities for wine lovers, pop the cork, and let the adventure begin!

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