“Uncork Hidden Gems: 15 Surprising U.S. Wine Destinations You Never Knew You Needed to Visit!”
Paso Robles’ warm days and cool nights, combined with its calcareous soils, create ideal conditions for growing Rhône varieties like Syrah and Grenache. The region’s wines are known for their bold fruit flavors, peppery spice, and earthy notes.
8. Santa Barbara County, California
This diverse wine region, stretching from the cooler Santa Maria Valley to the warmer Santa Ynez Valley, produces many different wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. Explore charming towns like Santa Barbara and Solvang, visit historic sites like the Santa Barbara Mission, and enjoy the region’s stunning coastline.
Santa Barbara County’s unique transverse valleys, which run east-to-west rather than north-to-south, create a variety of microclimates and soil types, resulting in a diverse range of wines. The region’s Pinot Noirs are known for their elegance, complexity, and Burgundian character.
9. Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
This historic wine region, with over 300 wineries scattered across rolling hills and valleys, is known for its Viognier, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Explore charming towns like Charlottesville and Middleburg, visit historic sites like Monticello and Mount Vernon, and enjoy the region’s rich history and culture.
Virginia’s humid climate and diverse soils, ranging from clay to loam to gravel, create a unique terroir that yields wines with distinctive character. The region’s Viogniers are known for their floral aromas, rich texture, and a hint of spice.
