Beyond Napa: Domestic wine regions you’ll want to keep coming back to

Key takeaways

• While Napa and Sonoma remain prime destinations, world-class viticulture and breathtaking scenery can be found in several rising regions across the U.S.
• Explore more terroirs, from the canyons of the Texas Hill Country to the glacial lake effects of New York’s Finger Lakes.
• Lodging options range from historic urban hotels and Mediterranean-style villas to intimate bed-and-breakfasts and cottages located directly on winery grounds.
• Plan for more than just popping corks. Expand your palate by pairing wine regions with nearby culinary hubs like Austin, Seattle or Portland, and remember to book early for peak seasons like the fall harvest.

Discover world-class wine regions right here in the U.S.

The premier U.S. destination for wine enthusiasts has long been the Napa and Sonoma region of California. That’s not necessarily breaking news — and if you’re planning a wine-focused getaway there, you’ll certainly enjoy it.

That said, if you’re interested in discovering new destinations with both excellent wine and incredible food paired with it, there’s so much to explore outside of California. Read on for a look at a few other crush-worthy wine regions in the United States.

Hill Country, Texas

Colloquially referred to as the Texas Wine Trail, the Hill Country American Viticultural Area (AVA) may defy your expectations of Texas topography, with canyons and valleys reminiscent of European landscapes. And it’s no coincidence that many of the most popular vintages coming out of the Hill Country originated in Italy, Spain and France.

Situated in central Texas north of San Antonio and west of Austin, the Hill Country region can be easily paired with a trip to either city. And it’s hard to go wrong with a trip that starts in Austin for live music or San Antonio for Tex-Mex and ends at a vineyard in the Hill Country.

Where to stay:

• Hotel Van Zandt: This Rainey Street hotel celebrates Austin’s musical soul. Feel the warmth of worn wood and hear the faint echo of a soundcheck drifting through the air.
• Hotel Viata: Escape to an Italian-inspired oasis above the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve. Breathe in the scent of wild sage from your balcony while enjoying rugged Hill Country vistas.
• Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa: At this 4,000-acre Texas retreat, you can experience soft grass underfoot on championship golf courses or a rejuvenating mineral treatment at the spa.

Finger Lakes, New York

In upstate New York sits the uniquely compelling Finger Lakes AVA. Continental glaciers formed the area’s 11 namesake lakes around 10,000 years ago, resulting in the lake effect and terroir that make the Finger Lakes AVA an ideal wine-growing area despite its northern location. Frequently compared to European wine regions along the Rhine River, Finger Lakes producers are known for world-class Riesling and fantastic Cab Francs.

The Finger Lakes is also home to award-winning craft breweries, distilleries and cideries. The change in foliage around the lakes puts on a show during fall harvest — an especially picturesque time to visit the region. 

Where to stay:

Lodging is typically abundant, and options exist for a range of budgets, though it is advisable to book far in advance for busier times like fall harvest.

• Wineries with on-site lodging: Stay close to the source in one of several Finger Lakes wineries that offer comfortable on-site accommodations — with the added benefit of not having to drive after enjoying a glass or two of an estate pour that started just steps away.
• Bed-and-breakfasts: Staying in a local B&B offers an intimate experience with enough charm to keep you coming back. Wake to the aroma of freshly ground coffee and warm scones before a morning stroll through sun-drenched vineyards.

Monticello Wine Trail, Virginia

Want more proof that the West Coast doesn’t have a monopoly on the American wine scene? Look into the Monticello AVA — Wine Enthusiast’s 2023 Wine Region of the Year. The Monticello Wine Trail runs along the slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, terrain uniquely suited to growing wine grapes. Like the other AVAs on this list, Monticello boasts natural beauty that will quickly fill your camera roll.

It’s also not far from a few major eastern U.S. cities and can easily be paired with a trip to Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, or even the Outer Banks.

Common varietals grown along the Monticello Trail include Chardonnay, Viognier and Cab Franc. But with producers growing more than 30 varieties of grapes in the area, there’s something for everyone.

Lodging can be a bit trickier in this area, so consider booking as far in advance as possible.

Where to stay:

• Omni Charlottesville Hotel (Charlottesville, Virginia): Take in the seven-story glass atrium filled with lush greenery, located conveniently at the edge of the historic Downtown Mall within walking distance of bars and restaurants.

Be sure to cross-reference major events happening at the nearby University of Virginia, which can heavily impact lodging availability.

Walla Walla, Washington

On the opposite side of the country in the southeast corner of Washington, you’ll find some of the best wine being made in the United States. The Walla Walla Valley AVA sits at the base of the aptly named Blue Mountains and offers sweeping, rustic views of rolling wheat fields. A small airport offers several daily flights in and out, and it’s also a manageable four-hour drive from Seattle.

Walla Walla’s high desert climate and varying microclimates provide ideal wine-growing conditions. While the area is most known for Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varietals, there are many more styles of wine available. A visit to Walla Walla is a must for any wine enthusiast and can easily be paired with a few days in Seattle if you’re traveling from outside the Pacific Northwest.

Where to stay:

• Wineries with on-site lodging: Several working wineries offer guest cottages and suites, giving you the chance to wander through rows of Cabernet at sunset before retiring to your private patio for a glass to end the evening.
• Bed-and-breakfasts: Feel connected to the valley’s heritage by staying in a local B&B. These charming estates provide a serene sanctuary just minutes from downtown tasting rooms and restaurants.

Willamette Valley, Oregon

You may have heard of this region because it regularly produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world. But that is underselling the Willamette Valley, which has so many other varietals to explore. Located just outside of Portland, a visit to this AVA can and should be paired with at least a few farm-to-table meals in the city.

Both the wine and food in the Willamette Valley grow in reputation with each year’s vintage. The historic city of McMinnville, especially the main downtown corridor, is a great place to spend an afternoon wandering from shop to patio and wine to wine. And with rideshare easily accessible in the area, you won’t have to worry about missing the last wine on the tasting list.

Where to stay:

• Black Walnut Inn & Vineyard (Dundee, Oregon): Perched above the Dundee Hills, this Mediterranean-style villa offers a front-row seat to the Willamette Valley, with views of the morning mist rising off the Pinot Noir vines that surround the estate. 

Book your next wine excursion with Citi Travel

There’s even more to savor when you use Citi Travel to book your next viticulture vacation. Use an eligible Citi® credit card to earn points on hotels, flights, car rentals and attractions. The best part? You can apply those points earned toward a future exploration of the next AVA on your wish list.

Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional. 

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