When you think of wine, places like Bordeaux, Napa, or Tuscany probably come to mind. But beyond the big names are dozens of under-the-radar regions producing incredible wines in breathtaking settings. These spots offer rolling vineyards, charming small towns, and unique flavors you won’t find anywhere else, without the crowds. If you’re looking for a fresh take on wine travel, these beautiful regions deserve a spot on your list.
Pennsylvania Wine Regions
f you are a bit of a wine enthusiast, then Pennsylvania is a place you need to check out. With the number of wineries and vineyards available to you, you will be spoiled for choice on where you can visit.
Many people don’t know this, but Pennsylvania wineries are very interesting to visit. It’s actually the 5th largest wine producer in the whole of the United States, with over 300 wineries housed within its borders and over 14,000 acres of vineyard spread all around.
Minnesota
While you may not picture wine when you first think of Minnesota and, instead, picture lush lakes and fishing, wine is definitely a part of the Minnesota landscape. In fact, over the years, more Minnesota wineries have continued to crop up, and there are over 60 different wineries currently in the state.
If you’re looking for some wine tasting experiences in Minnesota, there are five individual wine trails throughout the state, which offers a chance to discover a few unique grape varietals, like Frontenac, Frontenac Gris, La Crescent, and Marquette, that you may not have heard about before.
North Fork AVA, Long Island, New York
Long Island’s North Fork AVA has developed a sophisticated culture for wine and is now home to many amazing North Fork wineries that you can visit to learn more about the wine making, the vineyards, and taste the wine. While North Fork might not be considered one of the top wine destinations in the U.S., it has some beautifully scenic vineyards and produces some world-class wine. If you’re in New York City for a visit, it’s definitely worth a day trip out there.
Finger Lakes Wine Region, New York
The Finger Lakes region is known for its stunning lakeside scenery and cool-climate wines, especially world-class Rieslings. Rolling vineyards overlook deep blue glacial lakes, creating one of the most picturesque wine-tasting backdrops in the U.S. With over 100 wineries scattered around Seneca, Cayuga, and Keuka Lakes, the area pairs award-winning wines with charming small towns, farm-to-table dining, and cozy inns.
Tri-Cities Wine Region, Washington
You might not have heard much about the Tri-Cities area of Washington in terms of wine making, but when you visit you’ll be surprised to see how developed the area is for wine and how many great wineries there are to discover. Washington is the second largest wine producing state in the United States and Tri-Cities is known as the Heart of Washington Wine Country with more than 200 wineries within a 50 mile radius.
San Luis Obispo, California
If you’re on a California road trip or just find yourself with a day to spend in Central California in the cute college town of San Luis Obispo, you must takes some time to visit the wineries in San Luis Obispo while you’re there. Located in the Edna Valley AVA – part of the larger Central Coast AVA – the wineries blend together the charm of the town with the fantastic terroir of the Edna Valley terroir for a really pleasant experience.
Healdsburg, California
Healdsburg is a charming city located right in the center of the action in Sonoma County, and while visitor often discover it as part of a larger wine-tasting trip to the Sonoma Valley, it’s a destination all on its own, where you can easily spend a long weekend. Healdsburg is the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine and a view at nearby wineries, eat at amazing restaurants, and enjoying the beautiful countryside.
North Coast Wine Region, California
In the North Coast, you will find the grape growing regions that put California wine on the map, including the counties of Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Lake, Solano, and Marin. More than half of the state’s wineries are located here, and it is also a designated AVA. Many AVAs and growing regions exist within this enormous AVA, like the ones listed above. If you have the chance to visit this region, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best wineries and views in the state. Below are two of our favorite growing areas within the North Coast.
Arizona Wine Country
Arizona might surprise you with its high-desert vineyards, but regions like Sonoita, Willcox, and Verde Valley are gaining recognition for bold reds and crisp whites. The landscape mixes rugged mountains with wide-open skies, making wine tasting here feel adventurous and scenic. Many of the wineries are small, family-run, and offer a relaxed, welcoming vibe.
Texas Hill Country
Just outside Austin and San Antonio, Texas Hill Country is one of the fastest-growing wine regions in the U.S. The rolling hills are home to more than 100 wineries, with specialties ranging from Tempranillo to Viognier. The area combines wine tasting with a laid-back Texas charm — think rustic tasting rooms, live music, and barbecue alongside your glass.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.