Five Hidden Wine Regions in the US

Napa Valley may be the most well-known of the United States’ wine regions, but it is not the only choice for those who want to spend their time and travels exploring vineyards and sipping vino.

“The world of wine is truly about exploration and experimentation, and we are now so fortunate to have regions to discover all over the U.S. and the world,” said Camron King, president of Oakwood Strategic, a boutique consultancy in wine and food.

With more than two decades of experience in the global wine industry, King is no stranger to emerging markets. “Today, there is an opportunity to visit and experience lesser-known wine growing and wine producing regions such as Temecula, California, the Finger Lakes in New York, Woodinville, Washington, or even other regions around the world,” he said. “Wine tasting and visitation are about learning and experiencing new places and new people and simply thinking outside the box. Visiting new wine regions gives everyone the chance to broaden their palate, experiment with different grape varieties and wine styles, fall in love with a new place and even build a bigger community — a community of wine lovers!”

These lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path regions offer visitors exceptional experiences ranging from e-bike rides through grapevines to creekside tastings of flavored bubbles. The varying terroir of these locales and the passionate winemakers found there make visiting these spots a great choice to discover a stellar bottle of wine that may become a new favorite.

We’ve highlighted five of these hidden gems, which have activities for everyone — whether guests are looking for a laid-back picnic spot at the end of a country road or a modern tasting room with a gourmet dining menu.

Finger Lakes Wine Region (New York)

Almost 150 wineries are located in the scenic Finger Lakes region, and with good reason. Home to over 200 riesling brands, the cool climate and dense, complex soil of this upstate New York area make for an optimal site for grape growing, especially for varietals like riesling, chardonnay, cabernet franc, pinot noir and sparkling wines.

The Cayuga Wine Trail, the first organized and longest-running wine trail in America, includes 13 member wineries as well as lakefront restaurants, secluded waterfalls, cideries, distilleries, a meadery and a taproom. Similarly, the nearby Seneca Lake Wine Trail offers visitors 27 notable wineries spread throughout 320 miles of rolling hills and lush vineyards. “The Finger Lakes region has hundreds of wineries set among incredible natural beauty,” said Brittany Gibson, executive director of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. “Add in the local food and art scenes, stunning gorges and hiking, sapphire lakes, and you have a picture-perfect getaway.”

Buttonwood Grove Winery (photo courtesy of Finger Lakes Wine Alliance)

Three to Try:

1. • Anthony Road Wine Company. This family-run winery overlooking Seneca Lake offers several varieties, including riesling, rosé, chardonnay, pinot gris and pinot noir, among others. Don’t miss a walk through the garden and check out the gallery, where local artists and artisans are featured on a rotating basis.
   • Buttonwood Grove Winery. A multi-level deck allows for spectacular views of the serene Cayuga Lake and grounds while savoring one of the winery’s 100% estate-grown rieslings. Available April through November, guests can stay on the property in a cozy log cabin nestled under tall, whispering pines.
   • Dr. Konstantin Frank. Situated on the southwestern hills of Keuka Lake, Dr. Konstantin Frank planted his first vinifera vines in 1958, launching the region’s reputation for riesling and other vinifera varieties. Tastings offer over 30 wines ranging from sparkling to still, traditional to unusual grape varieties and bone-dry to sweet.

Paso Robles Wine Country (California) 

Between San Francisco and Los Angeles along California’s Central Coast, Paso Robles’ wine region includes over 200 wineries. More than 60 grape varieties are grown in the area. However, with 50% being cabernet sauvignon and 42% made up of other reds, this is a paradise for wine connoisseurs who prefer the ruby grape. A charming downtown area offers restaurants, shops and tasting rooms, but venturing out of town to one of the 11 viticultural areas uncovers the real heart of Paso: backroads dotted with wineries and 40,000 acres of vineyards. Lodging options include full-service resorts, vineyard estates, tiny homes, luxury RV properties and a vintage trailer campground.

TH Estate Wines (photo courtesy of Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance)

Three to Try:

• • • Daou. Rising 2,200 feet in elevation, Daou Mountain in the hills of the Adelaida District is the home of Daou, the highest winery on the Central Coast of California. Stunning views await at this family-owned and operated winery which produces world-class cabernet sauvignon and Bordeaux varieties.
    • Justin. The soil at Justin is ideally suited to create big, Bordeaux-style reds, which can be sampled after taking an e-bike tour through the property or at the winery’s restaurant overlooking the vineyards. Dishes include fresh ingredients grown on Justin’s 26-acre farmstead. Luxurious accommodations await at the JUST Inn Suites or The Justin Chateau, a stunning 12,000-square-foot mansion that includes a gourmet chef’s kitchen with chef-in-residence and billiard room.
    • Sculpterra. There is no doubt that you’re in for something special when you drive through the entrance at Sculpterra. Created by blacksmith Robert Bentley, an ornate gate welcomes you to the property, opening up to showcase the vineyard beyond. In addition to a fine portfolio of wines available to try, guests can stroll through a multi-million-dollar sculpture garden.

Temecula Valley (California)

Known for its diversity of wine, Temecula Valley offers visitors over 50 different varietals, from cabernet sauvignon to sangiovese, chardonnay to viognier, and merlot to tempranillo. The wineries are close enough to one another to make touring convenient, and the climate is perfect for other activities like hot-air ballooning and golf on one of the area’s scenic courses. As 90% of Temecula wines are sold direct-to-consumer, visiting is the best way to try wines from this region.

South Coast Winery villa patio (photo courtesy of South Coast Winery Resort & Spa)

Three to Try:

• • Callaway Vineyard & Winery. The first winery to open its doors in Temecula in 1974, Callaway put the area on the map as a serious wine-producing region. Visitors can learn about the company’s history, viticultural practices and winemaking process on a walking tour of the lush estate before sipping an extensive menu of reds, whites, rosés and sparkling wines. At Meritage, the on-site restaurant, guests enjoy meals made from many of the ingredients found in Callaway’s own greenhouse and garden.
  • South Coast Winery Resort & Spa. Situated on 63 acres of rolling vineyards, South Coast offers award-winning wines, accommodations that include 50 guest suites and 82 villas and a three-story full-service spa. The Vineyard Rose Restaurant, featuring farm-to-table California-style cuisine, makes it possible to have a great time without ever leaving the property. Offering 45 wine labels, the majority of which are available for sampling, the winery is the only four-time winner of the California State Winery of the Year award.
  • Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards. Without trying the winery’s signature Almond Sparkling Wine, no visit to Wilson Creek is complete. If you’re even more adventurous, try the Sparkling Peach Bellini, Orange Mimosa, Coconut Nui, Limoncello or Watermelon. Lunch at the on-property Creekside Grill is a lovely way to while away an afternoon.

Willamette Valley (Oregon)

Home to more than 700 wineries, the Willamette Valley is recognized as one of the top pinot noir-producing areas in the world, although critics also rave about the region’s chardonnay. “The Willamette Valley is the epicenter for Oregon wine, touting over two-thirds of the state’s vineyards,” said Morgen McLaughlin, executive director of the Willamette Valley Wineries Association.

Located between Portland and Eugene, the Valley spans 60 miles at its widest point and is 100 miles long, running between Oregon’s Cascade Mountains and the Coast Range. “The Willamette Valley possesses some of the most varied terrain and photogenic expanses in the country,” said McLaughlin. “It is vast and uncluttered, with sleepy winery towns, oak and evergreen studded hills and plenty of wilderness.” The region's size means there is something for everyone, whether you are looking to try a lesser-known grape varietal, want to discover food pairings or prefer to bring a picnic, need a family-friendly winery or love live entertainment.

Quarter Mile Lane Vinyard (photo Courtesy of Adelsheim)

Three to Try:

• • Adelsheim. Tucked into the Chehalem Mountains, Adelsheim is a LIVE-certified sustainable winery (and was the first Oregon winery to achieve the certification), considered one of the world’s highest standards for sustainable viticulture and enology. You may see alpacas, horses, goats and donkeys on your drive to the rural spot. For something a little different and a beautiful keepsake to take home, check out the Artist Series Rosé, featuring a label created by a talented local artist.
  • Argyle. Over the years, Argyle has helped put Oregon sparkling wines on the map. The Argyle Tasting House in Dundee offers a unique sparkling experience that includes a guide through the creative process of sparkling wine production, a walking tour of the historic property and an eight-wine flight paired with small charcuterie bites.
  • Domaine Drouhin. The 235-acre estate atop the Dundee Hills produces elegant pinot noir and chardonnay inspired by the family’s tradition of winemaking in France. Guests can sample the offerings while being hosted in a four-level gravity flow winery, on a spacious terrace overlooking the estate or in the winery’s secret garden.

Woodinville Wine Country (Washington)

Woodinville Wine Country is just 30 minutes from downtown Seattle, making it one of the most accessible wine regions for a day trip or weekend getaway. “Woodinville is the gateway to Washington wines,” said James Wagner, marketing director for Woodinville Wine Country, “Within a 5-mile radius, you can enjoy award-winning wine from 120+ wineries. Woodinville is truly where Washington pours.”

The wineries are spread through four distinct districts, each with its own personality. The picturesque Hollywood District, in the heart of the Sammamish River Valley, is home to 90+ rated wines, destination restaurants and the stunning Willows Lodge. The Warehouse District is home to more boutique wineries per square foot than any wine region in the world and boasts the type of environment where the person pouring the wine is often the winemaker. The fast-growing West Valley District offers a more relaxed vibe with wineries along the river. The Downtown District is home to tasting experiences, delicious restaurants and cafes, making it a perfect spot to begin or end your journey.

Overlooking the Hollywood District from Maryhill Winery’s tasting room (photo courtesy of Woodinville Wine Country)

Three to Try:

• • Chateau Ste. Michelle. Founder of the region more than 55 years ago, the tasting room is open daily and offers a variety of wine sampling experiences, estate tours, seasonal menus and a popular summer concert series.
  • Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard & Winery. All wines produced here are made with 100% estate fruit, grapes specifically grown and selected for the 40,000 cases produced annually for its own brands. For those looking to bring a gift home, the winery offers several fun options, including a chocolate cake mix and red blend pairing, a mulled wine spice kit, herbal teas paired with rosé for an at-home tea party and more.
  • JM Cellars. This family-owned winery produces new-world wines using old-world winemaking techniques and draws inspiration from various wine regions across the world. The seven-acre arboretum is a unique and relaxing spot to enjoy a glass or two.

Originally appeared in the Winter 2022 issue of The Compass magazine.