By: Kat Bein By: Kat Bein | July 31, 2023 | Food & Drink, Feature, Guides,
Sure, Italy and France are great for a wine-centric vacation, but you don’t need a passport to have a magical winery experience.
See also: 7 Of The Best Rosés To Sip This Summer
We asked our editors across the country to spread the word about their city’s best wineries—and they’re not all in Napa Valley!
Whether you’re in New York City or Los Angeles, Miami or Aspen, there’s a beautiful winery around the corner ready to impress. Check a few of the highlights below, and see the full lists for each region to learn more.
100 Rue Charlemagne, Braselton; 78-425-0900 / Website
Enjoy wine crafted with Italian flair at Chateau Elan. Head winemaker Simone Bergese studied winemaking in northern Italy and believes “the most important factor in the winemaking process is the caliber of grape." Guided wine tastings allow guests to sample up to seven wines. The tasting room is an exploration space for guests to discover the labels independently. Cheers to more good days with a trip to one of the other six wineries on Atlanta’s full list.
6764 Farmers Mine Rd 81428; 970-390-4251 / Website
For an intimate wine-tasting experience, head to Azure Cellars. This boutique winery focuses on small-batch wines made from organically grown grapes. Take in the gorgeous patio views and sample offerings like a vibrant pinot grigio, lush syrah and complex cabernet Franc. The winemakers themselves often lead the tastings, sharing their passion for the winemaking craft. Don’t let the fun stop there, because there are seven more wineries on Aspen’s full list.
704 West Main St., Ovilla; 214-433-1190 / Website
Using grapes grown from Cassaro’s expansive vineyards, located just outside of Ovilla, try reds and whites produced entirely in Texas. The winery prides itself on growing unique grapes that are typically only found in Spain, Italy and Portugal, the Tempranillo and Albarino grapes. Take a tour of the facilities or embark on a tasting of wines at the brand’s Tuscan-inspired winery and tasting room. Looking for more Texan-made wines? Check Dallas’ full list!
139 Sagg Rd., Sagaponack; 631-537-5106 / Website
At Wölffer Estate Vineyard, they use New York state apples from the Halsey Apple Orchard in combination with their grapes to produce their dry white and rosé ciders. Their Summer In A Bottle Rosé collection typically sells out each summer and is the “number one fastest-growing rosé in New York.” But their greatness doesn’t stop at rosé. Their award-winning White Horse and Grapes of Roth wines are just as spectacular. Make the most of the Hamptons season by making a stop at more of the great wineries on the region’s full list.
2600 Travis St., Suite 104; 713-360-7113 / Website
This unique family-owned winery crafts wine from grapes sourced from around the world. With such a large variety of grapes, the winery makes over 50 different kinds of wine, including merlot, cabernet, chardonnay, barolo, gewurztraminer, and ports, among others. There’s a tasty bistro that serves a menu of dishes complementary to the wines. Also at the winery, guests can blend their own personal vintage bottle of wine and create a custom label for it. Everything in bigger in Texas, so don’t miss out on the nine other fantastic wineries on Houston’s full list.
1062 Drum Canyon Road 93436; 818-879-3951 / Website
Strange Family Vineyards produces world-class sparkling wines and is particularly well-known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Its goal is to promote love and family with the hopes of making a difference in the world. The vineyard is committed to sustainable organic farming and invests in a careful pruning process that makes the grapes truly the starting point of every wine. What’s more, you can become a member of the family by joining their club and you can receive access to exclusive wines, member events and private experiences at the vineyard. Also, be sure to check out their tasting room in Malibu. California is a national leader in the wine industry, so definitely make plans to see more of LA’s best wineries on our full list.
30205 SW 217th Ave., Homestead; / Website
Surrounded by the most beautiful greenery and picturesque estate lives Schnebly Redland’s Winery. As the southernmost winery in the United States, experience the Miami countryside. With wine tours and tastings available, drink some of South Florida’s finest wines, some with very pun-intended Florida names, including Cat 3 Hurricane and Beach Rose. A day at Schnebly Redland’s Winery will be full of history and a lot of vino! Uncover more Florida wineries on Miami’s full list.
100 Brotherhood Plaza Dr., Washingtonville; 845-946-3661 / Website
Sip on their Cabernet Sauvignon and learn about the origins of the country’s oldest winery! Yes, the oldest winery is right here in New York, just a little over an hour and a half away from NYC! Although John Jaques’ initially produced his wine for sacramental use at his church, once he got word of how smooth his wine was, he knew he was on to something great. At Brotherhood Winery they have a remarkable collection of historical artifacts that have never even been seen outside of Brotherhood Winery. Get to know even more about the region’s contributions to the industry by checking the other 10 wineries on NYC’s full list.
2133 Laguna Canyon Road; 949-715-9463 / Website
Laguna Canyon Winery has produced over 160 red wines and 50 white wines since 2003 with different varietals of each kind. The founder J.J. Huber is an award-winning winemaker and uses Italian methods and equipment to create the perfect blend of wine for his consumers. There are eight more wineries on Orange County’s list, so be sure to check them all out.
11198 Polo Club Rd.; 215-688-2180 / Website
Find yourself transported to Calabria, Italy at Cugini Winery in Palm Beach. The sun-baked region of Calabria produces wonderfully flavorful wines that visitors may try at Cugini Winery. Three-hour wine-tasting events include expertise from a personal wine specialist, a charcuterie board and of course, an array of Cugini wines. The winery also offers access to a limited club, The Cugini Wine Guild, which offers amenities like invitations to all wine tastings, dinners and parties. Love wine so much you still want more? That’s good, because there are five more wineries on Palm Beach’s full list.
209 Vineyard Rd, Atco, NJ; 856-768-8585 / Website
Taste dry red, dry white and off-dry flights of wine at Amalthea Cellars just 25 miles southeast of Center City, Philadelphia. Sourced from the Outer Coastal Plain of south New Jersey, the grapes originate from an American Viticultural Area. Amalthea Cellars won Best Local Wine 2019 from Best of Philly, but there are five more spots to sip some vino on Philly’s full list.
13330 Paseo Del Verano Notre; 858-487-1866 / Website
Bernardo Winery has been producing wine in San Diego since 1889 and it keeps getting better. Family-owned, Bernardo Winery has a tasting room for guests to try wines by the glass or bottle, as well as their own kitchen with traditional Italian fare. The winery hosts many events including Paint and Sip classes once a month, RB Farmer’s Market every Friday, winery weddings and private events. This is a great place to come celebrate your loved ones or just make an ordinary weekend a little more special. Would you believe there are nine more wineries on San Diego’s full list? You’ve got to try them!
15 Chateau Ln, Napa; 707-337-5943 / Website
This Napa Valley winery is built entirely into a Coombsville hillside cave. This hidden gem is lauded for its wines and the winery design. “I helped design the space, so I’m not impartial,” says designer and artist Richard Von Saal of Vonsaal Design and Build, who helped us with a list of standout architecture gems in California wine country. “Everything flows into the natural surroundings. From the rusted gate to the enormous doors and cave design, it’s very welcoming. Hats off to Juan Carlos of Signum Architecture for this incredibly clandestine, natural and modern concept.” Napa Valley is one of the world leaders in wine, so definitely check out the full guide.
7173 E Main St.; 520-954-2676 / Website
Aridus Wine Company is synonymous with quality and craftsmanship. Located in the southeastern part of Arizona and with a tasting room right in Scottsdale, its vineyards benefit from the region’s arid climate and fertile soil. This family-owned winery specializes in Rhône-style wines, showcasing the bold flavors and elegance synonymous with the region. From their velvety Mourvèdre to their vibrant Grenache Blanc, Aridus Wine Company transports you to the heart of Arizona’s wine country. Discover more of this region’s unique wine via Scottsdale’s full list.
391 Dodon Road, Davidsonville, MD; 410-798-1126 / Website
The Vineyards at Dodon immerse guests in the winemaking and farming lifestyle. Endless hills of green sprawl across the 555-acre property. Modern science meets traditional farming for an ongoing pursuit of winemaking excellence. Unwind and converse with fellow wine club members. Non-members and newcomers can make reservations for Dodon’s Tour & Tastings or an Introductory Flight Experience to get a taste of the Dodon way. Have even more fun by checking out the rest of the wineries on DC’s full list.
Plan even more incredible adventures by checking out our lists of the country’s best tasting menus, or get a bit more rugged without losing sight of luxury at one of our favorite glamping destinations in the U.S.
Photography by: Rostislav_Sedlacek / Getty