The Best Winery Experience In Every State

by Melinda Crow
Last updated:: 10:00 AM ET, Tue March 13, 2018

PHOTO: Vineyards in autumn harvest. (Photo via Rostislav_Sedlacek/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Wine barrels in an underground cellar (photo via CoppiBartali/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: vineyard with ripe grapes (photo via RomoloTavani/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: White wine with grapes on a barrel (photo via Rostislav_Sedlacek/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Napa Valley vineyard castle called Castello Di Amorosa (photo via ablokhin/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: grape fruit on tree (photo via nuizenzui/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Bottle of wine with wine glass on the runlet. (photo via BeylaBalla/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Red wine poured into glasses at vineyard on harvest (photo via Plateresca/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Wine grapes hang from a vine (photo via suprunvitaly/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Sweet Muscadine Grapes. (photo via bhofack2/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Wine Pouring into Glass. (photo via debyaho/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Grapes harvest. (photo via mythja/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Grapes on vine during autumn harvest. (photo via Darwel/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Two glasses of white and red wine. (photo via Rostislav_Sedlacek/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: White wine on summer day outdoor. (photo via mactrunk/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Wine bottles stacked on wooden racks. (photo via haveseen/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Pouring red wine. (photo via Rostislav_Sedlacek/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

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PHOTO: Two glasses of white wine . (photo via Silberkorn/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Toasting with wine. (photo via FotoCuisinette/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: White wine and green grapes. (photo via 5PH/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Red and white wine glasses. (photo via karandaev/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Wine and brush strokes. (photo via zmurciuk_k/iStock / Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Muscadine Grapes Growing on the Vine. (photo via LCBallard/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Red wine with pizza on cutting board. (photo via grafvision/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Red wine on the wooden table. (photo via Red wine on the wooden table) (Mindstyle/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Pears and glass of wine. (photo via alexxl66/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Glass of white wine in wine cellar. (photo via mythja/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Wines for all tastes. (photo via Brunomsbarreto/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Holding glasses of red wine toast. (photo via petrenkod/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Red wine in glasses, wine tasting. (photo via Poike/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Red wine glass and glass of beer. (photo via fotek/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Vineyard rows on cloudy day. (photo via panic_attack/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Wineglass with white wine. (photo via inaquim/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Bottle of wine with corkscrew. (photo via poplasen/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Wine barrels in the wine cellar. (photo via bredok/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Wine vineyard in Oregon. (photo via AvatarKnowmad/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Red wine glass and bottle. (photo via umbertoleporini/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Red and white wine. (photo via TSchon/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Pouring wine. (JaysonPhotography/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Red and white wine glasses arranged. (photo via Red and white wine glasses arranged ) (olenagorbenko/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Friends raising toast with wine. (photo via Ridofranz/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Vineyard at sunset. (photo via grapix/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Red wine in bottle, vine and grapes. (photo via 5PH/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Glasses of beers and a red wine. (photo via sfe-co2/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Red wine poured into glass. (photo via Plateresca/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Pouring red wine into the glass. (photo via jeka1984/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Inspecting wine grapes In vineyard. (photo via Feverpitched/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Glass of white wine. (photo via Glass of white wine) (zmurciuk_k/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Couple cheering with wine. (photo DjelicS/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Alabama

1/50

The Alabama winery of the year, Jules Berta Vineyards offers a chance to enjoy Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay, and more with a serving of southern hospitality at this small winery.

Alaska

2/50

Yes, Alaska has a winery. Bear Creek Winery , near Homer produces fruit and grape blended wines. The tasting room is open year-round, and tours of the bottling facility are on Saturdays. Onsite lodging is available.

Arizona

3/50

Page Springs Cellars in the Coconino National Forest south of Flagstaff, Arizona has its own vineyard, a tasting room, bistro, and even offers creek-side massage and yoga in the vineyard.

Arkansas

4/50

Tontitown Winery, just outside Fayetteville, Arkansas, carries on a family winemaking tradition begun in 1923. Wines include Cabernet, Chambourcin, Ports and Chardonnay among others. The facility has a steady calendar of events, including "Corks and Canvas" art classes.

California

5/50

Castello di Amorosa Stands out amid the sea of Napa Valley wineries with its authentically-built medieval-style Tuscan castle. Choose a tasting with or without a guided tour of the castle.

Colorado

6/50

In a state more known for craft beer, The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey near Canon City, Colorado, produces award-winning wines, offers a tasting room and is located in an ideal spot to explore area attractions like the Royal Gorge and whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River.

Connecticut

7/50

Situated between New Haven and Hartford, Wallingford is home to Gouveia Vineyards with stunning views and 32 acres of vineyards.

Delaware

8/50

Stop by Harvest Ridge Winery any day for a tasting, or visit on the weekend for guided tours at 1 pm and 3 pm. The winery is located on the Maryland/Delaware border west of Dover.

Florida

9/50

Winemaking in Florida is not top-of-mind, but that didn't stop the southernmost winery in the country, Schnebly Redlands, from becoming one of TripAdvisor's top 18 wineries in the U.S. in 2016. Stop by for food, drink, and even craft beer.

Georgia

10/50

Wine in Georgia is all about sweet muscadine grapes. Georgia Winery in the Chattanooga Valley southeast of Chattanooga takes that a step further, reds ranging from sweet to dry Merlots, and of course a fun Strawberry wine. This is Georgia, after all.

Hawaii

11/50

Always full of surprises, the island of Maui is home to an unusual wine experience. Maui Wine offers private tours, vineyard experiences, and tastings of sparkling wines, plus an estate Syrah, and a fun pineapple wine, known as Maui Blanc.

Idaho

12/50

Cinder is one of more than fifty wineries taking advantage of the resurgence of winemaking in Idaho. Producing quality award-winning wines since 2016 is the culmination of more than a decade's journey for winemaker Melanie Krause.

Illinois

13/50

If ever there was a spot in Illinois that could transport you magically to the hills of Tuscany, this would be it. Blue Sky Vineyard produces estate grown wines, has luxury suites, and offers pizza, sandwiches and soups to accompany your tasting.

Indiana

14/50

Oliver Winery & Vineyards is one of the largest wineries east of the Mississippi and have been named by Wine Business Monthly as one of the top 50 wineries in the U.S. Sample everything from dry reds to a sweet wine known as Apple Pie.

Iowa

15/50

Summerset Winery Is just outside of Des Moines, producing wines from grapes grown in central Iowa. Pack a picnic and enjoy the wines and local entertainment during Sunday Tunes.

Kansas

16/50

The fertile soils of Kansas are producing an amazing array of wines. Stop by Stone Pillar Vineyard and Winery in Olathe for a taste of what is possible. Visitors enjoy Friday night concerts, yoga in the vines, and food trucks on Tuesdays during the summer months.

Kentucky

17/50

And you thought they only made bourbon in Kentucky. Wildside Winery, near Versailles is proof that it can be done. Stop by for a tasting or for live music on Saturday evenings.

Louisiana

18/50

Just outside of Monroe, Landry Vineyards, is family-operated, producing wines with a distinctive Louisiana flare. Stop by for a tasting Monday-Saturday or check the schedule of live music events.

Maine

19/50

Cellardoor offers two distinctly different Maine wine experiences. At the vineyard and winery near Lincolnville, enjoy the peaceful countryside. Or stop by the Portland tasting room, known as The Point, for an elegant urban experience.

Maryland

20/50

Three siblings produce the wine at Old Westminster Winery, northwest of Baltimore, using Maryland-grown grapes and wild yeast. Tastings take place on weekends, with live music is May through October

Massachusetts

21/50

Running Brook Vineyards & Winery Between Providence, RI and Cape Cod produces a range of wines, with a bonus distillery producing brandy, grappa, and flavored liqueurs. Tastings take place seven days a week, year-round.

Michigan

22/50

Gravity, in southwestern Michigan is home to this winery offering paired tastings of a variety of wines made from locally-grown grapes in a vineyard setting. Live music events take place on Sundays during summer months.

Minnesota

23/50

Carlos Creek Winery is all about making a winery visit fun. From Tapas Thursdays to Comedy nights, Sunday brunch, and paint and sip classes, this is the place to get a winery fix any day of the week.

Mississippi

24/50

Old South Winery produces wines, jelly, and hot sauce using the locally-grown muscadine grapes. The winery opened in 1979, before wineries became trendy. Tastings are available every day.

Missouri

25/50

Montelle Winery Is one of many established wineries making the Augusta area a popular wine tourism destination, but it happens to be the only one that also has a distillery. The café serves pizza and sandwiches and the tasting room is open daily.

Montana

26/50

Ten Spoon Vineyard & Winery has been making Montana wine for fifteen years. Just outside of Missoula, Ten Spoon offers tastings of their award-winning wines year-round.

Nebraska

27/50

The rolling hills of eastern Nebraska, in the town of Brainard, Makovicka Winery makes an interesting selection of wines, including a list heavy on the fruit wines. Sample apple, pear, cherry and elderberry wines for a taste of Nebraska.

Nevada

28/50

Leave the lights and crowds of Las Vegas for an afternoon drive in the mountains to Pahrump Valley Winery. There's a restaurant onsite, as well as a tasting room. The wine list includes Cabernet, Chardonnay and a Pinot Grigio among others.

New Hampshire

29/50

For a winery experience on Lake Winnipesaukee, stop in at Hermit Woods Winery in Meredith. It was included on Food and Wine Magazine's 500 Best Wineries in America list in 2017.

New Jersey

30/50

Besides breweries, eateries and beaches, Cape May has an award-winning winery. Stop by Cape May Winery & Vineyard daily from noon to 5 pm for tastings.

New Mexico

31/50

Wine making in New Mexico dates back 400 years to the Franciscan monks. Enjoy a bit of the art and cultural heritage of the state during a visit to Casa Rodenua Winery in Albuquerque. Enjoy tastings daily from noon to 7 pm.

New York

32/50

Three Brothers Wineries & Estates reflects the growing trend of wine tourism combined with microbrewing. Located on Lake Seneca, Three Brothers showcases three complete wineries and a brewery at one location.

North Carolina

33/50

The vines, including Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Syrah varietals at RayLen Vineyards & Winery grow in a unique microclimate northeast of Charlotte in the Piedmont. The tasting room is open daily.

North Dakota

34/50

With an ever-increasing number of wineries, North Dakota wine may come as a surprise. 4e winery small batch wines stand out with a list that includes a dry red and an off-dry white amid the typical cold-climate sweet fruit wines. The tasting room re-opens in spring.

Ohio

35/50

Firelands Winery near Sandusky was established in 1880 and has an impressive list to sample from, including both reds and whites of European varietals. Winery tours, tastings, and an Osteria are open Monday through Saturday until summer, when Sunday is added to the schedule.

Oklahoma

36/50

Woods and Waters Winery and Vineyard in Anadarko, southwest of Oklahoma City, is the largest commercial winery in the state. Tours are available by reservation but tasting from the list of thirty wines is possible Wednesday to Saturday.

Oregon

37/50

Youngberg Hill in the Willamette Valley of Oregon offers private tastings and tours, or stop by the tasting room daily until 4 pm. Rooms in the inn onsite overlook the vineyards.

Pennsylvania

38/50

The shores of Lake Eerie are home to a collection of venues under the umbrella of South Shore Wine Company, including the vineyard, the winery and just over the border in New York, a combination winery, brewery and distillery.

Rhode Island

39/50

For a small state, Rhode Island has a surprisingly large number of wineries-enough to make it a wine destination all on its own. Newport Vineyards in Middleton, puts you in the heart of things with an onsite restaurant and tasting room where you can sample, sip and tour Tuesday to Saturday.

South Carolina

40/50

For a truly unique spin on wine tasting, stop in at Mira Thursday to Sunday afternoons in Charleston. The wines you will sample are from the company's Napa Valley vineyards and winery, bringing the Napa experience to the Atlantic coast.

South Dakota

41/50

While many of the wineries in South Dakota focus on the locally-grown and cold-tolerant grapes that tend to produce sweet wines, Stone Faces Winery in Hill City, doesn't stop with those. Their list in includes wine made from wild grapes and more traditional varietals like Merlot and Cabernet.

Tennessee

42/50

Mountain Valley Winery states its focus as French and German style wines, so their list includes a Chardonnay and a Cabernet, in addition to the regional Muscadine favorite. Tours and tastings are available daily.

Texas

43/50

The family-owned Messina Hoff operation includes locations in Bryan, Fredericksburg and Grapevine. Tastings are a treat at all three locations, but the Bryan and Fredericksburg facilities include overnight accommodations that let you fully experience the vineyards.

Utah

44/50

Castle Creek Winery near Moab offers tastings daily. Self-guided tours with views of the vineyards are complimentary, but private tours are available on request. The wine list includes classics like Cabernet and Merlot.

Vermont

45/50

When the list of medals includes gold, silver, and best in class for Chardonnays, Syrahs, and Cabernets, you know you have found a serious winery. Sample these and more at Honora Winery Wednesday to Sunday. The tasting room is shared with J 'Ville Brewery, so you can have a flight of craft beer as well.

Virginia

46/50

The Winery at Bull Run in rural Fairfax County has a complete list of reds, whites, and fruit wines, as well as sparkling wines and sweet dessert wines. Enjoy history, tastings, and entertainment served daily.

Washington

47/50

Westport Winery Garden Resort is a destination wine experience that includes shopping, dining, sculpture garden, and of course, wine. The wine list includes Reislings, Pinot Noirs, Cabernets, and Merlots among the extensive offerings.

West Virginia

48/50

Forks of Cheat Winery takes its name from the nearby Cheat River in the Appalachian Mountains. The wines are a mix of French hybrids and American varietals, with a list that includes the classics and a handful of fruit wines. The tasting room and gift shop are open daily.

Wisconsin

49/50

What would a visit to Door County be without a winery stop? The wine list at Simon Creek Vineyard and Winery may surprise you with its sophistication. Tours and tastings are available daily during summer, and on Saturday through May.