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United States

The United States has a short history in winemaking when compared to many other big names, but it’s made up for its youth with vigor. The U.S. is 4th worldwide for wine production, and every state has some wineries. Best known for Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Introduction

Top Varieties

-90 Common Varieties

Fruit forward gems.

It’s difficult to characterize the wines of the United States given the varied landscape from coast to coast. That said, 80% of US wine is made in California, which is famous for it’s bodacious, fruit-forward wines that focus on French varieties, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.

Beyond California, Washington (state), Oregon, and New York represent the largest up-and-comers at 17% of US wine. Finally, the last fraction represents the remaining 46 states, notably Arizona, New Mexico, Virginia, Texas, Colorado, Idaho, and Michigan (to name a few) which represent the frontier of US wine.

Top Regions

-600,000 Acres (2016)

Wine Regions

California is characterized by a climate similar to the Mediterranean making it ideal for full-bodied red wines. That said, areas closer to the Pacific Ocean receive layers of fog which allows great success with cooler climate varieties including whites and Pinot Noir.

Washington wine grows primarily on the eastern side of the state which is dry and sunny. This area offers fruity red wines with sweet-tart acidity.

Oregon’s Willamette Valley is ideal for Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay.

New York grows mostly Concord (mostly for juice, not for wine), but the state is quickly becoming known for Riesling, elegant Merlot-based blends, and rosé.

Good to Know

Single-varietal wines must contain 75% of the listed variety. Oregon Pinot Noir/Pinot Gris require 90%.

A wine that labeled as an estate wine must use grapes grown on the winery’s property.

Full-Bodied Red Wine

CA Cabernet Sauvignon

California’s most famous Cabernet wines come from the North Coast region which includes Sonoma and Napa Valley. At their best, wines offer lush black fruit flavors that unravel into layers of cedar, dusty minerality, and tobacco-laced tannins.

Blackberry, Black Cherry, Cedar, Baking Spices, Green Peppercorn

Full-Bodied Red Wine

CA Zinfandel

In 1994, Zinfandel was shown to share the same DNA as Italian Primitivo and Croatian Tribidrag. Zinfandel bursts with candied fruit and tobacco but is often surprisingly dry with minerally tannins and high alcohol. Sonoma and Lodi offer a fantastic comparison.

Blackberry, Plum Sauce, Asian 5-Spice, Sweet Tobacco, Granite

Full-Bodied Red Wine

CA Petite Sirah

California is the world’s top producer of the French grape. Petite Sirah performs particularly well in the state’s warmer climates including the Inland Valleys where wines have rich, saucey, black fruit flavors supported by firm, cocoa-like tannin.

Sugarplum, Blueberry, Dark Chocolate, Black Pepper, Herbs

Full-Bodied White Wine

CA Chardonnay

The best Chardonnay grows mostly in coastal regions and valleys up and down the coast that receive cooling breezes and morning fog from the Pacific. Wines offer a richer body with flavors of pineapple and tropical fruits that are often complemented with toasty oak.

Yellow Apple, Pineapple, Creme Brulee, Vanilla, Caramel

Medium-Bodied Red Wine

CA Pinot Noir

The cooler coastal areas in the North and Central Coast produce some of the boldest, fruit-forward examples of Pinot Noir on the planet. That said, more producers are pulling back to produce elegant, almost Burgundy-like wines. Either way, it’s not to be missed.

Blackberry, Dried Blueberry, Clove, Rose, Cola

Full-Bodied Red Wine

CA Syrah & GSM Blends

You can find great Syrah all over the state, but the Central Coast is by far the most dedicated to Rhône varieties. The best wines have deep black fruit, peppery flavors and dusty minerality. Santa Barbara and Paso Robles are a great place to start looking.

Blackberry, Blueberry Pie, Cracked Pepper, Mocha, Bay Leaf

Full-Bodied Red Wine

WA Syrah & GSM Blends

Even though Rhône varieties like Syrah and Grenache are not Washington’s most popular grapes, they show great potential here. Wines are generous and bold, with sweet-tart red fruit, rich meaty flavors, and spicy alcohol.

Black Currant, Brandied Cherry, Bacon Fat, Dark Chocolate, Graphite

Full-Bodied Red Wine

WA Bordeaux Blends

Even though there is a heavy focus on Cabernet Sauvignon in Washington, the most age worthy wines include a blend of Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties. These wines offer pure black cherry fruit with lovely floral minty and violet-like overtones.

Raspberry, Licorice, Graphite, Exotic Spices, Roast Meat

Light-Bodied Red Wine

OR Pinot Noir

Just over 50% of Oregon’s vineyards are planted to Pinot Noir which grows exceptionally well in the Willamette Valley. Wines offer rich, red berry aromas that are complemented by a light body, juicy acidity, and spice flavors often derived from oak aging.

Pomegranate, Red Plum, Allspice, Vanilla, Black Tea

Light-Bodied White Wine

OR Pinot Gris

Pinot Gris is Oregon's most important white wine and grows quite well in the southern Willamette Valley. You’ll find these wines to have focused peach and pear flavors, with an oily mid-palate, and a tingly, citrus-driven finish.

Nectarine, Ripe Pear, Citrus Blossom, Lemon Oil, Almond Cream

Light-Bodied White Wine

NY Riesling

New York has great potential for Riesling and minerally white wines but the icy winters make grape growing difficult in most areas except those close to bodies of water (rivers, lakes, and the ocean). This is where you’ll find New York’s best wines.

Ripe Peach, Yellow Apple, Lime, Lime Peel, Crushed Rocks

Sparkling Wine

Sparkling Wines

There aren’t many producers making sparkling wines in the United States but those who do produce great quality. You’ll find exceptional producers in the North Coast of California and Oregon and surprising values coming out of New Mexico and Washington State.

Lemon, White Cherry, Orange Blossom, Cream, Raw Almond

Dynamic Wine Region Guides

New York Guide

The Empire State is making waves with its world-class Riesling, Bordeaux Blends, and Cabernet Franc. Explore New York and how its producers push the boundaries of cool-climate winemaking.

Explore New York

Wine Folly Regional Wine Guide: New York

Paso Robles Guide

Paso Robles is California’s hidden gem. With a unique blend of beautiful landscapes, a laid back vibe, and of course, excellent wines, Paso Robles is yours to uncork.

Explore Paso Robles

Wine Folly Regional Wine Guide: Paso Robles

Napa Valley Guide

On the surface, Napa Valley is the ultimate adult playground, complete with wine tasting tours, a wine train, Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels, and much more. Underneath the surface however, the region is a dedicated agricultural zone producing some of the world's top wines.

Explore Napa Valley

Wine Folly Regional Wine Guide: Napa Valley

Walla Walla Guide

Walla Walla is a quaint wine valley sitting on the far eastern edge of Oregon and Washington. So, what's special about Walla Walla Valley wines? For lovers of bold red wines this is the spot in Washington state to hunt for Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. Of course, Walla Walla Valley has more wines to offer for those who make the journey.

Explore Walla Walla

Wine Folly Regional Wine Guide: Walla Wallla

Notable Regions in the United States

California

Californa wine started quite humbly 240 years ago at the Mission de Alcalá in San Diego. Then, after the gold rush in 1849, wineries began to populate Sonoma and Napa Valley and the industry took off. Today, California makes 80% of US wine. The lion’s share is dedicated to just 8 grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Sauvignon Blanc.

North Coast, CA

In 1976, a British wine importer held a blind tasting with several French wine critics that included top Bordeaux and Napa Valley wines. Two Napa Valley wines ended up making top scores and the “Judgement of Paris” went down in California wine history. Since then, Sonoma and Napa Valley have become benchmark regions for fine wines made with French varieties.

Central Coast, CA

The Central Coast includes Monterey, Paso Robles, and Santa Barbara. The vineyards in ocean-facing valleys receive abundant morning fog and are best for cool climate grapes. Farther inland, it’s hotter and better for sun-loving varieties like Syrah. Central Coast has many commercial growers making value wines, but there is also outstanding quality from smaller producers.

Oregon

Most Oregon vineyards are found in the Northern Willamette Valley which was first planted with Burgundy grapes (Pinot and Chardonnay) starting in the 1960s. The region grew slowly, mostly with small wineries and rigorous standards (Oregon requires varietal wines contain 90% of the listed grape!). Overall, wines can be characterized by their tart fruit and subtle, elegant flavors.

Washington

Most people think of Washington as a rainy place. However, the Cascade Mountains stop the clouds from going east and the rest of the state is sunny and dry (some areas are as dry as the Gobi Desert!). Most vineyards are found within the Columbia Valley AVA, where bold red wines are becoming known for their great quality and affordable prices.

Virginia

Halfway between western Europe and California, Virginia is a mix of old world and new world traditions. It’s where Southern Grit meets Old World grace.

Explore Virginia Wine