Across the United States, stunning wineries are nestled amongst breathtaking natural landscapes. From verdant rolling vineyards to estates tucked into lush forests, these beautiful destinations entice visitors with top-notch wines, gourmet cuisine, and unforgettable scenery.
Follow along on a tour of some of America’s most picturesque wineries, renowned for their world-class offerings and views. Raise a glass with us at vaninblack.com while surrounding yourself with nature’s splendor!
1. Walla Walla Valley, Washington
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Nestled against the Blue Mountains in southeastern Washington, Walla Walla Valley wows with its fertile soils, 300+ sunny days a year, and small-town charm. Some of the state’s most acclaimed wineries call this region home.
Amavi Cellars overlooks steep wheat fields dotted with windmills that evoke a charming Tuscan feel. Indulge in award-winning Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon on their scenic patio. Just down the road, Seven Hills Winery perches on elevated acreage providing Instagram-worthy views. Sample their Merlot and Cabernet Franc while gazing over the valley.
In the nearby town of Walla Walla, stroll tree-lined streets and visit the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel. Dine at The Marc or T. Maccarone’s for fresh seasonal cuisine paired perfectly with local wines.
2. Oregon’s Willamette Valley
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Just south of Portland, Willamette Valley contains over 500 wineries specializing in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. With cool climate growing conditions similar to Burgundy, France, this region consistently produces some of the world’s best Pinot.
At Stoller Family Estate in Dayton, OR, visitors are greeted with panoramic views from the tasting room overlooking the valley and Dundee Hills. Try ultra-premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay while surveying the lush, rolling landscape.
Further west in Yamhill, Sokol Blosser Winery sprawls across 83 acres of vineyards and gardens. Sample award-winning wines on the patio under a pergola while gazing out at Mt. Hood in the distance. Relax in an Adirondack chair amidst blooming flowers as you take in the idyllic scene.
3. Virginia Wine Country
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Home to over 300 wineries, Virginia’s scenic wine trails run through lush valleys and rolling hills. The state’s varied topography provides ideal terroir for multiple grape varietals.
Barboursville Vineyards in Barboursville showcases sprawling Italian-inspired architecture, vine-covered pergolas, and 18th-century ruins dotted across 900 acres. Their renowned Octagon wine blends old-world character with new-world boldness.
Nearby Keswick Vineyards charms with sunset views behind the Blue Ridge Mountains. Their Verdejo and Viognier whites enjoyed on the patio capture Virginia’s natural splendor.
Farther south, Chateau Morrisette in Floyd amazes everyone with its panoramic Blue Ridge vistas. Sip vintages named after the estate’s black Labs while taking in sights stretching to North Carolina.
4. Finger Lakes, New York
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Nestled between Syracuse and Rochester, the glacier-formed Finger Lakes provide ideal winemaking conditions. Cool climate Rieslings and aromatic whites thrive on steep, shale-rich slopes overlooking glistening waters.
On the western shore of Seneca Lake and overlooking New York’s Seneca Lake, Wagner Vineyards stuns visitors with sublime hilltop views. Their tasting room perches high above the shoreline, showcasing rows of vines descending in perfectly manicured plots toward the glistening blue waters below. Inside, you can sample acclaimed Rieslings and Gewurztraminers that reflect the ideal grape-growing climate of the Finger Lakes.
On the patio, take in the spectacular scenery of vineyards flanked by rolling hills stretching down to Seneca Lake. The positioning provides panoramic vistas around every corner at Wagner Vineyards, complementing their dedication to world-class winemaking.
Along Cayuga Lake, Sheldrake Point Winery’s lakefront perch delivers unbeatable scenery. Savor award-winning Chardonnay and Pinot Gris on the terrace with postcard-perfect views.
Further north on Keuka Lake, Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery charms guests with its cozy Swiss chalet tasting room. But the real star is the stunning vineyard scenery surrounding the estate. Perched on Keuka’s slopes, rows of vines methodically traverse down to the shimmering lakefront. This prime positioning allows Dr. Frank’s wines to absorb the ideal climate benefits of the water below. As you sample their Rkatsiteli and Lemberger vintages, take in the panorama stretching over vineyards to Keuka Lake. The backdrop exemplifies why Dr. Frank championed Finger Lakes winemaking, and its natural beauty elevates every sip.
5. California Wine Country
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No list of scenic wineries is complete without California, home to Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, and beyond. From lush vineyards to Pacific Coast views, the state’s wine regions exude natural beauty.
In Sonoma County, Kathryn Hall Cabernet features contemporary architecture housing world-class Bordeaux varietals. Outside, vineyard vistas stretch across hillsides with mountains framing the scene. Be sure to stop in nearby Napa Valley, home to Del Dotto Vineyards’ wine caves. Visitors will feel like they’re entering a romantic novel come to life. Set into the hills of St. Helena in Napa Valley, the estate tunnels were dug in 1885 for Chinese laborers.
Now the old stones support world-class Bordeaux-style wines aging in oak barrels. As you stroll the dimly lit caverns, you can taste exceptional vintages straight from the barrel amidst flickering candles. The cool cave air mingles with warm hospitality from the Del Dotto family, beckoning you to linger over another pour of Cabernet or Merlot in this storybook subterranean setting.
Be certain to visit the Central Coast where perched atop rolling hills along California’s Central Coast is Hearst Ranch Winery. This site to behold offers iconic views of the state’s cattle country. The acclaimed winery sits on a portion of the historic 82,000-acre Hearst Ranch, first purchased by George Hearst in 1865.
Today, guests can taste Rhone and Zinfandel wines crafted from grapes grown on the ranch while surveying the same dramatic landscapes that inspired Hearst and his son William Randolph Hearst. Brisk ocean breezes mingle with Paso Robles warmth as you sip vintages on the terrace. Hearst Ranch wines evoke the frontier spirit of California through their rich flavors and idyllic wine country setting.
Wherever your wine-fueled adventures may take you, scenic wineries across America invite you to immerse yourself in their stunning landscapes. While we’re a bit partial to the wineries here in NC, there’s no denying the epic views available around the country. So get out there, explore these destinations, and find your own perfect wine country scene to savor.
