The Top US Must Visit States For Wine Enthusiasts

Saturday 15th Mar 2025 |

As spring arrives and the weather warms up, vineyards and outdoor tastings come back to life, with new research revealing the USA as a top destination for wine enthusiasts. 

With this in mind, the travel experts at North American tour operator, Journeyscape analysed data to determine the U.S states with the most wineries, revealing the top American destinations for wine lovers to explore in 2025.

With over 4,000 wineries, California has the most to offer wine-loving tourists in 2025. 

Situated on the West Coast, the sun-kissed state is home to top wine destinations like Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and Los Carneros meaning tourists will be spoiled for choices, surrounded by some of the best vineyards and wineries. 

Producing 63 types of grapes, California boasts a large variety of wine grapes, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. The Golden State produces nearly every known style, including sparkling, dessert, and fortified wines. 

The state also accounts for over four-fifths (80.79%) of the nation’s wine production, totalling 609 million gallons.

wineries in America

Further study insights:

  • Quebec is the top location for wine lovers in Canada, scoring 9.25 out of 10.
  • British Columbia has the most loyal Canadian wine enthusiasts. The residents here bought more than  40,500 litres of Canadian wine between 2022 and 2023, generating a value of more than $440,000, equating to $70.90 per 10,000 population.
  • Ontario currently has the most Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) awards in North America, with 197 awards as of 2024. 

The US state with the most wineries:

RankStateNo. of wineries
1California4,200
2Oregon1,116
3Washington1,050
4New York400
5Texas400
6Virginia280
7Ohio280
8North Carolina250
9Michigan200
10Indiana200

Kerry Manley, Head of Marketing at North America travel specialist Journeyscape comments: 

“Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned wine enthusiast, when planning the perfect wine-tasting experience, proper planning should ensure a more enjoyable and memorable experience. Here are a few things to consider when preparing for the ultimate vineyard and wine-tasting trip: 

Research and plan ahead 

“First, it is important to determine your preferred wine regions, such as Napa Valley, Willamette Valley, or wineries like the Reif Estate Winery. This will enable you to explore their unique wine styles and specialities. 

“It is helpful to research the best time to visit your chosen location. Typically, spring and fall are considered the best seasons, particularly in early spring, when the vineyards come back to life. Harvest season is also popular, as it offers a more immersive experience. 

Create an itinerary 

“When planning your wine-tasting trip, determine how many wineries you want to visit. To avoid palate fatigue, visiting no more than two to three wineries per day is usually advised. Ensure you plan enough time in each location to really enjoy the experience. You can also participate in additional activities like vineyard tours and cellar visits. 

wineries in America

“Aim to include a diverse mix of vineyards and wineries for greater variety, from well-known estates to smaller boutique winners. Each winemaker has a unique style, allowing you to try a new grape variety at each location. 

Respect winery etiquette 

“Respecting winery etiquette is very important as it ensures everyone has an enjoyable time. This means showing up for your appointments on time and following each winery’s or vineyard’s rules and guidelines during the wine tastings and tour. 

“Lastly, to avoid disappointment, book your winery tours well in advance, especially for popular vineyards that may require reservations. Also, pack the essentials, such as comfortable clothing and footwear, as you’ll be walking through vineyards. Enjoy the experience and fully immerse yourself in a time of relaxation, education, and indulgence!”

Foodie Travel: Perfect Destinations For Taste Hunting

BALEARIC BLISS: A SEASON OF SUN, STYLE & SOUND IN IBIZA