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Just about anyone in the workforce has had those moments of coming home and uncorking a bottle of wine to cap off a long day.
Heck, if I’m being honest, I just poured myself a glass of Syrah to fuel this article, so I’d like to say in advance – I’m sorry, and you’re welcome.
But many travelers go next level, seeking out wine destinations brimming with scenic vineyards and rustic wineries for the ultimate relaxing getaway.
Of course, Napa tends to top the list, but the truth is just because there’s household recognition doesn’t mean it’s an automatic good time when you have to stretch your budget for high-end hotels and expensive tastings, plus, having to squeeze into tight crowds at the bar.
There are dozens of wine destinations across the U.S. that are often overlooked in favor of big names such as Napa, but lucky for people like you and me, MarketWatch did their homework for us, revealing the most underrated wine regions across the States.
These are the top 4 to visit this spring:
4) Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Winston-Salem may be a name more known in the tobacco industry, but it’s actually a gateway into one of America’s most underrated wine regions.
The Yadkin Valley is home to over 50 wineries, with sprawling vineyards producing European grapes that will ultimately grace your lips.
This scenic area of fertile farmland has been transformed into a top choice for a relaxing wine weekend, but not as many tourists know about it.
But hey, I bet you Napa doesn’t have ‘the largest llama farm in the Southeast’ which just so happens also to be an award-winning winery.
While Divine Llama Vineyards is certainly one-of-a-kind, there are ample wineries to enjoy your time in this lesser-known wine getaway.
MarketWatch also recommends:
- Old Homeplace Vineyard
- Childress Vineyards
That being said, Shadow Springs Vineyard holds a near-perfect 4.9 Google rating with an emphasis on ‘Fine Wines. No Snobbery.’
3) Palisade, Colorado
Big or small, it seems like every state has a “wine country”. For Colorado, it’s Palisade, a scenic town lining the Colorado River.
Palisade’s claim to fame is its variety of fruit wines, such as cherry, peach, and even honey to throw your palate a curveball, although peaches themselves are a way of life in this town with ample orchards to visit as well.
Best of all, Palisade’s wineries are known for being very affordable and family-friendly but maybe stick to Welch’s for the kiddos…
MarketWatch recommends these 3 Palisade wineries:
- Bookclliff Vineyards
- Restoration Vineyards
- Carlson Vineyards
But if it were me visiting, I’d be booking a tour at Blue Beryl Winery, sitting at the base of Mt. Garfield and serving up a wide selection of dry wines.
2) Santa Fe, New Mexico
While offering endless turquoise trinkets, those seeking locally-produced wine in Santa Fe might blink and miss it.
There’s only a handful of wineries in Santa Fe proper, but it’s certainly a worthwhile pit stop along New Mexico’s unofficial wine trail.
New Mexico’s capital is one of my favorite weekend getaways, but even I missed out on the wine scene when I last visited as I was too busy stuffing my pie hole with anything wrapped in blue corn tortillas and Hatch chile salsa.
Next time, though, I’ll be sure to hit up Vivac Winery for their signature keg wines recommended by MarketWatch or Hervé Wine Bar, a local favorite.
1) Geneva, Ohio
I’m not sure I could name 320 things (good or bad) about Ohio, a state often deemed too sleepy for a vacation.
Although, Colombus might have something to say about that…
That being said, since the town of Geneva offers 320 wineries, what could be more of a selling point?
Well, not to add more numbers to the equation, but when there’s wine involved the math is always mathin’.
Ohio actually beholds 2 Geneva’s – the Geneva of Ohio’s Grand River Valley crowned America’s most underrated wine region, but also Geneva-On-The-Lake, a tranquil lake town a short drive away.
Between both, there are numerous wineries to check out for a delightful getaway.
MarketWatch recommends these 3 wineries in Geneva:
- Laurello Vineyards
- Debonné Vineyards
- Ferrante Winery & Ristorante
As for lakeside views and glistening glasses of wine, check out the Old Firehouse Winery.
Bonus Round! My Favorite Wine Destination: Julian, California
An hour east of San Diego lies a former gold mining town that’s since been transformed into a rustic hideaway nestled in the mountains with cozy bed & breakfasts.
Julian offers multiple brewhouses, cideries, and wineries intermixed between a battle of pie shops claiming to be the best.
My go-to for years has been Blue Door Winery set just off the main strip. Serving the best sangria I’ve ever had, and most recently igniting European nostalgia by offering mulled wine, you won’t be disappointed.
Better yet, they’ve just begun a new venture in olive oil production, so let’s just say my pasta salads have stepped their game up.
Blue Door certainly anchors Julian’s wine scene, but they’re not alone. You could easily make a weekend getaway visiting numerous wineries in Julian and the neighboring town of Ramona at such places as Menghini Winery, Storum Ranch Cider & Wine, and Old Julian Vineyards & Winery.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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