USA TODAY 10Best
Finger Lakes named America's best wine region
Best Wine Region (2019)
While California undoubtedly produces excellent wine, it's got stiff competition these days. The United States is as of 2019 home to 244 American Viticultural Areas, or AVAs — grape-growing regions designated by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. We asked a panel of wine industry experts to pick their favorite American AVAs and wine regions, and our readers voted for their favorites from the pool of 20 nominees.
The top 10 winners in the category Best Wine Region are as follows:
- Paso Robles - California
- Texas Hill Country - Texas
- Lodi - California
- Mendocino - California
- Monticello - Virginia
- Walla Walla Valley - Washington
- Verde Valley - Arizona
- Temecula Valley - California
- Leelanau Peninsula - Michigan
- Finger Lakes - New York
Photo courtesy of Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance
No. 10:
California's Paso Robles wine country comprises 11 different American Viticultural Areas exhibiting a diversity of microclimates and growing conditions. The most commonly grown varieties among the area’s 40,000 acres of vineyards are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah and Chardonnay.
Photo courtesy of iStock / Dean_Fikar
No. 9:
The scenic Texas Hill Country surrounding the communities of Austin, Fredericksburg, Stonewall, Lampasas and New Braunfels is home to more than 50 different wineries. This American Viticultural Area is the second largest in the country, with varietals ranging from Viognier to Tempranillo to Cabernet Sauvignon to Merlot to Chenin Blanc to Aglianico to Sangiovese to Mourvèdre, with increasing acreage being planted in warm weather grapes.
No. 8:
Lodi’s classic Mediterranean climate creates excellent conditions for producing a diverse range of wines, though many area wineries focus predominately on red. Highlights of the more than 100 varieties in production include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel.
Photo courtesy of iStock / nathanphoto
No. 7:
The Mendocino American Viticultural Area is dotted with legacy vineyards planted by immigrant families generations ago, giving birth to a wine region known for its Zinfandel, Alsatian whites and Mediterranean red varieties.
Photo courtesy of iStock / lovingav
No. 6:
Back in the 1770s, Thomas Jefferson tried to make wine at this Monticello estate in what is now the heart of Central Virginia’s Monticello American Viticultural Area. When not sipping on European grape varietals, visitors to the region can explore the battlefields of the Richmond area, tour historic Charlottesville or stroll through revitalized downtown Lynchburg.
Photo courtesy of Visit Walla Walla
No. 5:
Italian immigrants began growing wine grapes in Washington’s Walla Walla Valley in the 1850s. Today, this region features more than 100 wineries producing a range of varietals, most popularly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The American Viticultural Area spreads across the border into Oregon as well.
Photo courtesy of iStock / DOUGBERRY
No. 4:
Sedona’s Verde Valley features a dry, arid climate , dramatic temperature changes from day to night and volcanic soil, resulting in excellent conditions for growing grapes. Visitors to the region can explore its wineries and tasting rooms along the Verde Valley Wine Trail.
Photo courtesy of Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association
No. 3:
Temecula Valley is known for its diversity of varietals, with more than 50 types of grapes grown in the area. Wine grapes have been grown in the area for more than 200 years, but these days, the warm region is best known for its Italian and Rhone varietals.
Photo courtesy of Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail
No. 2:
The Leelanau Peninsula is the second oldest American Viticultural Area in the state of Michigan, established in 1982. The area is now home to 26 wineries with 680 acres of wine grapes — a quarter of the state’s total. The cool climate produces wines that are often crisp, clean and balanced, as well as ice wine.
Photo courtesy of iStock / Verducci2
No. 1:
New York’s picturesque Finger Lakes region is home to three distinct American Viticultural Areas, Finger Lakes, Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake AVAs. Visitors to the area will find more than 130 wineries, many specializing in Riesling.
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.
Congratulations to all these winning wine regions!
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Dynie Sanderson
Dynie is the creator of NapaFoodGalTravels and has... Read More
Dynie is the creator of NapaFoodGalTravels and has been a food, wine and travel journalist and digital influencer living and indulging in life in the Napa Valley and around the world for over 25 years. She was founder, publisher and editor of GuestWest Magazine, Napa Valley’s first luxury lifestyle magazine; Food and Flavor Editor for Napa Valley Life Magazine and contributor to a variety of food and wine publications. Always seeking out the next wine region or food and wine festival to experience around the US and around the world to add to “Dynie’s Delicious Destinations.” Follow NapaFoodGal on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Dynie Sanderson
Dynie is the creator of NapaFoodGalTravels and has been a food, wine and travel journalist and digital influencer living and indulging in life in the Napa Valley and around the world for over 25 years. She was founder, publisher and editor of GuestWest Magazine, Napa Valley’s first luxury lifestyle magazine; Food and Flavor Editor for Napa Valley Life Magazine and contributor to a variety of food and wine publications. Always seeking out the next wine region or food and wine festival to experience around the US and around the world to add to “Dynie’s Delicious Destinations.” Follow NapaFoodGal on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Jill Barth
Jill Barth is a contributor for Forbes digital and... Read More
Jill Barth is a contributor for Forbes digital and USA Today 10Best. She’s also a Provence Wine Master Level through the Wine Scholar Guild, a Symposium for Professional Wine Writers Fellow and the founder and author of the award-winning blog, L'Occasion.
Jill Barth
Jill Barth is a contributor for Forbes digital and USA Today 10Best. She’s also a Provence Wine Master Level through the Wine Scholar Guild, a Symposium for Professional Wine Writers Fellow and the founder and author of the award-winning blog, L'Occasion.
June Rodil
Born in the Philippines and raised in Texas, June... Read More
Born in the Philippines and raised in Texas, June is one of 26 women in the Americas to earn a Master Sommelier credential. She joined Goodnight Hospitality as a partner in 2019 and will open three new concepts with the Houston-based company within the year. Most recently, June was VP of Operations for McGuire Moorman Hospitality, a hospitality group with 10 restaurants in Austin and one in Aspen. She remains a partner in June’s All Day, her namesake restaurant that was named one of Food & Wine magazine's Restaurants of the Year in 2017. She is known as a leader in the beverage community and her accolades include: Wine Enthusiast’s Sommelier of the Year 2018; Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 2016; Key Panelist at Women in Wine Leadership Symposium and numerous Food & Wine Festivals across the nation; Food & Wine magazine's Sommelier of the Year 2014, Star Chef's Rising Star Sommelier 2012, Wine & Spirits Best New Sommelier 2011 and TEXSOM Best Sommelier Winner 2009.
June Rodil
Born in the Philippines and raised in Texas, June is one of 26 women in the Americas to earn a Master Sommelier credential. She joined Goodnight Hospitality as a partner in 2019 and will open three new concepts with the Houston-based company within the year. Most recently, June was VP of Operations for McGuire Moorman Hospitality, a hospitality group with 10 restaurants in Austin and one in Aspen. She remains a partner in June’s All Day, her namesake restaurant that was named one of Food & Wine magazine's Restaurants of the Year in 2017. She is known as a leader in the beverage community and her accolades include: Wine Enthusiast’s Sommelier of the Year 2018; Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 2016; Key Panelist at Women in Wine Leadership Symposium and numerous Food & Wine Festivals across the nation; Food & Wine magazine's Sommelier of the Year 2014, Star Chef's Rising Star Sommelier 2012, Wine & Spirits Best New Sommelier 2011 and TEXSOM Best Sommelier Winner 2009.
Karen MacNeil
Karen MacNeil is the only American to have won... Read More
Karen MacNeil is the only American to have won nearly every major wine award given in the English Language. These include the James Beard award for Wine and Spirits Professional of the Year and the International Wine and Spirits award as the Global Wine Communicator of the Year. In a full-page profile on her, TIME Magazine called Karen, “America’s Missionary of the Vine.” In 2018, Karen was named one of the “100 Most Influential People in Wine.” Karen is the author of the award-winning book, THE WINE BIBLE, the single best selling wine book in the United States praised as “A masterpiece of wine writing.” THE WINE BIBLE has sold more than one million copies.
Karen MacNeil
Karen MacNeil is the only American to have won nearly every major wine award given in the English Language. These include the James Beard award for Wine and Spirits Professional of the Year and the International Wine and Spirits award as the Global Wine Communicator of the Year. In a full-page profile on her, TIME Magazine called Karen, “America’s Missionary of the Vine.” In 2018, Karen was named one of the “100 Most Influential People in Wine.” Karen is the author of the award-winning book, THE WINE BIBLE, the single best selling wine book in the United States praised as “A masterpiece of wine writing.” THE WINE BIBLE has sold more than one million copies.
Shana Clarke
Shana Clarke is wine, sake, and travel writer and... Read More
Shana Clarke is wine, sake, and travel writer and author. Her work has appeared in Saveur, Fortune, CNN Travel, NPR, Wine Enthusiast, Hemispheres, and Fast Company. She was shortlisted for the Louis Roederer 2020 International Wine Writers’ Awards and ranked one of the “Top 20 U.S. Wine Writers That Wineries Can Work With” by Beverage Trade Network in 2021. She holds a Level 3-Advanced Certificate from Wine & Spirit Education Trust and is a Certified Sake Sommelier. In addition, she is author of 150 Vineyards You Need To Visit Before You Die and the contributing author to the North America section of The Wine Lover’s Bucket List. Follow her on Instagram on @shanaspeakswine or view her work www.shanaspeakswine.com
Shana Clarke
Shana Clarke is wine, sake, and travel writer and author. Her work has appeared in Saveur, Fortune, CNN Travel, NPR, Wine Enthusiast, Hemispheres, and Fast Company. She was shortlisted for the Louis Roederer 2020 International Wine Writers’ Awards and ranked one of the “Top 20 U.S. Wine Writers That Wineries Can Work With” by Beverage Trade Network in 2021. She holds a Level 3-Advanced Certificate from Wine & Spirit Education Trust and is a Certified Sake Sommelier. In addition, she is author of 150 Vineyards You Need To Visit Before You Die and the contributing author to the North America section of The Wine Lover’s Bucket List. Follow her on Instagram on @shanaspeakswine or view her work www.shanaspeakswine.com
Ziggy Eschliman
Known on the airwaves as Ziggy the Wine Gal, Ziggy... Read More
Known on the airwaves as Ziggy the Wine Gal, Ziggy Eschliman is among America's most enthusiastic, authoritative and entertaining libation experts. Her internationally known company, ZigStyle, combines her artistry for wine country entertaining and gardening while integrating her expertise of wine & spirits, showcasing a unique lifestyle. For over 25 years Ziggy has set and reported trends in all things wine and spirits. Her radio shows are broadcast throughout wine country and are available online.
Ziggy Eschliman
Known on the airwaves as Ziggy the Wine Gal, Ziggy Eschliman is among America's most enthusiastic, authoritative and entertaining libation experts. Her internationally known company, ZigStyle, combines her artistry for wine country entertaining and gardening while integrating her expertise of wine & spirits, showcasing a unique lifestyle. For over 25 years Ziggy has set and reported trends in all things wine and spirits. Her radio shows are broadcast throughout wine country and are available online.
