
Other US Wine
American winemaking extends far beyond the West Coast, with New York’s Finger Lakes AVA celebrated for its crisp Riesling and Long Island producing Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay. Virginia’s Monticello and Shenandoah Valley regions have carved a niche with aromatic Viognier and Bordeaux-style red blends thriving in their warm summers and well-drained soils. In the Midwest, Michigan’s Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas leverage Lake Michigan’s moderating influence to craft elegant Pinot Gris, Riesling, and sparkling wines. Texas Hill Country has emerged as a powerhouse for robust Tempranillo, Viognier, and Grenache, benefitting from its limestone-rich soils and hot days with cooling nights. New England—particularly Vermont and Massachusetts—focuses on hardy French-American hybrids like Seyval Blanc, L’Acadie Blanc, and La Crescent, which can withstand colder winters. Meanwhile, states such as North Carolina and Indiana are gaining acclaim for their plantings of Norton, Cabernet Franc, and Chambourcin, showcasing the true breadth of America’s diverse terroirs.