US wine regions have produced wine for over 300 years. Today, wine production is performed in all fifty states, with California leading the way in wine production followed by Washington State, Oregon and New York. The United States is the fourth largest wine producing country in the world after France, Italy, and Spain.
Oregon
The state of Oregon in the United States has established an international reputation for its production of wine. Oregon has several different growing regions within the state’s borders which are well-suited to the cultivation of grapes; additional regions straddle the border between Oregon and the states of Washington and Idaho. US wine regions within the state include the Willamette Valley, Southern Oregon, Umpqua Valley, and Rogue Valley.
Oregon is most famous for its Pinot Noir, which is produced throughout the state. Pinot Noirs from the Willamette Valley have received much critical acclaim from wine connoisseurs and critics, and Oregon is regarded as one of the premier Pinot-producing regions in the world.
- Pinot Noir – The picky Pinot Noir thrives in the cooler Oregonian climates, leading to some of the best American Noirs that run spicy and full of cherry flavors and summer fruit aromas.
- Cabernet Sauvignon’s black cherry bustle liquefies into the boldest, biggest reds in Oregon. It’s wines come across thick and rich and delicious!
- Pinot Gris – The Oregonian style of Pinot Gris drizzles crisp exuberant tastes with peach and melon aromas.
- Chardonnay – In Chardonnays, the flavors are bright and fruity with vanilla aromas.
Washington
Wine produced in the US wine regions of Washington have a long and continued history. The state ranks 2nd in the US in the production of varietal wine with over 31,000 acres of vineyards, a harvest of 120,000 tons of grapes (2006), and exports going to over 40 countries around the world from the 500 wineries located in the state.
Washington produces premium and super premium wines which include:
- Cabernet Sauvignon – This black-currant-oozing grape offers some of Washington’s best single varietal Cabs and makes lovely blends with Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
- Merlot – The Washington Merlot produces an easy-to-drink, black cherry fervor that’s stealing the show from the Cabernet headliner.
- Syrah – This grape’s peppery, spicy, berry flavors are bound to make this wine America’s next top red.
- Sauvignon Blanc – This wines twofold nature offers varying styles from creamy and oaky with zing to zippy with a touch of grassiness. Both tend to be refreshing, fruity, and ripe with character.
- Chardonnay – With its light crisp apple appeal, its wines are among Washington’s most distinguishable.
- Gewürztraminer – The spicy, tropical fruit audacity of the Gewürztraminer grape and its natural ability to withstand cooler climates make good in Washington.
New York
As the name suggests, the US wine regions of New York refer to wine made from grapes grown in New York. New York ranks third in grape production by volume after California and Washington.
The wines produced in New York include:
- Cabernet Sauvignon – This wine burst with deep fruitfulness and rich earthy tannins.
- Merlot – This berry presents an even-keel, plum-flavored, full-bodied, and savory wine.
- Pinot Noir – Less tannic and all the more elegant than the Cab or Merlot, the best in New York Noirs are brightly fruity with a touch of oak.
- Cabernet Franc – Infused with flavors ripe with fruit and hints of herbiness, the Franc is destined to take the lead in New York reds.
- Riesling – With lush tropical fruit flavors and a refreshing character, this grape delivers by far one of New York’s claim-to-fame whites.
- Chardonnay – Skipping the buttery overtones of a California, the New York version is crisp with the ripest fruit spirit.
- Gewürztraminer – Made dry to semi-dry, this grape does its thing in the cooler regions of the New York wine country.
Three great books to learn more about Washington, Oregon and New York wines!
Discovering Washington Wines: An Introduction to One of the Most Exciting Premium Wine Regions
Long Island Wine Country: Award-Winning Vineyards of the North Fork and the Hamptons
OMG! I wish I could visit even just one of them, it will be a dream come true to me.
I would love to go at Washington and see how my favorite syrah wine made. Thanks for sharing this article. I feel so inspired.