Vineyards Across America

Gregory Cellars - a fun garagiste venture rooted in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fueled by passion, creativity, and a love for winemaking, this small-batch operation proves that great wine can be crafted anywhere, like done for 1,000's of years, even here in the desert.

It may surprise you to learn that wine is produced in every U.S. state, even in Alaska and Hawaii. As of September 2024, the American Association of Wine Economists reported over 17,000 bonded wineries across the country. This impressive number showcases how winemaking is a unique blend of natural resources and rich traditions. The history of grape cultivation goes back thousands of years, shaping agriculture, trade, and culture. In 2023, the U.S. wine industry reached $107 billion in sales, reflecting its rapid growth and diversity.

Bonded Wineries in the United States as of September, 2024. Wondering how many of those make a great Cab Franc and are dog friendly!

The Dominance of California and the Rise of Other Regions

California stands out with 6,663 bonded wineries scattered across its lush valleys and diverse climates. It is followed by Washington with 1,507, Texas with 1,174, and Oregon with 1,021 wineries. Each of these states boasts numerous American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) where winemaking talent flourishes, making it hard to name just a few exceptional regions.

Wine producers adapt to their local environments. For example, in Texas, the High Plains AVA benefits from higher elevations that keep temperatures cooler at night, preserving grape acidity. In Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the fertile soil and temperate climate allow for top-quality Pinot Noir. These unique conditions blend human skill and tradition to create an impressive variety of wine.

Chilling with Meg at Peltzer, probably drinking a "Feeling Cocky".

Wine Quality in Unexpected Places

What about Nevada, Wyoming, and Delaware? They each have fewer than 30 bonded wineries, raising questions about the quality of wine produced in such regions. Though less well-known, these areas deliver unique flavors and unexpected quality. For instance, the Cabernet Franc from Delaware often surprises tasters with its bold flavor profile, embodying the local climate's characteristics.

Innovative winemakers in these regions embrace the challenges presented by their environments. They explore grape varieties that flourish locally, rather than relying on more commonly known types. In Nevada, wineries are crafting wines from grapes like Syrah that thrive under the intense desert sun.

The Role of Climate and Soil

Climate and soil type heavily influence wine quality. In Delaware, for instance, sandy loam soil promotes good drainage—ideal for grapes like Merlot and Cabernet Franc. As a result, wines from this state often possess bright fruit flavors and well-rounded tannins.

Wyoming presents its own challenges, with dramatic temperature shifts that can reach 30°F or more between day and night. This phenomenon fosters grapes with high acidity, an important characteristic for producing crisp wines. Picture driving through fields of colorful wildflowers, all while knowing these conditions contribute to the quality of the wines.

Innovation in Winemaking Practices

Winemakers in overlooked regions are using innovative techniques to enhance their wines. Take Nevada, for instance, where producers are experimenting with desert viticulture. By perfecting water management and selecting drought-tolerant grape varieties, they are successfully producing impressive wines that reflect their harsh surroundings.

Additionally, Hawaii stands out as an unexpected player in the wine game. Renowned for its beautiful beaches and tourism, the islands have found ways to produce exceptional wines from tropical fruits. For example, local producers blend traditional grape varietals with passionfruit and guava, resulting in unique wine experiences that showcase Hawaii's essence.

Vineyards are my memory lane. Strolling through them with Meg takes me back to the farmlands of South Dakota where I grew up - where rows of crops stretched endlessly under the same wide-open sky.

Exploring Wine Tourism

Wine tourism is increasingly popular in areas once deemed unimportant for wine production. Wineries in states like Montana and Vermont are welcoming visitors for tastings and tours. This growth not only boosts local economies but also sparks appreciation for the art of winemaking.

Imagine strolling through a vineyard in Alaska, enjoying a cool glass of locally-produced wine while surrounded by stunning landscapes. Every state presents unique wine experiences, from Oregon's Northwest charm to the warmth of southern wineries.

Again, what about states like Nevada, Wyoming, and Delaware; states with less than 30 bonded wineries?  What level of wine quality can producers make in these regions of the United States? I mean objectively, wine is only fermented grape juice.   And after all, to grow healthy, high-quality grapes, vineyards just need suitable climate conditions, well-draining soil types, proper water management, and protection from pests and diseases.  Wine quality can also be improved when wine makers influence the winemaking process, from grape selection to bottling.  And even though home vintners all over make good wine, there is no guarantee that the “elixir of the gods” will be good, very good, or outstanding in its assessment. 

60th Birthday at The Inn, Europa Village Winery. Celebrated with Meg taking in the the breathtaking views, great wine, Spanish tapas, and unforgettable moments.

And although that all sounds fine and dandy, but what is the real story about the quality of wine from states that experience northern plains winters or the hot summer days in the southwest part or the United States?  Producing high-quality wine in states with harsh winters requires careful vineyard management, the right choice of grape varieties, and innovative winemaking techniques.  Hybrid grapes, developed at the University of Minnesota in the late 70’s, are bred for the cold climate and have withstood a polar artic vortex of nearly 50 degrees below zero.  Some winemakers leave the grape on longer, producing ice wine when temperatures drop below freezing.  In cooler regions, winemakers may also capitalize on higher acidity by producing crips whites, sparkling wines, or sweet wines. 

In hot growing environments, such as in the Texas plains, heat-tolerant grapes varieties like Grenache, Tempranillo, or Zinfandel can thrive and maintain acidity.  Winemakers can adjust the canopy to protect grapes from excessive sugar buildup and use drip irrigation to help regulate water supply, preventing dehydration while conserving water resources.  As

grapes ripen quickly in hot climates, winemakers will carefully track sugar, acid, and phenolic development to determine the perfect harvest time and then make acid adjustments to balance overly ripe grapes.  By leveraging innovation, adaptability, and local expertise, winemakers in extreme climates are creating wines that rival those from more temperate regions. 

I have a keen interest in exploring the diverse world of US winemaking and have an ambitious aspiration to taste wines from all fifty states.  Driven by a curiosity about how geography, climate, and winemaker traditions shape each state’s offerings.  From California and New York to the lesser celebrated regions of Wisconsin and Texas, the quest is fueled by a desire

to highlight the innovation and resilience of winemakers across the county. Kind of a ballpark tour of Major League baseball stadiums! Because with all of the 17,000 bonded wineries in the United States, each bottle tells a story of terroir and craftsmanship and can capture the essence of the vineyard, the challenges of the growing season, and the winemaker’s vision.

I love going to the dog-friendly because many times the wine stewards have a “vineyard dog” that always likes to greet guests and wine tasters.  Some wineries, like Bailey’s Run in Wisconsin or Three Dog’s Vino in Pennsylvania, are named after family pets and create vintages in memory of those special canines.  Visiting wineries and tasting rooms during slower times of the year is also better because many times the winemaker will come out and visit with the clientele.  Discussions surrounding harvest timing with regards to balancing sugar levels, acidity, and phenolic ripeness, and other geeky stuff like yeast selection, temperature control, and fermentation vessels is highly stimulating! 

Always disappointed when they can not travel with me, my little wine critics patiently wait at home, wondering if I'll bring back a bottle or just stories of tastings.

I would even suggest winery special events like a workshop with Pattie and Mark Bjornson and their dog!  Bjornson Winery, McMinnville, Oregon, or a professional wine blending experience with Matt from Bottaia Winery, Temecula, California.  These are great experiences in which one can become more intimate with influences on making high quality and excellent vintages of wine.  With that being said, I present my notes of my grape exploring expeditions, transforming the adventure into a celebration of the vast diversity of American wine culture. Using the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) systematic approach to tasting, I will have a somewhat objective means to evaluating wine from various states.   There is always some subjectivity to wine assessment, but wine structure, the body, sweetness, acidity, tannins, and alcohol is straight forward.  And there is nothing better than savoring fine wines with one’s four-legged companion surrounded by picturesque views and a welcoming atmosphere!  Cheers!

Discover Quality from All Corners

As we explore the underrated wine regions of the United States, we stumble upon stories of creativity, determination, and passion. Winemakers demonstrate that quality wine can emerge from anywhere—provided the right conditions exist.

If you have not yet tasted wines from states like Nevada, Wyoming, or Delaware, now is the time. You might find your next favorite bottle in an astonishing setting.

There is always more to explore, enjoy, and appreciate in the world of wine. Remember, every state plays a vital role in the rich tapestry of American winemaking—one grape at a time.