US wineries: Take exclusive luxury tours

With over 9,000 US wineries, the United States has come of age as one the world’s premier wine producing nations – with only France, Italy and Spain contributing more to the global viticulture economy.

American wineries are scattered across all 50 states, although California – in particular Napa Valley and neighbouring Sonoma – is undoubtedly the most influential and accounts for 89% of all wine produced in this vast country.Renowned for its grand estates, picturesque countryside and quaint towns, Napa Valley is unsurprisingly a must travel destination for wine enthusiasts seeking the best wineries in USA.Within an hour’s drive from San Francisco, there are over 450 US wineries in Napa, ranging from large scale commercials such as Mondavi and Beringer to small, boutique estates producing premium hand-crafted wines, scattered across 45,000+ acres of beautiful, sun-kissed countryside.

At Wine Paths, our local expert can organise exclusive tours of US wineries in Napa and beyond, including elaborate tastings, luxury accommodation, fine dining experiences and some unique activities.All of our private tours of the wineries in the US can be tailor made to your exact specifications, ensuring every detail is taken care of so that you can relax and enjoy the matter at hand.A typical visit to an American winery will include being chauffeured to vineyards by a professional guide before sampling a range of premium wines from the tasting room, which are often accompanied with food pairings of local cuisine.

Wine has been produced in the US since the 17th century, but it wasn’t until European colonisation and the arrival of vitas vinifera vines that the industry really began in earnest. However, wines from wineries in US were barely considered before the infamous 1976 ‘Judgement of Paris’ – when vintages from Napa trounced more illustrious rivals from Burgundy and Bordeaux in a blind tasting that changed the course of history for American wine.

California still receives most of the international limelight, although there are US wineries in other states that are gaining a reputation for producing some distinctive wines. Here is an overview of some of the country’s other main regions that can be visited as part of wine tours: Walla Walla in Washington is an expansive region that combines climate, character and charm with more than 100 American wineries producing the state’s finest expressions wines. Visitors will also be attracted by the raw natural beauty of the area that features vast sagebrush deserts carved by scenic rivers.

Regarded as the birthplace of US wine, Charlottesville in Virginia is renowned for its old world style wines that were inspired by the vision of founding father and former US president Thomas Jefferson. There are now over 2,000 acres of vineyards spread across the picturesque Blue Mountains region.Wineries in the US from Oregon’s Willamette Valley are where the country’s first Pinot Noir vines were planted in 1965, and the region has since become synonymous with the grape. There are around 530 wineries in the valley producing Pinot varietals from 14,400 acres of vineyards.

New York’s Finger Lakes is a world class wine region with more than 120 US wineries set amid the stunning scenery of three lakes – Keuke, Seneca and Cayuga. The lakes create a unique microclimate that encourages aromatics such as Riesling and Gewurztraminer, as well as cool climate reds including Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc.Texas Hill Country may be an unexpected home for leading American wineries, but the Lone Star State produces surprisingly revered wine from just 51 estates scattered across its rolling hills.

If you are interested in visiting US wineries, contact Wine Paths for more information and inspirational ideas before planning a bespoke trip.

Wineries Suggestions in USA

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