About US Wine

About US Wine
The United States is one of the most important players in the wine industry. On sheer numbers alone, the US is the fourth largest country in terms of total production; but it is the outstanding quality of wines from the US that is an additional part of its worldwide prestige.

While the first wines produced in the colonies date back to the late 18th century, it has only been since the mid-1960s that the US has entered the premium wine market on a large scale. California, especially Napa Valley and Sonoma County were the areas that drove the new quality movement. Other areas in California also were home to great wines; soon Washington and Oregon were home to first-class wines as well. New York State, especially the Finger Lakes are was rediscovered for its Rieslings and soon wineries started opening in states such as Texas, Virginia and North Carolina.

Today, 90% of domestic premium wine is produced in California and there are several wine types that share the spotlight; these include Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, Pinot Noir from Sonoma's Russian River Valley as well as Santa Barbara County and Chardonnay from several regions, such as Monterey and Sonoma County. Bordeaux-styles reds from Washington State have received great acclaim as have Oregon Pinot Noirs.

Today, the United States is in an enviable position of being one of the largest producers of wine as well as one of the most celebrated.

Top Picks for USA

Weis Vineyards NV One Eighty Three Dessert Wine Finger Lakes
97 points
$39
A remarkably rich, delicious, and warming American fortified wine with Old World nuances that add complexity and delight; definitely a benchmark for domestic port style wine that tastes like a true vintage port.
Awards: 2023 New York Wine Classic - Best Fortified (Port-Like)
Jarvis 2018 Estate Petit Verdot
96 points
$230
A black fruit backbone with dashes of green herbs and a whole field of purple flowers; this is exactly what Petit Verdot is supposed to be.
Braganini 2020 Reserve Cabernet Franc
96 points
$26
Outside of Chinon, one of the best examples of Cab Franc encountered in quite some time.
Awards: '2023 Michigan Governor's Cup - Best Vinifera Red Wine' 2023 Michigan Governor's Cup - Governor's Case Best Red 2023 Michigan Governor's Cup - Governor's Cup Winner
H/H Estates 2012 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Michael Andrews Reserve Red Blend Horse Heaven Hills
96 points
$56
A round, mature Gran-Reserva-Roija-like red that will be stellar with a meaty meal or on its own.
Lawer Estates 2018 Barrel Select Cabernet Sauvignon
96 points
$115
A serious Cabernet that showed up in an expensive suit ready for business.
Jarvis 2015 Reserve Merlot
96 points
$310
An elegant, satiny Merlot that is drinking exquisitely right now.
Awards: 2022 Best Merlot
AvinoDos 2017  Malbec
96 points
$42
A delicious and brawny Malbec with well-meshed flavors and mouth filing tannins; give this one some time.
Awards: 2022 Best Malbec
Weis Vineyards 2021 Dry Rosé Finger Lakes
96 points
$19
Best Buy
A vibrantly delicious Rose that whets the appetite and satisfies the soul; a benchmark for New York rose.
Awards: '2022 New York Wine Classic - Best Pink Wine' 2022 New York Wine Classic - Best Rosé (0 to 2% RS) 2022 Best Rosé (0 to 2% RS)
96 points $19 Best Buy
Inglenook 2015  Cabernet Sauvignon
96 points
$54.95
A robust and complex Cabernet that will develop in the glass throughout a meal and for years to come.
96 points $54.95
Jarvis 2015  Petit Verdot
96 points
$180
A complex, sun-drenched Petit Verdot with world-class intensity and structure; a bold and beautiful red.
Awards: 2021 Best Red Wine