Wine vacations offer the perfect combination of gorgeous vineyards, knowledgeable sommeliers and of course, top-notch vino. The U.S. is full of exciting destinations where you can enjoy wine tours and tastings, from traditional hotspots (think Napa Valley) to small-town gems. While California is known for its famous vineyards, you’ll also find other options for wine tasting in the United States, including regions in New York, Idaho and even Texas.
With over 400 million annual visitors to HotelsCombined, we’ve selected the top regions for wine tasting in the United States. Pop open a bottle of your favourite wine, scroll through our list and start planning your next vino getaway.
Sonoma County, California
Sonoma County is a top-tier destination for wine tasting in the United States, often overlooked by its neighbour Napa Valley. Its laid-back vibe, locally-driven food scene and collection of picturesque vineyards are perfect for vino lovers, and you can even find free wine tasting at many tasting rooms. You’ll find a range of wineries to choose from, offering anything from immaculate gardens to historic buildings with vineyard views. Some focus on sustainability, while others have idyllic picnic grounds or a European-style ambience. Plan your visit to coincide with its annual Taste of Sonoma in September, Wine & Food Affair in November and Winter WINEland in January.
Top Places for Wine Tasting
- St Francis Winery & Vineyards
- Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery
- Iron Horse Vineyards
Top Hotel in Sonoma County for Wine Lovers: Olea Hotel
Olea Hotel is a tranquil Sonoma Wine Country retreat, set along the hillside of Sonoma Valley. The adults-only getaway attracts wine lovers with its inviting pool surrounded by plush loungers, a pampering spa and a gourmet breakfast. Book a 55-minute Swedish massage, then enjoy weekend wine tasting or pick up wine in the lobby.
Choose from intimate rooms with in-room fridges, complimentary snacks and flat-screen TVs or upgrade to one of the quaint standalone cottages, which feature fireplaces and heated floors. The luxe Upper Garden Cottage adds a private porch and a large soaking tub.
Hotel Highlights
- A swimming pool, hot tub and outdoor fire pit.
- Every room includes a gourmet breakfast made with fresh organic ingredients.
- Access to unique wine tours, scenic hiking trails and a wine-tasting experience atop a mountain.
- Star Rating: 4*
- Price: USD 352 – USD 560
- Guest Rating: 9.6
- Address: 5131 Warm Springs Road, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, United States
Finger Lakes, New York
Escape the bustle of New York City and head to Finger Lakes, where the green forests and babbling brooks of upstate New York are an instant mood booster. Glacial lakes abound, and in one area forms “fingers”, while this year-round outdoor playground is also home to a renowned wine country. Thanks to its chillier climate, local grape growers and wineries can produce high-quality sparkling wines, Riesling, Pinot Noir and ice wine. Outdoor enthusiasts will also find plenty of recreation to complement their trip, offering access to state parks filled with waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, fishing and boating.
Top Places for Wine Tasting
- Boundary Breaks Vineyard
- Konstantin Frank Winery
- Fox Run Vineyards
Top Hotel in Finger Lakes for Wine Lovers: Belhurst Castle
Belhurst Castle is rooted deep in the history of Finger Lakes, offering historic lodging, upscale dining, a lavish spa and a renowned winery on its property. Its Food and Wine Pairing Dinner is popular, with specialists guiding your taste buds through a six-course food and wine experience. Alternatively, the tasting room allows you to sample some of the award-winning Belhurst Estate wines.
Choose from cosy Chambers in the Castle rooms featuring gas fireplaces and antique furnishings or stay in one of the modern Vinifera Inn rooms with a Jacuzzi and Seneca Lake views. Couples can stay in the romantic Tower Suite, which boasts a six-metre-high beamed ceiling, a four-poster king-size bed, a soaking tub and a balcony.
Hotel Highlights
- An on-site winery and popular Food and Wine Pairing Dinner featuring Belhurst Castle wine.
- Multiple on-site eateries, including Stonecutter’s Tavern with its fun family atmosphere and pub-style food.
- The spa’s signature body treatments and facials as well as salon treatments.
- Star Rating: 3*
- Price: USD 226 – USD 526
- Guest Rating: 7.8
- Address: 4069 West Lake Road, Geneva, NY 14456, United States
Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley is one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions, boasting more than 400 wineries along its tiered hillsides. You’ll easily find some of the best experiences for wine tasting in the United States, offering its guests the chance to enjoy tours, wine education and tasting rooms. The long list of wineries caters to newbies and experts alike, as well as food lovers and there are even family-friendly choices. You’ll also find top California spa resorts, Michelin-star cuisine and the famed Napa Valley Wine Train, a vintage locomotive that pairs food and wine and chugs through the valley.
Top Places for Wine Tasting:
- Domaine Carneros
- Louis M. Martini Winery
- Castello di Amorosa
Top Hotel in Napa Valley for Wine Lovers: Archer Hotel Napa
Set in Downtown Napa, Archer Hotel Napa is a luxury boutique hotel with a chic rooftop bar. Raise your glass at Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar and take in the panoramic valley views or visit Charlie Palmer Steak for bold American-style cuisine. After a long day of wine tasting, the Rooftop Spa’s selection of massages will put you on cloud nine.
Accommodation ranges from comfy guest rooms and spacious suites, with some featuring private balconies. Treat yourself to lavish living in the Archer’s Den with Balcony + Fireplace, which features a separate living area, Nespresso coffee maker, balcony and fireplace.
Hotel Highlights
- A rooftop bar with stone fire pits, ambient lighting and valley and city views.
- “Spa in a Room” massages available in the privacy of your room.
- Surrounded by First Street Napa, a walkable area with shopping, dining and 20+ tasting rooms.
- Star Rating: 4*
- Price: USD 290 – USD 725
- Guest Rating: 9.2
- Address: 1230 First Street, Napa, California, United States
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Encompassing nearly 600 wineries, Willamette Valley is a top wine grape producer in the U.S., known for its award-winning Pinot Noir. At the same time, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Riesling are other top varietals. More than half of the wineries are dog-friendly, and many are family-owned, while a few are also organic. Visit during “cellar season”, which begins the first of the New Year and extends to the onset of spring, and enjoy open roads, quiet tasting rooms and more one-on-one time with winemakers. A short drive from Portland and the gorgeous Oregon coast, it makes for a scenic road trip adventure for oenophiles.
Top Places for Wine Tasting
- Domaine Drouhin
- Youngberg Hill
- Iris Vineyards
Top Hotel in Willamette Valley for Wine Lovers: The Grand Hotel – Salem
The Grand Hotel – Salem is one of Willamette Valley’s most refined hotels. Visit the elegant Bentley’s for fresh seasonal seafood and premium steaks before enjoying a glass of premier red or white wine from The Lounge, which offers wine dinners and private tastings.
Deluxe Rooms feature separate living areas, while Grand Suites add gas fireplaces and in-room jetted tubs. Travelling with the kids? The Grand Family Suite has extra space with two queen-size beds, while the posh Governor Suite features a cosy living room with a fireplace and wet bar.
Hotel Highlights
- The over 200 premier red and white wines by the bottle and over 40 by the glass at The Lounge.
- An indoor pool jetted spa and fitness centre on the 2nd floor.
- Complimentary Grab and Go breakfast options are available.
- Star Rating: 3.5*
- Price: USD 241 – USD 275
- Guest Rating: 9
- Address: 201 Liberty Street SE, Salem, Oregon, United States
Walla Walla, Washington
Walla Walla, Washington is not only a fun name to say, but it’s also a popular spot for wine tasting in the United States with around 120 wineries and 1,133 hectares of grapes. Wine lovers flock here to sample its Bordeaux varietal and enjoy its historic Main Street, welcoming locals and farm-to-table eateries. Just a few kilometres from the Oregon border, it boasts spectacular scenery and thanks to its range of soils, elevation and micro-climates, the area offers wines to suit every taste, from renowned Syrah, Cabernet, Sauvignon and Chardonnay to Tempranillo, Malbec and Merlot.
Top Places for Wine Tasting
- Woodward Canyon Winery
- Sleight of Hand Cellars
- Tranche Cellars
Top Hotel in Walla Walla for Wine Lovers: Courtyard by Marriott Walla Walla
Located off the historic Main Street in Walla Walla, Courtyard by Marriott Walla Walla features on-site dining, a fitness centre and a relaxing outdoor space with a fireplace. A unique amenity is the Exhibition Kitchen, where you can have an intimate experience with the Executive Chef with cooking demonstrations.
Make the most of your stay in Walla Walla by choosing one of the spacious rooms, which offer flat-screen TVs, fridges and Keurig coffee makers in every room. The 1 Bedroom, 2 Room Suite offers extra space with a workstation and a separate living room with a sofa bed.
Hotel Highlights
- A prime location within walking distance of multiple winery tasting rooms and restaurants.
- The Exhibition Kitchen features local produce paired with Walla Walla wines.
- The Bistro eatery offers healthy breakfast and dinner choices, an evening bar and Starbucks coffee.
- Star Rating: 4*
- Price: USD 161 – USD 340
- Guest Rating: 9.1
- Address: 550 West Rose Street, Walla Walla, Washington, United States
Texas Hill Country, Texas
You know the saying, “Everything is Bigger in Texas”? It applies to wine as well, with the Texas Hill Country AVA covering over 36 million hectares. Stretching from north of San Antonio to west of Austin, the region’s hot and dry climate produces renowned Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. There are over 50 wineries to choose from, and if you time your visit right, you can see stunning landscapes of wildflowers in the spring or enjoy water sports fun in the summer. Annual wine-related events include grape stomps and food and wine pairing dinners.
Top Places for Wine Tasting
- Pedernales Cellars
- Hye Meadow Winery
- Messina Hof Winery
Top Hotel in Texas Hill Country for Wine Lovers: Horseshoe Bay Resort
Experience the best of the Texas Hill Country at Horseshoe Bay Resort, an upscale resort on Lake LBJ. It offers a long list of luxury facilities, from three championship golf courses, a spa and multiple on-site restaurants to fun family activities like boating and kayaking. Alternatively, make a splash at the outdoor pools or join a romantic sunset cruise.
Recharge in one of the oversized rooms, which boasts flat-screen TVs and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the pool, resort and the Texas Hill Country. Opt for one of the multi-bedroom villas for a kitchen, private balcony and patios and separate livening room.
Hotel Highlights:
- Refined Texas barbecue at J’s Restaurant and Bar and Texas Gulf Coast seafood at Waterfront Bar & Grill.
- The multiple outdoor pools, Kid’s Club and a marina with pontoon boats and kayak rentals.
- A Birds of the Bay interactive family show with macaws and flamingos.
- Star Rating: 4*
- Price: USD 189 – USD 2,500
- Guest Rating: 8.8
- Address: 200 Hi Circle North, Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657, United States
Paso Robles, California
Set on California’s Central Coast between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Paso Robles is quickly emerging as a top spot for wine tasting in the United States. Journey along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway to reach this delightful destination known as the land of “cowboys and wine”. Growing over 40 different varieties and home to over 200 wineries, wine enthusiasts also love the region’s farm-to-table restaurants, cosy vineyard inns and wide range of wines catering to every taste and budget. Expect to find Cabernet Sauvignon, Rhone varieties like Syrah and Mourvèdre and Spanish grapes like Albariño and Tempranillo.
Top Places for Wine Tasting
- DAOU Family Estates
- Eberle Winery
- Calcareous Vineyard
Top Hotel in Paso Robles for Wine Lovers: Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso Robles
Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso Robles is an eight-hectare European-style retreat framed by the picturesque vineyards of Paso Robles. Relax poolside or book a pampering treatment at the spa, then visit Cello Ristorante & Bar for Northern Italian dishes and garden-inspired craft cocktails. Wine enthusiasts can savour local wines at the Wines Tasting Room.
The European-inspired accommodation boasts chic furnishings and luxe bedding, with many featuring a spacious terrazzo with vineyard views. Up to four guests can stay in a Bedroom King Fireplace Suite, which has a separate living room with a fireplace.
Hotel Highlights
- The iron fire bowls, bocce ball courts and al fresco dining at Cello Ristorante & Bar.
- The spa’s massages for two, facials, body scrubs and flower wraps.
- Packages that combine wine tasting and horseback riding, zip-lining and hot air ballooning excursions.
- Star Rating: 4*
- Price: USD 259 – USD 396
- Guest Rating: 9.2
- Address: 2700 Buena Vista Drive, Paso Robles, CA 93446, United States
Snake River Valley, Idaho
You might not expect Idaho to be a top contender for wine tasting in the United States, but Snake River Valley is a new and exciting wine region. Just 40 minutes from Boise, its grape-loving soils, altitude and climate have made it the up-and-coming destination for wine lovers who like to be ahead of the curve. Sample Rhone varietals like Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault as well as whites like Viognier, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne. Plus, this region of the world is ideal for outdoorsy travellers looking to combine their wine vacation with hiking, mountain biking and whitewater rafting excursions.
Top Places for Wine Tasting
- Chapelle Winery
- Bitner Vineyards
- Hat Ranch Winery and Vineyard
Top Hotel in Snake River for Wine Lovers: Hyatt Place Boise/Downtown
Hyatt Place Boise/Downtown offers an ideal home base for exploring everything Boise and Snake River Valley have to offer. Your well-being is the focus at the hotel, which offers a fitness centre, breakfast made of natural ingredients and plush Hyatt mattresses for a good night’s sleep. Surrounded by lounge chairs, the outdoor pool provides a break from the Idaho sun.
Once you’ve had your fill of exploring nearby wineries, unwind in one of the hotel’s spacious rooms with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges and coffee makers. King Suites add a full kitchen and living room with a sofa bed, while High Floor rooms offer city skyline views.
Hotel Highlights
- A daily breakfast bar with cage-free eggs, steel-cut oatmeal, whole fruit and all-natural bacon and sausage.
- The laid-back bar serves cocktails, speciality coffee and regionally-inspired bar bites.
- A 24-hour Market offering a selection of grab-and-go items and a bakery with pastries and sweets.
- Star Rating: 3*
- Price: USD 133 – USD 183
- Guest Rating: 9.4
- Address: 1024 West Bannock Street, Downtown Boise, Boise, United States
Sip Vino at These Top Spots for Wine Tasting in the United States
Wine tasting in the United States caters to all types of wine lovers, whether you’re there to take in the magnificent scenery, learn about how the wine grapes are grown or discover the best cheese pairings. Pick your favourite wine region, then retreat to one of the recommended hotels nearby for the ultimate wine vacation experience.
