8 Must-Visit American Wineries for a Perfect Summer Getaway
From the misty hills of Oregon to the sunny slopes of Sonoma, here’s where to sip your way through the season.
Summer’s here, and there’s no better way to soak it all in than with a wine glass in hand — preferably at the source. We’ve rounded up eight incredible wineries across the U.S. where the pours are perfect, the views are unforgettable, and the welcome is as warm as the sunshine. Whether you’re craving a Pacific Northwest adventure or an East Coast escape, these stops are worth the trip.
WASHINGTON STATE
DeLille Cellars – Woodinville
One of Washington’s benchmark producers for Bordeaux-style blends, including D2 among the reds and Chaleur Blanc among the whites, DeLille pairs serious wine with a stunning modern tasting room.
Bonus: it’s just a short drive from Seattle, making it an easy urban escape. delillecellars.com
OREGON
Lingua Franca – Eola-Amity Hills
Founded by beloved Master Sommelier Larry Stone, Lingua Franca is producing some of Oregon’s most thrilling Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays — expressive, elegant, and deeply tied to their volcanic soils. The minimalist tasting room lets the wines (and vineyard views) shine. linguafranca.wine
CALIFORNIA
Scribe Winery – Sonoma
Cool kids and serious wine lovers converge at Scribe, where organically farmed vineyards and a beautifully restored Hacienda set the scene for fresh, vivid Pinot Noir and Chardonnay made by fourth-generation California farmers and brothers, Andrew and Adam Mariani. Book the lunch experience if you can. scribewinery.com
Ridge Vineyards – Healdsburg and Cupertino
A pilgrimage site for lovers of American wine history, Ridge’s Monte Bello estate offers sweeping views and legendary wines. Cabernet and Zinfandel are the stars here, along with cameos by Syrah, Grenache, Carignane, and Petite Sirah. Their Lytton Springs red blend is one of my all-time favorites. It’s old-school California cool, with world-class pedigree. ridgewine.com
Ad Vivum – St. Helena
Famed Bordeaux-trained California winemaker Chris Phelps has an exclusive Tasting Lounge in downtown St. Helena where you can meet and taste with the legend himself, and/or his son, Josh Phelps, winemaker of his own winery, Grounded Wine Co. While Josh crafts accessible, easy-drinking wines, and Chris focuses on high-end collectibles for Ad Vivum, together they collaborate on a Burgundy-inspired collection under the Coil label. You can taste them all here. advivumcellars.com
TEXAS
William Chris Vineyards – Hye
In the heart of the Texas Hill Country, William Chris is showing what Texas terroir can do, with a focus on estate-grown grapes and a relaxed, rootsy vibe. Their pét-nats and Mourvèdre are summer essentials. williamchriswines.com
Virginia
Lost Mountain / RdV Vineyards – Delaplane
This is Virginia’s bold reply to Bordeaux. Lost Mountain is an ancient hillside in the foothills of Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, about an hour outside of Washington, DC. Originally called RdV, they’re known for crafting structured, age-worthy reds that have earned national acclaim, all from a sleek hilltop estate that feels equal parts Napa Valley and Old World. lostmountainvineyards.com
NORTH FORK, LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK
Paumanok Vineyards – Aquebogue
Family-owned and fiercely committed to quality, Paumanok turns out some of the North Fork’s best wines — including bright Chenin Blancs and structured Cabernet Francs — all from a charming tasting deck overlooking the vines. paumanok.com
Anthony Giglio is a longtime Contributing Editor at Food & Wine Magazine. Read more at anthonygiglio.com
