8 Great Wine Destinations in the Eastern U.S. That Wine Lovers Need to Know About

California may be a wine lover’s destination, but it’s not the only place where you can follow your pinot passion. There are excellent vineyards and some of the best wineries in the U.S.—including Michigan wineries and others east of the Mississippi River—outside the Golden State. These eight venues offer great values in wine destinations that might surprise you.

Botham Vineyards (Barneveld, Wisconsin)

The estate-grown varietals of Botham Vineyards have been awarded Wisconsin's Best Wine. Photo Credit: Botham Vineyards

If Wisconsin doesn’t come to mind when you think of estate wine, you don’t know Botham Vineyards. Less than an hour from Madison, Wisconsin, this vine-to-bottle vineyard is known for its French hybrid varietals that can endure harsh winters. Botham Vineyards has been bottling since 1989, and was in recent years named Wisconsin Winery of the Year at the New York International Wine Competition. Guests are invited to visit the tasting room, tour the vineyard with the winemaker and attend the winery’s annual Vintage Celebration classic car show.

Blustone Vineyards (Lake Leelanau, Michigan)

Just 20 miles north of Traverse City, Michigan, Blustone Vineyards sits on 40 acres of riesling, pinot noir and chardonnay grapes. A modest but modern tasting room offers a panoramic view of the vineyard. Getting here is half the fun; the drive along the Leelanau Peninsula offers breathtaking views of Grand Traverse Bay. Prepare for a perfect day of wine and scenic waterscapes.

Narcisi Winery (Gibsonia, Pennsylvania)

How about a little Tuscan-inspired countryside? This multigenerational family-owned winery with a sprawling property and inviting tasting room sits just a half-hour from Pittsburgh. Casual tastings are available throughout the week, while the weekend adds scheduled tours and private tastings. The on-site La Vite Ristorante offers rustic Italian dishes, though guests are also welcome to bring some food to enjoy in the picnic area or in the large pavilion.

Winery at St. George (Mohegan Lake, New York)

Housed in a restored 100-year-old stone church a short drive from White Plains, New York, The Winery at St. George is a gorgeous venue for gathering with friends. Snuggle into cozy lounge seating with a glass of wine, or pull up a chair in the dining room to savor tapas, entrees and desserts. The winery hosts a number of special events, including tapas Tuesdays, wine-and-chocolate pairing events, free tasting classes and a concert series.

South Salem Winery (South Salem, New York)

Enjoy Westchester County’s first microwinery in South Salem, less than 30 miles from White Plains. The 2018 Best of Westchester winner handcrafts small-batch wines from Orient Point, Finger Lakes and California grapes. Shop the bottle selection seven days a week; Friday through Sunday, the winery offers up a flight of samples. While visiting, see the botanicals sold by the on-site Gossett Bros Nursery or browse the estate’s weekend farmers market for an array of local goods.

Chateau Morrisette (Floyd, Virginia)

Cradled along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Chateau Morrisette is dog-friendly, so bring Fido along! Photo Credit: Chateau Morrisette

Staying in Roanoke, Virginia? Enjoy a drive through wine country to visit the third-generation winemakers of Chateau Morrisette. The dog-friendly winery is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is home to a number of special events and music festivals. Sip wine by the fireplace, or take a complimentary tour of the cellar. Chateau Morrisette’s restaurant highlights local ingredients in small plates and entrees, and they’re served with a side of stellar views.

Shelton Vineyards (Dobson, North Carolina)

Located in the Yadkin Valley, Shelton Vineyards is the largest family-owned estate winery in North Carolina and a perfect day trip for guests staying in Charlotte, North Carolina. Tour the 33,000-square-foot winery, stroll along the lakeside walking path, or enjoy the sunset concert series after dining at the vineyard’s Harvest Grill. The annual harvest festival in October offers complimentary tastings, local crafts and music.

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards (Clermont, Florida)

Spend a day savoring the sunny countryside with a guided walking tour of the vineyards that culminates in a tasting. An easy drive from Tampa, Florida, Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards produces both muscadine and vinifera varieties, which have helped them become the state’s largest premium winery. In addition to daily tours and tastings, activities include the annual Harvest Grape Stomp in August, a summer music series and the BBQ & Blues Festival in the fall.

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