Vote for your favorite wine region!
USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nearly every state in the U.S. grows grapes and, of course, with grapes come wine. With hundreds of wine-producing regions throughout the country to consider, we tasked a panel of experts to select their favorites.
You can help crown the best of the best by voting for your preferred wine region once per day until voting ends on Monday, July 22 at noon ET. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, July 31.
Read the official Readers' Choice rules.
Nearly every state in the U.S. grows grapes and, of course, with grapes come wine. With hundreds of wine-producing regions throughout the country to consider, we tasked a panel of experts to select their favorites.
You can help crown the best of the best by voting for your preferred wine region once per day until voting ends on Monday, July 22 at noon ET. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, July 31.
Read the official Readers' Choice rules.
Nearly every state in the U.S. grows grapes and, of course, with grapes come wine. With hundreds of wine-producing regions throughout the country to consider, we tasked a panel of experts to select their favorites.
You... Read More
Best Wine Region Nominees
Photo courtesy of Noboleis Vineyards
Augusta
Missouri
When Augusta, Missouri, was recognized in 1980 by the federal government as an official AVA (American Viticultural Area), it earned its spot as the first in the United States (even before the California heavyweights). Still influential on a national stage, this Midwestern spot is treasured for its small-town charm and appealing selection of crowd-pleasing wineries with roots dating back to early German settlers.
Photo courtesy of Todd Bush/Visit Hendersonville
Crest of the Blue Ridge
North Carolina
Henderson County is the home of North Carolina’s newest AVA (American Viticultural Area), Crest of the Blue Ridge. With distinctive soil and elevation and high water quality — plus warm days and cool mountain nights — grape production varies from European grapes and French-American hybrid grapes to grapes native to North Carolina. This area was named an AVA in the summer of 2019.
Photo courtesy of Jason T Barker
Dahlonega Plateau
Georgia
Dahlonega, known as the “heart of Georgia's wine country,” is located in the foothills of North Georgia and provides wine enthusiasts of all levels with both breathtaking mountain views and award-winning wines. The area is home to 12 wine tasting rooms and eight wineries, with over 100 acres annually producing a selection of different European and American wine grapes.
Photo courtesy of Stu Gallagher Photography, courtesy Finger Lakes Wine Alliance
Finger Lakes
New York
New York’s picturesque Finger Lakes region is home to three distinct American Viticultural Areas: Finger Lakes, Seneca Lake, and Cayuga Lake. Visitors to the area will find more than 130 wineries, with many specializing in riesling.
Photo courtesy of Armando Martinez
Grand Valley
Colorado
With over two dozen wineries/vineyards calling Grand Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) home, Colorado's wine country contains more than 25% of the state's wineries. Growing grapes in this terrain isn't the easiest task, which makes for creative solutions and unique yields.
Photo courtesy of Lodi Winegrape Commission
Lodi
California
Lodi holds more than its share of California wine growing history, and these days it punches over its weight for quality and hospitality too. With a progressive approach to land stewardship, community, and social responsibility, plus more than 100 cultivated grape varieties and seven sub-appellations, Lodi is a hotbed for diversity, rigor, and excellence. Not to mention, it's an exceedingly fun and friendly place to visit.
Loudoun
Virginia
Virginia's Loudoun County stands out for its picturesque landscape and rich soil, fostering a variety of grapes that produce complex and elegant wines. This region's dedication to small-batch, high-quality winemaking has earned national acclaim, making it a beacon for those seeking unique wine experiences steeped in American history.
Photo courtesy of Visit Napa Valley Photographed by Bob McClenahan
Napa Valley
California
California's Napa Valley is synonymous with excellence in the wine industry. Its globally recognized vineyards benefit from the region's Mediterranean climate, leading to the creation of some of the most sought-after wines in the world. Napa Valley's fabulous hospitality scene underscores its status as a leader in the global wine market.
Photo courtesy of Acacia Productions
Paso Robles
California
For gorgeous views, intricate diversity and five-star hospitality on California's Central Coast, it's all about Paso Robles. This region offers everything from small batch tasting in the vineyard with tiny family wineries to some of the most breathtaking vistas with the capacity to welcome a crowd. Plus, there's a grape for every style preference growing in Paso Robles vineyards. In other words, no one leaves this place unsatisfied.
Rogue Valley
Oregon
Rogue Valley, Oregon, with its diverse microclimates and elevation changes, allows for the cultivation of a wide range of grape varieties. This versatility results in the production of distinct wines, marking the region as a versatile player in the North American wine scene. Fans love to visit this part of the Pacific Northwest, where outdoor activities add to the appeal of the wine region.
Santa Barbara County
California
Santa Barbara County benefits from the cool, maritime influences of the Pacific Ocean, which create an extended growing season. This allows for the development of grapes with deep flavors and balanced acidity, particularly for pinot noir and chardonnay. Santa Barbara's natural beauty and cultural appeal make this one of California's most interesting wine regions.
Snake River Valley
Idaho and Oregon
Snake River Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) features unique boundaries that cross into both Oregon and Idaho. Many wine lovers are delighted to learn that the bulk of these establishments can be found in Idaho, which is fast losing its best-kept-secret status in favor of a reputation as a well-known and exciting wine destination. The high mountain desert environment offers guests familiar grapes that reflect this unique terroir, which can reach nearly 3,000 feet in elevation.
Sonoma Valley
California
As one of the most important spots in North American winemaking history, Sonoma County is often touted as producing the best of the best bottles. Sonoma Valley AVA is a distinct segment of the larger region, uniquely noted for a range of soil conditions and particular rain and wind patterns, thanks to its location between the Sonoma Mountains to the west and the Mayacamas Mountains to the east.
Suisun Valley
California
Rustic Suisun Valley, California, is gaining recognition for its quality wines at more accessible price points. Its warm days and cool nights are ideal for growing a variety of grapes, leading to the production of robust, flavorful wines. Suisun Valley's charm and commitment to community positions it as a rising destination within the California wine scene.
Temecula Valley
California
One of Southern California's most exciting places to visit, Temecula Valley offers rural, agricultural roots enhanced by some of the state's finest wine, food, and lodging offerings. With dozens of grape varieties, more than 40 wineries, stunning views, and bottles that often can be discovered only by visiting locally, there are plenty of reasons to make the trip.
Photo courtesy of Texas Hill Country Wineries
Texas Hill Country
Texas
The scenic Texas Hill Country surrounding the communities of Austin, Fredericksburg, Stonewall, Lampasas, and New Braunfels is home to more than 50 different wineries. This American Viticultural Area (AVA) is one of the largest in the country, growing varietals like tempranillo, viognier, and cabernet sauvignon, with an increasing acreage of warm-weather grapes being planted.
Photo courtesy of Richard Duval Images
Walla Walla Valley
Washington
The Walla Walla Valley is at once a slice of the pioneering spirit of the Old West and a vision of the future of one of the country's most impactful growing regions. This spot is home to some of Washington’s oldest wineries, highly treasured vineyards, and a long history of agricultural value. With over 100 wineries and tasting rooms scattered through distinct parts of the valley, visitors can keep busy while discovering new favorites.
Willamette Valley
Oregon
Oregon's Willamette Valley, home to 10 sub-appellations, is best known for producing some of the world’s most exceptional pinot noir. There are well over 700 wineries waiting to be explored in the state's oldest wine region.
Photo courtesy of Chateau Ste Michelle / Visit Woodinville
Woodinville
Washington
With an incredible number of tasting rooms and proximity to Seattle, Woodinville has established itself as a focal point for wine enthusiasts. Boasting a reputation for exceptional Bordeaux-style wines, this close-knit community of winemakers leverages the diverse American Viticultural Areas of Washington State, bringing an extensive selection of high-quality wines to the hospitality of this vibrant wine country hub.
Photo courtesy of Greg Balkin, Wondercamp, courtesy of State of Washington Tourism
Yakima Valley
Washington
Yakima Valley, Washington, is revered for its role as a pioneer in the state's wine industry. Its vineyards, graced with over 300 days of sunshine a year, are nestled between rolling hills and fertile lands, creating a stunning travel destination packed with natural beauty. Combine that with a number of high-quality wineries and you've got an essential destination within the Pacific Northwest's wine corridor.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Amanda O'Brien
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Amanda O'Brien is a London based luxury travel blogger. Her website, The Boutique Adventurer, has over 350,000 followers across its platforms. The site focusses on travel adventures that end the day with a high thread count on the sheets and a good glass of local wine. Amanda is WSET Level 3 qualified. Find her on Instagram, Tiktok, and Youtube.
Amanda O'Brien
Amanda O'Brien is a London based luxury travel blogger. Her website, The Boutique Adventurer, has over 350,000 followers across its platforms. The site focusses on travel adventures that end the day with a high thread count on the sheets and a good glass of local wine. Amanda is WSET Level 3 qualified. Find her on Instagram, Tiktok, and Youtube.
Dena Roché
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Dena Roché is a wine and travel journalist and sommelier. She is a member of the prestigious Circle of Wine Writers and was a 2024 fellow to the Wine Writers' Symposium. She is the owner of Vin Roché, a company focused on wine education and wine tours in Phoenix.
Dena Roché
Dena Roché is a wine and travel journalist and sommelier. She is a member of the prestigious Circle of Wine Writers and was a 2024 fellow to the Wine Writers' Symposium. She is the owner of Vin Roché, a company focused on wine education and wine tours in Phoenix.
Jenny Peters
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Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).
Jenny Peters
Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).
Jillian Dara
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Jillian is a lifestyle journalist with a focus on travel, wine, spirits and culture. Growing up in Bermuda, Jillian quickly became comfortable on planes and intrigued by the concept of the unfamiliar. Traveling, eating, and imbibing may be part of the "job" but Jillian truly believes in the whimsical power of a local experience or meeting over a traditional spirit to bond strangers in the most chance of circumstances. Outside of 10Best, Jillian's work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Decanter, Wine Enthusiast, Forbes, Elite Traveler and Hemispheres.
Jillian Dara
Jillian is a lifestyle journalist with a focus on travel, wine, spirits and culture. Growing up in Bermuda, Jillian quickly became comfortable on planes and intrigued by the concept of the unfamiliar. Traveling, eating, and imbibing may be part of the "job" but Jillian truly believes in the whimsical power of a local experience or meeting over a traditional spirit to bond strangers in the most chance of circumstances. Outside of 10Best, Jillian's work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Decanter, Wine Enthusiast, Forbes, Elite Traveler and Hemispheres.
Joanne and Tony DiBona
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Joanne and Tony DiBona
Travel memories may fade over time, but photographs recall those magical moments.
Katy Spratte Joyce
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Katy Spratte Joyce is a Midwest-based food, wine, travel, and design writer. She has contributed to Travel+Leisure, Eating Well, ELLE DECOR, Chilled Magazine, The New York Times, and more. She enjoys a jammy Pinot, aggressive brunching, and traveling the globe in search of her next great story.
Katy Spratte Joyce
Katy Spratte Joyce is a Midwest-based food, wine, travel, and design writer. She has contributed to Travel+Leisure, Eating Well, ELLE DECOR, Chilled Magazine, The New York Times, and more. She enjoys a jammy Pinot, aggressive brunching, and traveling the globe in search of her next great story.
Lynn and Cele Seldon
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Lynn and Cele Seldon make up the team that is Seldon Ink and have spent more than 25 years covering all aspects of culinary and travel writing. With a keen focus on the Southeast and a particular love of the Carolinas, they have written dozens of magazine and newspaper articles about the area and have become self-professed experts along the way. Their work has appeared in Southern Living, Taste of the South, The Local Palate, Cruise Travel, South Carolina Living, South Carolina Magazine, TrailBlazer, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Charlotte Observer, various in-flight publications and many AAA magazines. They are also the authors of 100 Things To Do In Charleston Before You Die from Reedy Press. Follow along on their adventures at www.seldonink.com or @seldonink.
Lynn and Cele Seldon
Lynn and Cele Seldon make up the team that is Seldon Ink and have spent more than 25 years covering all aspects of culinary and travel writing. With a keen focus on the Southeast and a particular love of the Carolinas, they have written dozens of magazine and newspaper articles about the area and have become self-professed experts along the way. Their work has appeared in Southern Living, Taste of the South, The Local Palate, Cruise Travel, South Carolina Living, South Carolina Magazine, TrailBlazer, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Charlotte Observer, various in-flight publications and many AAA magazines. They are also the authors of 100 Things To Do In Charleston Before You Die from Reedy Press. Follow along on their adventures at www.seldonink.com or @seldonink.
Molly Allen
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Molly Allen is a former bakery owner turned freelance writer and recipe developer with a focus on food, travel, baking and outdoor cooking. Based in Hood River, Oregon, she is particularly passionate about Pacific Northwest travel. Her work has been featured in Travel & Leisure, Wine Enthusiast, and Food & Wine, among others. Follow more of her adventures and recipes on Instagram at @mollyallenmedia.
Molly Allen
Molly Allen is a former bakery owner turned freelance writer and recipe developer with a focus on food, travel, baking and outdoor cooking. Based in Hood River, Oregon, she is particularly passionate about Pacific Northwest travel. Her work has been featured in Travel & Leisure, Wine Enthusiast, and Food & Wine, among others. Follow more of her adventures and recipes on Instagram at @mollyallenmedia.
Samantha Facciolo
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Samantha Facciolo is a freelance writer and educator whose reported stories and essays on education, immigration, the intersection of community and social justice, food and drink, relationships, travel, and more have appeared in The New York Times, Reader’s Digest, Newsweek, Marie Claire, The Wine Enthusiast, and other publications. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from New York University and has served as a writer-in-residence in New York City and Boston public schools. Her literary writing has won Novel Slices' Novel Excerpts Contest and American University’s Louise M. Young Award for Fiction. Follow her on Instagram at @samanthafacciolowrites.
Samantha Facciolo
Samantha Facciolo is a freelance writer and educator whose reported stories and essays on education, immigration, the intersection of community and social justice, food and drink, relationships, travel, and more have appeared in The New York Times, Reader’s Digest, Newsweek, Marie Claire, The Wine Enthusiast, and other publications. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from New York University and has served as a writer-in-residence in New York City and Boston public schools. Her literary writing has won Novel Slices' Novel Excerpts Contest and American University’s Louise M. Young Award for Fiction. Follow her on Instagram at @samanthafacciolowrites.
Tamara Gane
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Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. She's based in Reno/Lake Tahoe and in addition to USA Today 10Best, her work has been published in Travel & Leisure, Fodor's Travel, The Washington Post, SF Gate, Houston Chronicle, Lonely Planet, and more.
Tamara Gane
Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. She's based in Reno/Lake Tahoe and in addition to USA Today 10Best, her work has been published in Travel & Leisure, Fodor's Travel, The Washington Post, SF Gate, Houston Chronicle, Lonely Planet, and more.
10Best Editors
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10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.