When it comes to wine country, many people automatically associate that term with the “big three” areas, particularly California, Washington State, and Oregon.  While these areas are truly the main areas in the US for wine production and quality, there are LOTS of other wine producing regions that are turning out world-class wines.  Surprisingly, New York, Virginia, North Carolina, Michigan, Ohio, and many other states are growing grapes such as Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Norton, Viognier, Syrah, in a competitively tasting fashion.

Even in our buck-eye state, we were producing wines years before it was even thought of in the Western part of the states.  Thomas Jefferson actually had a gigantic part into bringing in the “noble” grapes into the US.  When you hear of Vitis Vinifera (noble grapes, such as Cabernet Sauvignon – Not Concord) we can really thank him for it!

In New York, you can find amazing dry Rieslings and Gewurztraminers.  In Ohio and Virginia, check out Cabernet Franc.  One of the greatest things about these areas, is most of these producers are family-run and the grapes are generally from their own estate vs. being bought from other growers around the area.

A few producers and wines I’d suggest to check out are Caduceus Cellars from Arizona (Red Blends), Kinkead from Ohio (Cabernet Franc), Fox Run Vineyards from New York and Herman J. Weimer (Whites)  Barbousville from Virginia (Cabernet Franc, although these don’t ship to Ohio)  Stonehill from North Carolina (their Norton is quite nice)

Cheers,

Daniel