Exploring Emerging Wine Regions in the United States: 3 Hidden Gems to Discover (Plus a Wine We’re Excited to Drink)
When it comes to wine regions in the United States, it's easy to get swept away by the buzz surrounding the big names. We've all heard of Sonoma, Napa, and Willamette, but wines from these designations can be expensive or hard to find. The team here at Lavern’s Fine Wine knows that there's a whole world of winemaking beyond these renowned destinations. We want you to be as excited as we are to explore all that US wine has to offer.
Toast to the Future
In these up-and-coming wine regions, opportunities abound for aspiring winemakers. The affordability of land and grapes attracts a new generation of talent, making the kind of exciting and innovative wine we like to drink. The future of winemaking lives in these off-the-beaten-path destinations. Join us as we raise our glasses to these hidden gems, where passionate winemakers are making waves in their lesser-known regions. And as a bonus, we’ve included a wine from each region that we can’t wait to sip. We’ve found so much to love in these regions, and we hope you do too.
Finger Lakes, New York
Courtesy of Wally Gobetz
With over 100 wineries, the Finger Lakes wine country is one of the largest wine-growing regions outside of Northern California. The region's cool climate, sloping hillsides, and lakes make it ideal for growing Riesling. The Finger Lakes region is also known for embracing hybrid grapes, created by crossing different species or varieties of grapes to develop new varieties with specific characteristics. As a result, winemakers have been able to experiment with unique flavor profiles and styles, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of these hybrid grape varieties.
Chepika – Catawba Pet-Nat 2021
Chëpika is a collaboration between winemaker Nathan Kendall and NYC sommelier Pascaline Lepeltier, focusing on American hybrid grapes. This wine is bone dry and crisp, perfect for a summertime BBQ.
2. Texas Hill Country, Texas
Courtesy of atmtx
The Texas Hill Country wine industry has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century when German immigrants planted vineyards and introduced winemaking techniques. This heritage is still evident in the region's winemaking traditions and the prevalence of grape varieties like Black Spanish (Lenoir). It is also known for its Mediterranean grape varieties, such as Tempranillo, Viognier, and Mourvèdre, which thrive in the region's hot and dry climate.
Southold Farm + Cellar - Forgotten Dreams 2022
Moving from Long Island, NY, to Texas to keep their dream alive, the husband and wife that run this winery believe that their wines should reflect the growing season, not a stylistic choice. Deep in color and complexity, Forgotten Dreams strikes a balance between a red wine and a rosé.
3. San Diego County, California
San Diego has always been known as a craft beer destination, but in recent years the region has gained recognition for its emerging wine scene, focusing on boutique wineries and small-scale production. The emphasis on quality over quantity has attracted winemakers passionate about organics and sustainability. The Mediterranean climate and diverse microclimates in San Diego County are also a draw for vintners looking for an ideal place for grape cultivation.
Los Pilares – BPN 2019
French and Italian fizzy wines inspire fresh, tart, and sparking BPN. The winemakers have set out to create uniquely San Diego wines using only organic grapes from local vineyards.
The Unexpected Wine Club
This month’s Lavern’s Fine Wine Club was inspired by lesser-known wine regions from all over the US. Click below to choose Two, Four, or Six, and we will send you delicious wines that will expand your palette.
