The United States is full of fabulous wine regions across the country, even beyond the far western states that we are familiar with seeing printed on bottles. While California undeniably leads the nation in wine production, vineyards flourish, and wine is made all the way from Florida to Maine on the East Coast. Yes, even our own state produces wine! However, Florida’s winemaking primarily centers around the muscadine grape, a variety native to the southeastern U.S. and a different species than grapes like cabernet sauvignon or chardonnay. Most of the wines produced in Florida are on the sweeter side.
Other states like Georgia and North Carolina have flourishing wine industries with hospitality for visitors in areas like Dahlonega, GA, and the Yadkin Valley in North Carolina where many of the wineries for that state are located. Further north, New York is the third largest wine producing state in the U.S. behind Washington, and Virginia is also in the top 10. Both states make wine that is ripe for exploration.
This July, embark on a viticultural journey through the diverse and burgeoning wine regions of the East Coast of the United States, specifically New York and Virginia, where historic vineyards intertwine with modernization to produce world-class wines. Uncork the stories and flavors of these dynamic regions through rolling hills and glacial lakes that yield distinctive terroirs and exceptional vintages.
Virginia
In recent years, the Virginia wine industry has been steadily growing, gaining recognition both domestically and internationally for its quality wines and diverse styles and grapes. With over 300 wineries from the picturesque Shenandoah Valley to the rolling hills of Charlottesville, and up through Northern Virginia, this east coast Commonwealth has established itself as a notable player in the American wine scene.
Across the eight individual American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), winemakers in Virginia have been experimenting with a wide range of grape varieties, including traditional European grapes like cabernet franc and viognier, as well as more unconventional choices and hybrids suited to the region's climate. The industry's growth has been supported by tourism, drawing wine enthusiasts eager to explore scenic vineyards, enjoy tasting experiences, and indulge in farm-to-table cuisine paired with local wines. With the closest winery to D.C. (Paradise Springs Winery) being under an hour’s drive outside the city, Virginia’s wine country is convenient for visitors to the nation’s capital, too. Overall, Virginia's commitment to sustainable practices and innovative techniques further highlights its position as a dynamic wine-producing region on our East Coast.
Noteworthy Wines:
Early Mountain Vineyards (Madison, VA) and Paradise Springs Winery (Clifton, VA) offer excellent full-bodied, dry petit manseng wines, each showcasing distinct characteristics. Early Mountain’s wine boasts ripe, concentrated fruit with hints of baking spice, while Paradise Springs' “concrete” version highlights minerality with no oak influence. $65 at EarlyMountain.com/$37 at ParadiseSpringsWinery.com
(Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery)
You can find several of the wines by Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, like this Grüner Veltliner at Plum Market.
CrossKeys Vineyards (Mount Crawford, VA) showcases the diversity of Virginia wine styles with its beautiful traditional method Blanc de Noirs sparkling wine made from 100% Pinot Noir. The wine spends six to eight months in a barrel before bottling and 18 months on its lees before disgorgement. This golden-hued wine delights with citrus and raspberry aromas, a creamy texture, and a lingering finish. $52 at CrossKeysVineyards.com
New York
New York is home to 11 AVAs and 471 wineries as of 2024. Though wine is made across the state from Long Island to Champlain Valley in northeastern NY and across to Lake Erie, the region best known for its cool-climate varieties such as riesling and gewürztraminer is the Finger Lakes region.
(Forge Cellars)
Forge Cellars produces a dry Riesling from the Finger Lakes region of New York State.
Nestled within the picturesque Finger Lakes, you will find a hub of viticulture and hospitality, where the art of winemaking intertwines with a rich history. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, the Finger Lakes viticulture area boasts a legacy that dates back to the 19th century when European settlers recognized the potential of its unique microclimate and fertile soils for grape cultivation. Since then, this region has flourished into one of the premier wine-producing areas in the United States with 144 of the state’s wineries.
Sharing a commitment to sustainable practices and a dedication to quality, the winemakers of the Finger Lakes continue to make wines of distinction, each bottle reflecting the rich heritage and unwavering passion that defines this important East Coast viticultural area.
Noteworthy Wines:
(Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery)
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery is run by the third and fourth generation family members, Fred and his daughter, Meaghan Frank.
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery located on Keuka Lake has a deep history in the industry. Dr. Frank emigrated to New York from Odessa, Ukraine in 1951 and fell in love with the land in the Finger Lakes. When he purchased property after becoming a citizen, he planted European grape varieties in 1958 and laid the groundwork for a successful wine region. Fourth-generation family member, Meaghan Frank and her father, Frederic Frank are now running the winery. The Grüner Veltliner, 2023 from their Seneca Lake vineyard has aromas of guava and lime joined by apricot and papaya for a fresh, crisp wine that is ideal for summer. $18.99 at drfrankwines.com
Forge Cellars Dry Riesling Classique, 2021, an annual celebration of the work of the winery, is a testament to the terroir of east Seneca Lake. This dry riesling captivates with its crisp acidity and vibrant citrus flavors, reflecting the unique character of the Finger Lakes region. Forge Cellars also produces a Pinot Noir Classique for those looking for a lighter red wine. Classique Riesling $21/Classique Pinot Noir $36 at forgecellars.com
Jacqueline Coleman is a wine and travel writer and Star Wine List’s ambassador in Miami. She is also a contributor to Luxury Guide USA magazine, a co-editor of WineGuideMiami.com and a regular guest host on Linda Gassenheimer’s “Food, News & Views” podcast
Jacqueline Coleman