With over four in 10 (42%) Brits describing themselves as ‘wine lovers’ and wine tourism surging in popularity, a new study has revealed the best US states for wine-loving travellers in 2025.
With over four in 10 (42%) Brits describing themselves as ‘wine lovers’ and wine tourism surging in popularity, a new study has revealed the best US states for wine-loving travellers in 2025.
America is the perfect destination for Brits to broaden their wine-loving horizons, combining unique varietals, breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and exciting adventures.
With this in mind, the travel experts at North American tour operator, Journeyscape analysed data to determine the top American destinations for wine lovers to explore in 2025.
The top 10 best US states for wine lovers in 2025:
| Rank | State | Wine per capita consumption | Bonded wine producers count by state | No. of types of grapes produced | No. of wineries | Production of wine (gallons) | Percentage share of wine production | Wine lover score/10 |
| 1 | California | 0.62 | 6,295 | 63 | 4,200 | 609,607,342 | 80.79% | 9.83 |
| 2 | Oregon | 0.57 | 960 | 85 | 1,116 | 17,091,139 | 2.27% | 9.36 |
| 3 | Washington | 0.49 | 1,414 | 31 | 1,050 | 32,373,972 | 4.29% | 8.81 |
| 4 | New York | 0.46 | 811 | 39 | 400 | 33,084,702 | 4.38% | 8.78 |
| 5 | Virginia | 0.51 | 582 | 59 | 280 | 2,743,878 | 0.36% | 8.27 |
| 6 | Texas | 0.33 | 987 | 50 | 400 | 3,281,365 | 0.44% | 7.96 |
| 7 | North Carolina | 0.49 | 310 | 37 | 250 | 2,857,573 | 0.38% | 7.93 |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | 0.30 | 600 | 57 | 119 | 12,405,181 | 1.54% | 7.82 |
| 9 | Michigan | 0.39 | 710 | 28 | 200 | 4,765,922 | 0.63% | 7.69 |
| 10 | Ohio | 0.31 | 542 | 29 | 280 | 5,779,222 | 0.77% | 7.49 |
- California
Wine lover score: 9.83 /10
As one of the world’s largest wine producers and by far the top producer in the US (80.79%), it’s no surprise that California tops the list, scoring 9.83 out of 10 as the state with the most wine lovers. Producing 63 types of grapes, California boasts a large variety of wine grapes, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. The Golden State produces nearly every known style, including sparkling, dessert, and fortified wines.
Situated on the West Coast, the sun-kissed state is home to top wine destinations like Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and Los Carneros. With over 6,200 bonded wine producers and 4,200 wineries, you’ll be spoiled for choices, surrounded by some of the best vineyards and wineries.
- Oregon
Wine lover score: 9.36 /10
Oregon ranks second among the top states for wine enthusiasts, scoring 9.36 out of 10. In 2023, the state produced over 17 million gallons of wine and is home to over 1,100 wineries, each offering a unique wine-tasting experience.
Explore top wine regions such as Willamette Valley, the state’s oldest and world-famous wine region, with over 700 wineries and vineyards in this location alone. With 85 grape varieties produced across the state, you can enjoy some of the finest varieties of wine, from Chardonnay to Pinot Blanc, among others.
- Washington
Wine lover score: 8.81 /10
Washington completes the top three, scoring 8.81 out of 10. With eight wine-touring regions, 1,414 bonded wine producers, and over 1,000 wineries, it offers something for every wine enthusiast.
Located in eastern Washington, Columbia Valley is the state’s largest wine-growing region and one of the most important in the United States. Covering more than a quarter of the state, Columbia Valley spans over 11 million acres and contains 99% of grapes grown in Washington State.
Kerry Manley, Head of Marketing at North America travel specialist Journeyscape comments:
“Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned wine enthusiast, when planning the perfect wine-tasting experience, proper planning should ensure a more enjoyable and memorable experience. Here are a few things to consider when preparing for the ultimate vineyard and wine-tasting trip:
“Research and plan ahead
“First, it is important to determine your preferred wine regions, such as Napa Valley, Willamette Valley, or wineries like the Reif Estate Winery. This will enable you to explore their unique wine styles and specialities.
“It is helpful to research the best time to visit your chosen location. Typically, spring and fall are considered the best seasons, particularly in early spring, when the vineyards come back to life. Harvest season is also popular, as it offers a more immersive experience.
“Create an itinerary
“When planning your wine-tasting trip, determine how many wineries you want to visit. To avoid palate fatigue, visiting no more than two to three wineries per day is usually advised. Ensure you plan enough time in each location to really enjoy the experience. You can also participate in additional activities like vineyard tours and cellar visits.
“Aim to include a diverse mix of vineyards and wineries for greater variety, from well-known estates to smaller boutique winners. Each winemaker has a unique style, allowing you to try a new grape variety at each location.
“Respect winery etiquette
“Respecting winery etiquette is very important as it ensures everyone has an enjoyable time. This means showing up for your appointments on time and following each winery’s or vineyard’s rules and guidelines during the wine tastings and tour.
“Lastly, to avoid disappointment, book your winery tours well in advance, especially for popular vineyards that may require reservations. Also, pack the essentials, such as comfortable clothing and footwear, as you’ll be walking through vineyards. Enjoy the experience and fully immerse yourself in a time of relaxation, education, and indulgence!”
