Though the vast majority of United States wineries are located in California, there are a handful of underrated wineries that are spread across the country. These wineries may not be known by name or location, but each one produces quality products that many wine drinkers may never have heard of.
For example, Swisher, Iowa’s Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery made history following Prohibition. It was the first of its kind to open in Iowa after the prohibition was lifted. Taste of Home declared it their choice for Best Iowa Winery in 2018. More than just a winery, it also serves dishes that pair well with vino, including one they refer to as Three Little Pigs, which is made up of diced ham and pulled pork topped with smoky bacon bits.
Another underrated winery is Newtown, Pennsylvania’s Crossing Vineyards and Winery. Its historic name refers to the exact location where the Delaware River was crossed by George Washington. The vineyard’s other claim to fame is its almost 10 year run as the recipient of the award for Best of Bucks County. Visitors to this winery can sample red and white, as well as specialty vino. It has been successful in wine competitions throughout the country.
Texas’s Landing Winery is also considered to be underrated. Among Texas’s largest, this winery won several 2019 awards in the Lone Star National Wine Competition. With four different locations throughout Northern Texas, the winery produces local favorites and is especially known for its dessert wines.
The Luna Rossa Winery in New Mexico is run by a husband and wife team and has been in production since 2001. Thanks to a family-owned vineyard, all of the wines are made using grapes they have grown themselves. Visitors have two Luna Rossa tasting rooms to choose from, with one located in Las Cruces and the other located in Deming. For an extra treat, visitors are urged to frequent the Las Cruces tasting room where they can pair their wine with pasta and antipasti dishes, as well as pizza baked in a wood-fire stove.
These are a few of the best U.S. wineries that many aren’t familiar with. Yet each one proves that California isn’t the only state for wine.
