Hey there all you winos. Are you doing your part to elevate your city’s wine status, or are you just sipping your town into obscurity? Check out our list of the wine-iest cities in the US, and the next time you decide to imbibe, choose the juice!
San Francisco, CA
Due to its proximity to so many amazing vineyards (Napa, Willamette Valley, etc.), plus huge amounts of new money courtesy of the tech boom, San Francisco is a wine mecca. To experience the mother of all wine lists, head to Michael Mina in the Financial District and let the self-taught somm superstar Rajat Parr dig through the 2,500+ wines to find your perfect glass.
New York, NY
Much like San Francisco, it’s not at all surprising to find New York on this list. With spectacular wine bars on every corner (Anfora, Corkbuzz, Terrior, etc.), finding a spot to score great glass of wine in the city is easier than hailing a cab. Our favorite is Pearl & Ash, which just happens to be run under the rockstar eye of another self-taught sommelier—Patrick Cappiello.
Walla Walla, WA
Inviting and laid-back, Walla Walla is one of the country’s hottest wine-touring destinations. Jam-packed with some of the premier wineries in the US, top-tier dining, and recreation galore, grab a table at Saffron and let sommelier Dan McCaffrey guide you through the region’s best offerings.
Portland, OR
Only a half-hour drive to the world famous Willamette Valley, Portland is a Pinot lover’s dream. And for a truly spectacular wine experience (it’s actually listed on Food and Wine’s list of America’s 50 Most Amazing Wine Experiences), buy a ticket to a Plate and Pitchfork farm dinner. You will not be disappointed.
Tampa, FL
This is probably the least expected addition to the list, but Tampa is the destination for wine in the Southeast. Boasting one of the world’s largest wine collections, Bern’s Steak House actually pours 1970 Pauillac for $18 per glass. $18 a glass!!!
Yountville, CA
Home to the very first vines ever planted in Napa Valley, it’s hard to say which is better in Yountville, the wine or the food, but with places like The French Laundry, Bouchon, and Bistro Jeanty, luckily you don’t have to choose.
