Cheers, America! USA TODAY 10Best readers cite the best of the American wine scene in 2023
While France, Spain and Italy may be known as the heavy hitters in the world's wine industry, the United States alone is home to nearly 250 American Viticultural Areas (AVA) and, according to the Wines Vines Analytics Winery Database, has over 10,000 wineries. And many of these facilities aren't just making wine; they're offering behind-the-scenes tours, hosting tastings, and even partnering with chefs to run some of the nation's top restaurants.
10Best.com invited a panel of experts to nominate their top picks across 10 different wine-centric categories, then we asked our readers to vote for their favorites among them. Here are the 2023 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Award winners.
Click on each category below to see the full winners list:
Best New Winery Experience: Alamitos Vineyards in San Jose, California
The only vineyard winery in San Jose, California, Alamitos Vineyards specializes in Old World, small-batch winemaking. This winery features estate-grown varietals that include sauvignon blanc, syrah and – in homage to the winery owner’s heritage – Portugal’s Touriga Nacional grape.
Full list of winners: Best New Winery Experience »
Best Non-Alcoholic Wine: Noughty
Noughty sparkling wines, which come in chardonnay and rosé varieties, are not only alcohol-free but also organic, vegan, halal and low in sugar. The brand was named the 2023 No/Low Product of the Year during the Majestic Supplier Awards.
Full list of winners: Best Non-Alcoholic Wine »
Best Wine Club: Naked Wines
Naked Wines invests in independent winemakers, so customers get insider prices to exclusive wines. Customers, known as Angels, deposit a monthly membership fee into an Angel account, which can be used to order wine from indie winemakers at any time.
Full list of winners: Best Wine Club »
Best Wine Country Hotel: Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs in Calistoga, California
With a tagline of “Where wellness meets happiness,” it’s not surprising this resort feels different than many others around Napa Valley. Open since 1952, it has a retro vibe and is particularly popular for its on-site hot mineral springs.
Full list of winners: Best Wine Country Hotel »
Best Wine Festival: San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival in San Diego, California
Sandy beaches and sailboats set the scene for this weeklong festival in San Diego. Celebrity chefs, top-notch winemakers, mixologists, master sommeliers, brewmasters and James Beard Award-winning authors join together for a bevy of exciting events.
Full list of winners: Best Wine Festival »
Best Wine Region: Paso Robles in California
For gorgeous views, intricate diversity and five-star hospitality on California's Central Coast, it's all about Paso Robles. This region offers everything from small batch tasting in the vineyard with tiny family wineries to some of the most breathtaking vistas with the capacity to welcome a crowd. Plus, there's a grape for every style preference growing in Paso Robles vineyards. In other words, no one leaves this place unsatisfied.
Full list of winners: Best Wine Region »
Best Wine Tasting Room: DAOU Vineyards in Paso Robles, California
Founded by brothers Georges and Daniel Daou, the DAOU Vineyards mountain property has a reputation for being one of the best spots to absorb the Central Coast of California's wine country beauty. "This Tuscan-style estate high atop a hill in Paso Robles has incredible views, terrific wines and good food – all served on a large outdoor patio," says 10Best contributor Jenny Peters.
Full list of winners: Best Wine Tasting Room »
Best Wine Tour Company: Snake River Wine Tours in Marsing, Idaho
Located less than an hour from Boise, explore the Sunnyslope Wine Trail, known as “The Heart of Idaho Wine Country,” with Snake River Wine Tours. Excursions include visits to up to four area wineries with award-winning wines and unique tasting experiences. Snake River’s special relationships with the local wineries guarantee guests a “one-of-a-kind” wine tour experience.
Full list of winners: Best Wine Tour Company »
Best Winery Restaurant: Grapevine Grill in Sainte Genevieve, Missouri
The Grapevine Grill at the 310-acre Chaumette Vineyards and Winery near historic Sainte Genevieve presents new American cooking with Cajun, Creole and Southwestern influences. Local ingredients ensure that the farm-to-fork menu shines.
Full list of winners: Best Winery Restaurant »
Best Winery Tour: Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery in Hammondsport, New York
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, located in the Finger Lakes wine region of New York, offers an 1886 Food and Wine Experience in which guests partake in a guided viticultural or cellar tour followed by a seated wine tasting. This experience is available from May through October and is reservation only. For a less in-depth endeavor, seated wine tastings are offered year-round.
Full list of winners: Best Winery Tour »
Congratulations to all these winners! Remember to visit 10best.com daily to vote in our Readers' Choice contests.
This article originally appeared on 10Best.com: Best of the American wine scene in 2023, according to 10Best readers
