Wine tasting on a budget: 10 affordable wine regions that aren't Napa (US Today)
Tamara Gane
August 19, 2024
Explore the lesser-known regions from coast to coast
Napa Valley has beautiful vineyards, stunning scenery, award-winning restaurants and hotels, and top-notch wines. But not everyone can afford a Napa wine country getaway.
According to a recent wine report, the average fee for a base-level wine in the famed Northern California wine region is around $80 per person. That means a couple on a wine-tasting trip could spend more than $300 a day for two basic wine tastings — and that’s before meals, lodging, or purchasing bottles to take home.
Luckily, there are plenty of affordable wine regions to explore near beaches, national parks, and mountain ranges that won’t break the bank. Here are some of our favorite alternative U.S. wine regions that aren’t Napa Valley.
Palisade, Colorado
Palisades, Colorado, is best known for its luscious peaches, so it should come as no surprise that the same fertile soil is excellent for growing grapes. Wine country here is dramatic, surrounded by buttes and rugged mountains. Standout wineries include The Ordinary Fellow, Carboy Winery at Mt. Garfield Estate Vineyard (the views from the rooftop patio are amazing), and Restoration Vineyards.
Don’t leave town without making a reservation at Peche, the James Beard-nominated restaurant with a rotating seasonal menu celebrating local farms.
Finger Lakes, New York
New York’s Finger Lakes region has always been renowned for lakes, waterfalls, and spectacular views, but in recent years, it’s become just as respected for its wine. Vineyards like Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery and Atwater Vineyards are proving the Finger Lakes can grow more than riesling with excellent bottlings of orange wine, cabernet franc, and pinot noir. The best part? You can visit for a fraction of what you’d spend on a trip to Napa.