10 affordable U.S. wine regions that aren’t Napa Valley

There are many regions around the U.S. for wine tasting on a budget — Photo courtesy of MaxBaumann / E+

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.

Southern Oregon

The stunning patio at Irvine and Roberts Vineyard has views for days — Photo courtesy of Tamara Gane

Southern Oregon is home to attractions like Crater Lake National Park, Oregon Caves National Monument, and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. It’s also home to the emerging wine regions Rogue Valley and Applegate Valley.

To explore Rogue Valley wineries, base yourself in the rolling hills of Ashland, where you can sip vino on the stunning patios at Weisinger Family Winery and Irvine & Roberts Vineyard. After a day or two, head to Grants Pass and Applegate Valley to sample some of Southern Oregon’s best wine at Troon Vineyard & Farm and Schmidt Family Vineyards.

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Lodi, California

Lodi wine region is a great wine-tasting alternative to Napa and Sonoma valleys — Photo courtesy of Stephanie Russo

You don’t have to go far in California to find affordable alternatives to Napa. Lodi wineries are at a far more approachable price point and only about 90 minutes east of the more famous region. There are more than 60 wineries throughout the Lodi wine region, with more than half open to wine tastings. The area is renowned for old vine zinfandel, but you’ll also find varieties like chardonnay, cabernet, nebbiolo, and merlot in tasting rooms like Peltier Winery & Vineyards.

Downtown Lodi has a laid-back feel and boutique shops like Cheese Central, where you can get everything you need for a picnic before a day in the vineyards.

Fredericksburg, Texas

The lovely vineyards of Gillespie County serve as a backdrop for wine tasting in Fredericksburg, Texas — Photo courtesy of Blake Mistich

Fredericksburg, Texas, is in the lush Texas Hill Country, brimming with art galleries, wine-tasting rooms, and unique boutiques. Drive a short distance from town to find vineyards and tasting rooms like Augusta Vin Winery, looking over some of the best scenery in the Lone Star State.

After a day of wine tasting, treat yourself to a meal at Hill & Vine, where they don’t take reservations (unless you’re George Strait!). The Trueheart Hotel is a charming Hill Country stay, offering country-chic rooms, suites, and adorable cottages.

Palisades, Colorado

Colorful art adorns the bottles at The Ordinary Fellow — Photo courtesy of Tamara Gane

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.

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Sonoma Coast, California

Sonoma Coast’s Black Kite Cellars is a cozy spot for wine tasting — Photo courtesy of Black Kite Cellars

When people think of Sonoma Valley, they generally picture upscale towns like Sonoma and Healdsburg. For a more laid-back experience, head to the Sonoma Coast, where you’ll find small towns, incredible scenery, and delicious wine.

Must-visit wineries include the relaxed patio at Russian Valley Vineyards and the upscale tasting room at Black Kite Cellars. In the evening, check into a waterfront room at The Lodge at Bodega Bay, one of the best hotels on the Sonoma Coast. It has a full-service spa, an award-winning restaurant, and complimentary offerings like s’mores on Sundays and Mondays or wine receptions on Thursdays through Saturdays.

Southern Utah

Wine tasting among the dramatic scenery at Water Canyon Winery — Photo courtesy of Mitch Rose

Most people come to Southern Utah to explore the dramatic landscapes of Zion National Park, but the Greater Zion region is an excellent place for a wine trip. The wineries along the Utah Wine Trail produce fantastic wines at affordable prices.

Add Zion Vineyards, Bold & Delaney Winery, and Water Canyon Winery to your itinerary — the latter specializes in organic, natural wines with no added ingredients.

Loudoun County, Virginia

Stone Tower Winery is a popular stop in Loudoun County — Photo courtesy of Visit Loudoun / Neal Alfano Photography / Miles Partnership.

Loudoun County, Virginia, located just outside Washington, D.C., has over 50 vineyards and wineries. That’s a lot of vino! White wines like chardonnay and viognier thrive here, but you’ll also find standout examples of Bordeaux blends. Add farm-to-table restaurants and upscale lodging options, and you’ve found the perfect place for a romantic wine trip.

Must-stops in this wine region include Stone Tower Winery, with a rotating roster of events ranging from seafood boils to live music, and Chrysalis Vineyards, home to a popular weekend music series.

Shawnee Hills, Illinois

Wineries in the Shawnee Hills region produce unexpected varietals — Photo courtesy of DisobeyArt / iStock Via Getty Images

The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail travels through undulating hills and small towns as it goes from winery to winery. This affordable wine region is beloved for full-bodied, dry reds like chambourcin and hybrid whites like chardonel. Be sure to stop by Blue Sky Vineyard and Alto Vineyards for views as beautiful as the wine.

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Finger Lakes, New York

Wine tasting among vinyards in the Finger Lakes region doesn’t get much better — Photo courtesy of Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council

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.

Temecula Valley, California

Wine tasting and hot-air balloons are hallmarks of the Temecula Valley region — Photo courtesy of Visit Temecula Valley

Temecula Valley proves Northern California or the Central Coast aren’t the only places in the state with outstanding wine. With more than 50 wineries within a short distance of San Diego and Los Angeles, it’s no wonder this unpretentious wine region is increasingly popular with visitors.

Wine tasting rooms here pour cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel, chardonnay, and pinot noir, among other varieties. Don’t leave without sipping a glass at Baily Vineyard & Winery (time your visit for lunch at the on-site restaurant) or Ponte Winery, which operates a luxurious 90-room inn with views of the vineyards.