Journeyscape Reveals Top North American Wine Destinations

2025-02-11

California Still Reigns Supreme for Wine Tourism

North American wine has gained prominence in recent years, with international competitions confirming the quality of its production. Events such as the San Francisco International Wine Competition and the Decanter World Wine Awards have awarded multiple distinctions to wineries from the United States and Canada, solidifying their position in the industry.

Journeyscape, a luxury travel operator, has analyzed the most awarded destinations for wine enthusiasts, highlighting those that have accumulated the most accolades in prestigious competitions. Ontario, Canada, leads the list with 197 awards, followed by British Columbia with 187 and California with 159. These three regions have become key players thanks to their diverse climates and soils, which allow for the production of high-quality wines.

Other recognized wine-producing states include Oregon, Washington, Texas, New York, Virginia, Missouri, and Colorado, demonstrating that viticulture in North America extends from the Pacific to the Atlantic, covering a wide range of latitudes and climatic conditions.

The Decanter World Wine Awards, one of the most influential wine competitions globally, has honored several North American wineries. Ontario has stood out with Platinum awards for Tawse Winery and Reif Estate Winery, two of its most renowned producers.

In the United States, California remains the leader in wine production and wine tourism. With a rating of 9.83 out of 10 in Journeyscape's ranking, the state is the most popular destination for visitors seeking wine tastings and vineyard tours. Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and Los Carneros have solidified their reputation thanks to their history, grape diversity, and favorable climate conditions.

Canada continues to gain international recognition. Besides Ontario and British Columbia, Quebec has been rated 9.25 out of 10, positioning itself as an emerging destination in North American wine tourism.

For those planning wine tastings in these regions, Journeyscape's experts recommend booking in advance, researching wineries, and reserving tastings ahead of time. They also suggest balancing itineraries by combining visits to well-known estates with smaller wineries and limiting the number of tastings per day to avoid palate fatigue.

Beyond awards and rankings, visiting vineyards offers a deeper understanding of the winemaking process and the dedication of producers. North America has become an essential destination for those eager to explore the evolution and diversity of its wine industry.