Wines of USA: From California to New York

There’s wine being made in every single U.S. state — yes, even Alaska and Hawaii. With that kind of diversity in geography and climate, it’s no surprise that American wine offers incredible diversity and character.

At GWGP, we’ve curated a selection that shows off the best of what the U.S. has to offer — from the UK’s biggest collection of New York wines to 80+ bottles from all across California, plus some of our favourite finds from Oregon and Washington.

Curious where to start? Read on for our guide to the regions we think are well worth getting to know.

CALIFORNIA

When people think of American wine, California often is the first to come to mind — and fair enough, it makes about 80% of it. Napa and Sonoma have earned their world-class reputations (and we’ve got the bottles to back that up), but there’s so much more going on beyond these two regions.

From coastal vineyards of Monterey to rugged inland hills of the Sierra Foothills, California’s range of climates and soils allow winemakers to experiment and express their own personalities in their wines.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are undoubtedly king here, but there’s also so much more to dig into — like gutsy old-vine Zinfandel from Paso, structured, elegant Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County, and peppery, energetic Syrah from Mendocino. And if you’re looking for something more unexpected, there’s plenty of under-the-radar grapes like Charbono, Valdigué, and Mission, all showing that California winemakers aren’t afraid to do their own thing.

NEW YORK

We’re thrilled New York is finally getting the attention it deserves. It's a region that delivers cool-climate wines that punch well above their weight. With nearly 500 wineries across the state and a mix of deep-rooted producers and ambitious newcomers, New York’s wine scene is one to get excited about.

In the Finger Lakes, deep glacial lakes help moderate the climate, which is ideal for expressive, high-acid whites. The Rieslings? Electric. Zesty, pure, and super food-friendly. But the story doesn’t end there. You’ll also find serious Cabernet Franc, crunchy Pinot Noir, modern-style elegant Chardonnay, and sparkling wines that rival some of the world’s best. 

Further south on Long Island, sandy soils and maritime influence make for silky, polished reds — especially Merlot and Bordeaux blends with brightness and structure. 

Across the state, there’s a strong sense of community. Most producers are small and independent, with a focus on sustainability and terroir expression. It’s one of the most exciting wine regions in the U.S. right now — and we’re damn proud to bring such a wide selection of New York wines to the UK.

OREGON

Oregon has a quiet confidence that’s hard not to respect. The wines are precise, pure, and full of character. The state is renowned for its Pinot Noir. And a lot of it is really, really good. When it hits that sweet spot of silky red fruit, savoury earth, and cool-climate freshness, it's something special. 

While Pinot is the star in the region, there’s also a whole other side to Oregon that’s just as compelling. Melon de Bourgogne that’s zippy and saline. Gamay that’s fresh, joyful, and a little bit wild. And ripe-yet-restrained Chenin Blanc. They may not get the spotlight, but they absolutely deliver.

Oregon is a region that feels thoughtful, unfussy, and quietly self-assured. And that no doubt comes through in all the wines.

WASHINGTON

Washington’s got a serious rep for bold yet beautifully balanced reds. Most vineyards sit east of the Cascade Mountains, where sunny days, cool nights, and high-elevation desert conditions create an ideal setup for grape growing.

This is Bordeaux-meets-Rhône territory: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Grenache — all thriving in this rugged landscape. What makes wines from these regions special? They deliver both power and poise. You get all that ripe, generous fruit, but it’s kept in check by structure and freshness. Heavy-hitters without ever feeling heavy.

Regions to look out for? Columbia Valley, Yakima, and Walla Walla are leading the way. Wines from these areas are robust, grounded, and distinctly expressive — a signature character that’s unmistakably Washington.

From the West Coast to the East Coast, USA wines truly have incredibly diversity and character. So whether you're into a classic Napa Cabernet or keen to try something new like a Finger Lakes Riesling, USA wines have got you covered.