Explore Coveted Wine Regions in the Americas
For discerning travelers craving a wine region retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the usual hotspots, the Americas offer a wealth of exceptional, more discreet destinations. Think boutique estates tucked into tranquil mountain foothills, serene lakefront vineyards, and hidden valleys where the pace is slower and the experiences are more personal. September through November is an especially magical time to visit. In the Northern Hemisphere, the arrival of autumn marks the beginning of the harvest season, when vines are heavy with the year’s bounty and landscapes are ablaze with fiery fall foliage. Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere, the same months usher in spring, bringing abundant wildflowers, sunshine-filled days, and the promise of new growth, offering a fresh perspective on these celebrated yet under-the-radar wineries.
Finger Lakes, New York, USA
A year-round haven for New Yorkers seeking escape from the thrum of the city, Finger Lakes offers charm in abundance. Picture quaint picket-fenced towns, farm-to-table dining, and lakeside lodges with a cozy, fairytale feel. Named for its 11 slender, glacially carved lakes, this peaceful region also packs some serious wine-producing punch – particularly when it comes to its esteemed Rieslings and cool-climate reds. Over 100 wineries dot the lake’s surrounding landscapes, with acclaimed estates like Hermann J. Wiemer, Sheldrake Point, and Dr. Konstantin Frank offering vintages, tours, and tasting experiences as enchanting as their vistas. When you’ve had your fill of the wine trails, spend your days chasing waterfalls and hiking gorges in Ithaca, taking scenic drives past pumpkin patches and rolling vineyards, or admiring the kaleidoscopic autumnal foliage as it reflects on the lake on a private cruise.
- Nearest Airport: Tompkins Regional Airport (ITH) – approx. 45–60 min by chauffeured car to key wine areas.
Gold Country, California, USA
Nestled in northern California’s Sierra Nevada foothills, Gold Country unfolds across vast mountain ranges, storied mining towns, and a landscape steeped in history. Once the beating heart of the Gold Rush of 1849, the region’s true treasure today lies in its vineyards. Amador and El Dorado counties are the crown jewels, together creating one of America’s most intriguing wine regions. World-class Zinfandel is the main calling card, with old vines producing wine of extraordinary quality, but the area’s mixed terrain and elevations yield a remarkable array of varietals. Boutique, family-run estates such as Bella Grace, Boeger, and Ironstone capture the spirit of the region, pairing bold, distinctive wines with panoramic mountain views and warm hospitality. Between tasting room visits, wander atmospheric Gold Rush towns with old-Western architecture, hike redwood-studded trails, or retreat to rustic-chic inns. Less commercialized than Napa and Sonoma, Gold Country’s authenticity is precisely what makes it so special.
- Nearest Airport: Sacramento Executive Airport (SAC) – approx. 1–1.5 hrs by chauffeured car to wine towns.
Columbia Gorge, Oregon & Washington, USA
Shaped by ancient volcanic forces and glacial floods, the 80-mile Columbia River Gorge – straddling Oregon and Washington – is a land of striking contrasts: arid grasslands unfurl in the east, while lush temperate rainforests of fir and bigleaf maple cloak the west. It’s this dramatic diversity of microclimates that makes this bi-state AVA one of America’s most exciting regions. Here, renowned estates such as Syncline and Hiyu Wine Farm cultivate everything from heat-loving Merlot and Syrah to cool-climate Pinot Noir, with tastings set against the beautiful backdrop of snow-dusted Mount Hood and the winding river below. Beyond strolling and sipping your way through stunning vineyards, the Gorge is also a nature lover’s paradise: hike to thundering waterfalls, windsurf in steady river breezes, or marvel at the star-strewn sky from your refined lodge or spa resort.
- Nearest Airport: Columbia Gorge Regional Airport (DLS) – approx. 20–40 min by chauffeured car to key wineries.
Maule Valley, Chile
Stretching between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, the Maule Valley is one of Chile’s largest and oldest wine regions. Somewhat overshadowed by the likes of Maipo and Colchagua, Maule was once known for bulk production but has reinvented itself as a cradle of premium winemaking, luring attention with soulful reds and authentic, terroir-driven varietals. Cabernet Sauvignon remains its hallmark, yet it is the old-vine Carignan and the velvety depth of Carmenere that give the region its modern prestige. The passion for viticulture can be felt in every corner of the Maule Valley, with many estates focusing on sustainable practices and the careful preservation of some of the country’s oldest vines. A visit to Gillmore and J. Bouchon wineries tops the plentiful list, with the latter offering guided exploration on horseback before your tasting.
- Nearest Airport: Panguilemo Airport (TLX) – approx. 30–45 min by chauffeured car to top wineries.
Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
About an hour and a half drive south of Mendoza city, the Uco Valley stretches serenely beneath the snow-capped Andes. This high-altitude region, where vines are planted anywhere from 900m to 1650m above sea level, has become the rising star of Argentine winemaking, producing some of the Southern Hemisphere’s most celebrated bottles. Of course, Malbec reigns supreme here, but the valley’s varied soils and extreme climate also deliver beautifully balanced Chardonnays, vibrant Sauvignon Blancs, and divine red blends, their brightness and depth a reflection of the warm days, cool nights, and intense Andean light. Revered estates such as Susana Balbo and Matías Riccitelli embody the valley’s reputation and are must-visit spots. To immerse yourself fully, stay at exclusive vineyards like The Vines Resort & Spa or Casa de Uco, where sumptuous secluded villas overlook the mountain-framed estates, and experiences range from private blending sessions to joining the harvest and even stomping grapes by foot.
- Nearest Airport: El Plumerillo International Airport (MDZ) – approx. 90 min by chauffeured car or 30 min by helicopter charter to the wine region.
Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Dubbed the “Napa of Mexico”, yet still one of the wine world’s best-kept secrets, Valle de Guadalupe offers a beguiling blend of sun-drenched vineyards, soul-stirring desert vistas, and top-notch food and wine. Both red and white grapes thrive here, producing a spectrum of wines that speak to the terroir – from elegant Chardonnays and crisp rosés to impressive reds led by the valley’s signature Nebbiolo grape. Increasingly, winemakers are embracing organic and biodynamic practices, and standout estates such as Monte Xanic, Mina Penélope, and Tres Mujeres offer tours of the vine-striped valleys as well as tastings of their cream-of-the-crop vintages. The region’s fine-dining scene is also compelling, known for its creative use of local seafood and farm-fresh produce, often paired seamlessly with curated wine flights. Design-forward B&Bs and plush resorts add to the allure, allowing visitors to soak up the region’s splendour in the lap of luxury.
- Nearest Airport: Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) – approx. 90 min by chauffeured car or 30 min by helicopter charter to the rising wine region.
Travel by Private Jet with Air Partner
From the dazzling foliage of the Finger Lakes to the sun-dappled vineyards of Valle de Guadalupe, wherever your curiosity, palate, or sense of adventure takes you, a wine region getaway promises memories that you’ll savor long after the last sip. To start planning, contact our expert Private Jets team today.
