50 States Of Wine: Drinking Across The USA
As voters across the country head to their local polling stations to cast their votes, it seemed like an apropos moment to remember that all 50 United States produce wine.
From Alaska to Alabama and Maine to New Mexico, every American can sip a wine from his or her home state this Election Day.
This is easy to pull off in Washington, Oregon, New York, Virginia, Missouri, Michigan, and Texas — and easier said than done in places like North Dakota, Florida, or Montana. But a winery might be nearby. Go to CatchWine.com for Google maps of each state's wineries — you might find some fun surprises.
For example, there's pineapple wine in Hawaii. In the colder, non-coastal northern states you'll find ice wines as well as wines made from locally grown fruits such as apricots and plums — even rhubarb.
If you prefer to stick with grapes, Texas and Arizona produce solid, quaffable reds made from varieties such as merlot, sangiovese, and tempranillo. In the heartland, you'll find many hybrid varieties, as well as plenty of norton, the grape that dominates Missouri winemaking.
If all that seems too daring, remember that you can't go wrong by uncorking a California sparkler such as Gloria Ferrer or Iron Horse to toast this election night.