That’s according to mydatingadviser.com. They studied more than 700 U.S. wineries looking at quality, popularity and things to do, which may explain why there are so many Southern wineries on the list. Hey, we're fun!
But, we have to wonder if California and New York might take issue with that claim. And here are my thoughts on that. Correct me if I’m wrong, but most people can’t detect a hint of fruit-forward notes or can name the wine’s terroir. And since this is a dating site, we’re assuming that those doing the survey were looking for fun places to bring a significant other, not necessarily to discover the next great vintage. I’ve been long out of the dating game, but I believe folks want to enjoy a nice vino, have someone explain how it’s made and what they’re drinking and maybe experience an outdoor patio with lawn games and pop-up food trucks. I mean, the top Alabama winery serves pizza!
This website used several factors to make its designations: TripAdvisor ratings, number of online reviews and the number of restaurants and attractions within a few miles. So, it’s no wonder this website found not only the number one winery but the top three in Tennessee. They are Tennessee Homemade Wines, Sugarland Cellars and Tennessee Cider Company, all in Gatlinburg. If you’ve ever been to the Smoky Mountain town, you can see why they fared so high.
Mydatingadviser.com did more than rank the nation’s wineries, they also chose the number one spot for each state. Here are the South’s best wineries, according to the website, with a wine favored by the survey takers.
Alabama
Jules J. Berta Vineyards & Pizza in Albertville
Wine: Dog at Large Blackberry, “Juicy, plump, mixed varietal blackberries blended with red wine grapes and laced with delicate oak nuances.”
Arkansas
The Winery of Hot Springs, Hot Springs
Wine: Lake Hamilton Sunset, “A sparkling strawberry wine.”
Florida
Panama City Beach Winery, Panama City Beach
Wine: Passion Fruit Florida Ever, “An exotic flavor created from Florida’s finest passion fruit juice. Tart and flavorful, this wine will enhance any meal. Great outside or along the beach. It is a customer favorite.”
Georgia
Crane Creek Vineyards, Young Harris
Wine: Mountain Harvest Red, “Crane Creek’s signature Chambourcin dominant red blend. Fresh, fruity, and approachable.”
Kentucky
Purple Toad Winery, Paducah
Wine: Black & Bruised, “A sweet blend of Blackberry and Concord.”
Louisiana
NOLA Tropical Winery, New Orleans
Wine: St. James Blackberry/Blueberry, “A sweet wine with rich fruit flavors that develop evenly across the palate and remain for a long berry finish.”
Mississippi
Old South Winery, Natchez
Wine: Blue Bayou, “Lush and balanced.”
North Carolina
Biltmore Winery at Antler Hill Village, Asheville
Wine: Century Sweet Red Wine, “Aromas of strawberry and dark caramel complemented by notes of blackberry and vanilla.”
Oklahoma
Girls Gone Wine, Broken Bow
Wine: Road Trip Red, “This smooth Pinot Noir-style wine has a medium body and flavors of cherry and spice.”
South Carolina
Duplin Winery, North Myrtle Beach
Wine: Twisted Sisters Sweet Red Wine, “pomegranate zinfandel.”
Tennessee
Tennessee Homemade Wines, Gatlinburg
Wine: Old Apple, “A medium-bodied American Hybrid with a soft cherry tone finish and aromas of red currant fruit.”
Texas
Messina Hof Winery, Bryan
Wine: HG-Emblaze, “sweet red blend.”
Virginia
Williamsburg Winery, Williamsburg
Want to learn more about Southern wineries? Check out our story about Southern passports to wineries, breweries and cideries and the delicious meads of Point Lookout Vineyards.
This is a wonderful post. I knew only the Georgia winery on the list. I have over 25 years involvement with wine literature and West Coast wineries, so I was glad to learn about the Southern wineries. [I would like to ask you a question offline. Could you send me your email address? Mine is on my blog. Thanks!]