10 Wine Recommendations for a Patriotic 4th of July

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10 Wine Recommendations for a Patriotic 4th of July

Whether you’re bringing out the red, white and blue decorations or heading to the lake, the perfect red, white or something totally new will make your Fourth of July celebration a big hit. And what better way to toast to Independence Day than with something made right here in the USA? Below, you’ll find our top 10 Fourth of July wines, all made in America and all worthy of a stars-and-stripes celebration.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Rich, structured and age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley might be the quintessential patriotic wine—it helped put America on the world wine map in the 1970s. Thanks to long, warm growing seasons, moderated by fog and cool breezes off the Pacific Ocean, Napa Cabernet can compete with any region in terms of flavor concentration, complexity and freshness. As they often demand higher prices, this premium wine will make an impressive centerpiece for your Fourth of July dinner party. With its dark-fruited notes of black currant, blackberry and plum, often framed by notes of vanilla or chocolate from oak aging, Napa Cabs will stand up to all kinds of red meats, from prime rib to flame-cooked skirt steak.

Sonoma Chardonnay

Sonoma offers a cooler climate than Napa, making it an ideal home for Chardonnay. The fog and ocean winds lock in serious freshness, while abundant sunshine ripens the grapes to perfection. This allows winemakers to make Chardonnay in their preferred style—from leaner, citrusy examples to fuller, tropical-fruited releases. No matter which style you choose, a Sonoma Chardonnay will be a wonderful Fourth of July wine, pairing perfectly with grilled chicken, red-white-and-blue fruit tarts and more.

Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

While Oregon might have joined the ranks of the world’s first-rate regions after California, its top Pinot Noirs are some of America’s very finest wines. Located in the northwestern corner of the state, the Willamette Valley region has a similar climate to Burgundy, which allows Pinot Noir to develop complex red fruit flavors and earthy nuance while retaining freshness. They’re super versatile and make an ideal partner for everything from salmon to burgers.

Washington State Sauvignon Blanc

Farther north, Washington’s wine regions experience cold nights that help the grapes retain their acidity. This gives their Sauvignon Blancs a racing freshness that complements their mouthwatering flavors of grapefruit, lime and green apple. Enjoy them as an aperitif at your Fourth of July party or pour with grilled shrimp and summer salads.

Riesling from New York’s Finger Lakes

Making wine in the Finger Lakes of New York is no easy task. As America’s coldest established wine region, achieving the right ripeness levels can be difficult. That’s partly why Riesling is such a star. The white grape variety ripens late in the season, which offsets the risk of late spring frosts and allows them to hang on the vine longer to develop the concentrated sugars and complex flavors needed for serious winemaking. It’s well worth the trouble. Riesling from the Finger Lakes is typically crisp with vibrant notes of citrus, apple, peach and sometimes honey. They’re also extremely versatile, pairing well with everything from pulled pork to fruit-based desserts.

Lodi Zinfandel

Lodi is a historic Gold Rush town in California’s Central Valley, and is also the unofficial Zinfandel Capital of the World. The region has the highest concentration of old vines in America, some dating all the way back to the 1800s. Since these gnarly, ancient vines have to work a bit harder to reach nutrients, they naturally grow fewer grapes. And, with this lower yield, the remaining berries have richer, more concentrated flavors. Combine that with Lodi’s sunny climate and you get intensely fruited Zinfandel. A great choice for bold char-grilled favorites, like burgers, ribs and more.

California Chenin Blanc

Though it’s more often associated with France’s Loire Valley, Chenin Blanc has found a home in California. The best Golden State Chenin Blancs have a zippy acidity and flavors of pear, melon and citrus. They’re a fantastic choice for hot summer days, refreshing on their own and delicious with grilled vegetables, deviled eggs and lighter picnic favorites.

Paso Robles Albariño

Albariño may be a Spanish grape, but it thrives under the California sun—especially in Paso Robles, where winemakers have embraced the grape variety. (Lodi and Edna Valley are top spots for Albariño as well.) Their fantastic bottlings are dry, bright and refreshing, offering citrus, peach and nectarine flavors. It’s a great Fourth of July wine, especially if ceviche, oysters or other seafood is on the menu.

Washington State Sparkling Wine

Looking for a little sparkle to go with the fireworks? Washington State’s sparkling wines are having a moment—and for good reason. Made in both traditional and modern styles, these bubblies combine crisp acidity with orchard fruit notes, and often a delicate brioche-like complexity. They’re perfect for a celebratory toast and pair deliciously with salty snacks, fried chicken or even Fourth of July classic, potato salad.

California Merlot

Often overshadowed by its flashier cousin Cabernet Sauvignon, California Merlot is having a quiet renaissance. When done right, it offers plush textures, soft tannins, ripe plum and raspberry flavors with notes of mocha and spice. It’s bold enough to complement brats and burgers, yet smooth enough to sip on its own.