Beyond the Tariffs: American Wines with Old World Souls
With the looming threat of 200% tariffs on European wines, the U.S. wine industry could be facing seismic shifts. For many wine lovers and professionals, the idea of replacing Burgundian Pinot Noir or Piedmontese Nebbiolo with domestic alternatives might feel like an impossible task. While American wines have often been categorized by their bold fruit and ripeness, the truth is that plenty of producers are crafting wines with Old World finesse, structure, and sense of place.
If we must pivot away from European imports, let’s do it by showcasing the American wines that drink with the elegance, minerality, and complexity of their Old World counterparts. Here’s a guide to regions and producers that will satisfy the palates of those who crave European wine styles:
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1. Burgundy → Willamette Valley, Oregon (Pinot Noir & Chardonnay)
For those who live and breathe Burgundy, Willamette Valley is the closest thing to home outside of France. With its cool climate, volcanic and marine sedimentary soils, and a winemaking philosophy rooted in restraint, this region produces Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with tension, earthiness, and bright acidity—hallmarks of Burgundy’s best wines.
• Try Instead of: Côte de Nuits or Côte de Beaune
• Producers to Watch: Eyrie Vineyards, Lingua Franca, Cristom, Bergström, Walter Scott
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2. Northern Rhône → Walla Walla & Rocks District, Washington (Syrah & Viognier)
Fans of the Northern Rhône’s powerful yet elegant Syrahs—marked by black pepper, gamey notes, and a mineral-driven backbone—should turn their attention to Washington’s Walla Walla Valley, particularly the famed Rocks District AVA. The cobbled basalt soils and marginal climate create Syrahs that channel the smoky, meaty, and olive-tinged character of Côte-Rôtie or Cornas.
• Try Instead of: Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, or Saint-Joseph
• Producers to Watch: Cayuse, Reynvaan, K Vintners, Gramercy Cellars
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3. Piedmont → Sierra Foothills, California (Nebbiolo & Barbera)
Piedmontese reds—whether the brooding Nebbiolos of Barolo and Barbaresco or the fresh, high-acid Barberas of Asti—have found an unexpected home in California’s Sierra Foothills. Here, Nebbiolo retains its tannic backbone and floral aromatics, while Barbera thrives with vibrant acidity and juicy red fruit.
• Try Instead of: Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera d’Asti
• Producers to Watch: Giornata, Idlewild, Palmina, Prima Materia
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4. Loire Valley → Finger Lakes, New York (Cabernet Franc & Chenin Blanc)
The Finger Lakes’ cool climate and limestone-rich soils make it an ideal match for Loire-style wines. Cabernet Franc here takes on a Chinon-like elegance, offering peppery aromatics, herbal notes, and refreshing acidity. Meanwhile, a growing number of producers are crafting high-quality, bone-dry Chenin Blanc, reminiscent of Saumur or Vouvray.
• Try Instead of: Chinon, Saumur, Vouvray
• Producers to Watch: Forge Cellars, Bloomer Creek, Ravines, Hermann J. Wiemer
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5. Jura & Savoie → Santa Cruz Mountains & Anderson Valley, California (Trousseau, Poulsard, & Savagnin)
Jura lovers seeking crunchy, ethereal reds and oxidative whites can find a surprising refuge in California. The cool-climate vineyards of Santa Cruz and Anderson Valley are home to some stunning Trousseau and Poulsard expressions, while experimental winemakers are crafting Savagnin-style whites with nutty, sherry-like complexity.
• Try Instead of: Arbois, Château-Chalon, Bugey
• Producers to Watch: Arnot-Roberts, Sandlands, Pax Mahle, Iruai
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6. Bordeaux → Napa Valley (But Not What You Think)
Yes, Napa is known for its opulent, fruit-forward Cabs, but old-school producers are still making wines with Bordeaux-like restraint and aging potential. Mountain-grown Napa Cabernets from Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder, and Diamond Mountain can channel the structure of Pauillac or Saint-Julien, while cooler Coombsville offers more Left Bank finesse.
• Try Instead of: Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Margaux
• Producers to Watch: Keenan, Corison, Dunn Vineyards
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7. Beaujolais → California & Oregon (Gamay Noir)
Gamay is having a renaissance in the U.S., particularly in Oregon and select California sites. These wines capture the floral, bright, and mineral-driven nature of Cru Beaujolais, from Morgon-like depth to Fleurie-esque charm.
• Try Instead of: Morgon, Fleurie, Saint-Amour
• Producers to Watch: Jolie-Laide, Brick House, Arnot-Roberts, Division Winemaking
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8. Alsace → Sta. Rita Hills & Santa Maria Valley, California (Riesling, Gewürztraminer, & Pinot Gris)
Alsace’s noble white varieties thrive in California’s Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley, where cool ocean breezes and diverse soils create complex, high-acid whites. The best examples mirror Alsace’s purity of fruit, aromatic intensity, and ability to age.
• Try Instead of: Riesling from Ribeauvillé, Gewürztraminer from Turckheim
• Producers to Watch: Tatomer, Ojai, Au Bon Climat
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The Shift: A New Era for American Wine?
If tariffs force a shift away from European imports, it’s not the end of great Old World-style wine. The U.S. has matured as a winemaking nation, and while there is no replacing the soul of European terroir, there are countless American wines made in a spirit of balance, restraint, and history.
This is not about giving up Burgundy, Barolo, or the Rhône—it’s about discovering the wines that respect and channel those traditions while creating something uniquely American. By focusing on these regions and producers, we can ensure that the glass stays full, the conversation stays interesting, and the pursuit of great wine never stops.
