Tasting Wine From All 50 States Proves Challenging

Wine enthusiast's quest to sample wines from across America hits roadblocks with shipping and outreach.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A wine writer has embarked on a personal mission to taste wines from all 50 U.S. states, but has encountered obstacles such as difficulties with interstate wine shipping laws and unresponsive wineries in certain states. The writer has managed to sample a diverse array of wines so far, from traditional grape varieties to more unique offerings made from fruits like blueberries and rhubarb. However, significant gaps remain, with the writer still needing to connect with wineries in nearly half the country.

Why it matters

This story highlights the diversity and innovation happening in the American wine industry, even in regions not traditionally associated with winemaking. It also sheds light on the regulatory and logistical challenges that can make it difficult for wine enthusiasts and consumers to access the full breadth of domestic wine production.

The details

The writer, Randy Fuller, started the "Now And Zin's Wine Country" series nearly two years ago with the goal of tasting wines from all 50 states. So far, he has managed to sample wines from 27 states, ranging from traditional grape varieties like Cabernet Franc and Riesling to more unique offerings made from fruits like blueberries and rhubarb. However, the writer has faced significant obstacles, including difficulties with interstate wine shipping laws and unresponsive wineries in certain states. Some states, such as Alaska, Hawaii, Wyoming, and several in the Southeast, have proven particularly challenging to connect with.

  • The "Now And Zin's Wine Country" series debuted nearly two years ago.
  • At the time of writing, the writer has sampled wines from 27 states.

The players

Randy Fuller

A wine writer who has embarked on a personal mission to taste wines from all 50 U.S. states.

Now And Zin

A wine blog that has been publishing the "Wine Country" series documenting Fuller's quest.

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What they’re saying

“I've heard from American winemakers about Indiana limestone, Cornell grape creations and moderating winds from - of all places - Lake Erie. I've heard winemakers cry in anguish, 'I want to make dry wines, but all my customers want is sweet!'”

— Randy Fuller, Wine Writer (Now And Zin)

What’s next

The writer is still seeking to connect with wineries in the remaining states he has not yet covered, including Alaska, Hawaii, Wyoming, Connecticut, Louisiana, Mississippi, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. He is also looking to determine a wine or winery that is representative of California to include in the series.

The takeaway

This story highlights the diverse and innovative nature of the American wine industry, as well as the regulatory and logistical challenges that can make it difficult for wine enthusiasts to fully explore domestic wine production. The writer's quest to sample wines from all 50 states underscores the need for greater accessibility and awareness of the breadth of winemaking happening across the country.