If your idea of cardio is hustling between grand tastings and oyster stations, the USA TODAY 10BEST list of the “10 best wine festivals across the country for 2025” is basically your training plan. The 10BEST Editors have spotlighted standout events from coast to coast—think big pours, smart programming, and serious vibes. This post is your cheat sheet to picking the right festival for your palate and your passport.
“10 best wine festivals across the country for 2025”
— USA TODAY 10BEST (10BEST Editors)
First things first: not all wine festivals are created equal. Some lean chef-driven and Michelin-adjacent. Others are vineyard-forward with seminars that actually teach you something beyond ‘I like red.’ Decide what you want out of the weekend—learning, lounging, or living your best bubbly life—and filter accordingly.
Match your mood to the festival
• Education-forward: Look for events with masterclasses, blind tastings, and panels featuring winemakers. If you love digging into terroir and vintage nuance, these are your jam.
• Culinary-centric: Food heavy hitters often build menus around highlighted wines. Great for pairing geeks and anyone who dreams in beurre blanc.
• Party-first: Live music, beach venues, rooftop tastings—more energy, less note-taking. Hydration and snack strategy required.
Consider the timing (and your stamina)
Spring and fall are prime for wine festivals—cooler temps, fewer heat-induced palate meltdowns. If a festival runs multiple days, pace yourself. Go early for quieter pours and save the high-octane tent for later. Pro tip: set a theme per session (e.g., New World Pinot or sparkling-only) to avoid palate whiplash.
Tickets and tiers: What’s worth it?
VIP can be clutch if it includes early entry, reserved seminars, or limited pours. If you’re there to learn, prioritize access to educational sessions over just the fanciest lounge. If you’re there to taste widely, general admission plus a smart plan can be perfect.
Plan your route like a seasoned pro
Scan the producer list and circle must-taste tables before you arrive. Start with whites and sparkling, move to lighter reds, then the big hitters. Palate fatigue is real—water, crackers, and the occasional reset-with-bubbles are your friends.
Etiquette that keeps your glass (and karma) full
• Spitting is not just okay; it’s how you taste more and stay sharp.
• Ask targeted questions—vineyard sites, fermentation choices, aging regimen—winemakers love an engaged drinker.
• Don’t crowd the table; step aside to decide if you want a second pour.
Make it a mini vacation
Many festivals sit in destinations worth lingering in. Build in a recovery brunch, a casual winery visit, and a nature break—beach, mountains, or a slow stroll—so your weekend feels less marathon, more masterclass-meets-holiday.
Take cues from the pros
USA TODAY 10BEST features seasoned voices in travel and wine. One contributor’s profile nails the vibe: “Champagne, dark chocolate and gelato are her biggest weaknesses.”
— USA TODAY 10BEST, contributor profile
Translation: even the experts balance serious tasting with a little joy. You should too.
Sustainability and sanity
Favor festivals that spotlight sustainable producers or waste-reduction efforts. Bring a small notebook (or notes app), take photos of labels you love, and set a rideshare or shuttle plan before the first pour. Your future self will thank you.
The bottom line
The 10BEST Editors did the curation; you bring the taste buds and the game plan. Whether you’re chasing single-vineyard Pinot, discovering Texas Tempranillo, or just vibing with a perfect pét-nat under string lights, the right festival will meet you where your palate is—and nudge it somewhere new.
Ready to pick your pour? Explore the full USA TODAY 10BEST list and lock in your tickets before the most interesting bottles are gone.
Source: https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-wine-festival/
