A sommelier reveals 9 incredible US wine regions that aren't Napa

Mostly below the Panhandle area of the state, this region has a lofty elevation and low annual precipitation, making it the ideal climate to grow sweeter grapes.

Local varietals include Merlot, Malbec, and Montepulciano.

According to Tidwell, New Mexico produces "some amazing sparkling wines that are very well known among sommeliers."

One winery he loves in particular is the Gruet Winery, a family-owned winery that specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay-based sparkling wines, as well as a number of non-carbonated wines.

Though lesser known than neighboring Napa and Sonoma, this California wine region is just as beautiful.

Tidwell enjoys the area's refreshing whites, like Chardonnay, as well as its mellow Pinot Noirs and Syrahs.

While wine producing was not established in this area until pretty recently, Washington has quickly become the country's second-largest wine producing state.

Since the 1970s, wineries in this isolated area have made distinct and delicious Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.

New York is the third-largest wine producing state in the country. "The Finger Lakes region is definitely a standout there," said Tidwell.

Since this northern part of the state is wrapped around lakes like Seneca and Cayuga, there are micro climates with cooler temperatures, which are ideal for growing grapes to make the area's signature Riesling.

"Although I haven't tried as many as I'd like, I know that Virginia makes excellent Bourdeaux," said Tidwell.

Loudoun County is just 45 minutes from D.C., and, according to Tidwell, produces varieties you'd typically find in French wine regions, such as Burgundy from Bordeaux and Viogniers from Côtes du Rhone.

While Michigan state contains four American Viticultural Areas, almost all of its wine grapes are grown within around 25 miles of Lake Michigan.

Traverse City is located on the same parallel as Burgundy and Bordeaux, and while the region became internationally known for its white wines, like Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio, it's increasingly becoming known for its French-style reds like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

This 150-mile long valley produces wines that have won accolades both domestically and abroad.

Tidwell remarked that the state's delicious Pinot Noirs are well-known for a reason, though he also mentions fuller-bodied varieties of red wine like Cabernet, which he said thrive in southern Oregon's warmer climates.