MAIN Wines North America USA Oklahoma

Although the Sooner State is a latecomer to the wine industry, recent regulations lifting trade restrictions will hopefully change all that.

Already, there are more than 50 wineries throughout Oklahoma which are continuing to mature and expand as business associations form to champion the cause of wine and Oklahoma wine tourism.

Although there are wineries only a short drive from anywhere within Oklahoma, the only official designated American Viticultural Area is the Ozark Valley AVA -- which the state shares with Missouri and Arkansas.

Some of the most popular and visited are wineries near Oklahoma City in the central part of the state, Western Oklahoma, as well as in Oklahoma Green Country in Northeast Oklahoma.

Grape varieties used in regional wineries include Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, white varieties such as Riesling and Gewurstraminier, along with French hybrids, and American native varieties. You'll also find some wineries within the state experimenting with various other fruits, as well as ice wine.

More information about Oklahoma wineries around the Web:

Oklahoma Wine Trails - Check out colorful, entertaining travelogues with guides to finding the best Syrahs, Reislings and more with photos and maps.

Travel OK - Wineries - Check out the official travel site with ideas for wine trail tours, reviews of the states best wineries to visit, along with related photos and videos.