Wine Regions Of America And What Are They Known For
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The United States wine industry has gone a long way in the past few decades. The country is now the fourth largest wine producer after Italy, Spain and France, and that’s saying something. Today, someone makes wine in every state in the county, even in Alaska, so the wine scene has become more complex.
Below, you’ll find the most significant wine regions in America in terms of volume, quality and prestige. Of course, we’re leaving out new-coming areas, such as Pennsylvania, Virginia and Texas, but we’ll cover the finest regions and those most likely to hit the shelves near you.
California
California produces nearly 90% of the country’s wine, including inexpensive everyday wines and bottles suitable for the most memorable occasions — authentic collector’s items. The Golden State is divided into North, Central and South coasts, with the colder north coast producing the finest wine.
Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay dominate California’s vineyards, but you’ll also find fantastic Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and more — you can find every wine grape growing somewhere in California. The most prestigious American Viticultural Areas or AVAs in California include Napa Valley, Sonoma Coast, Carneros, Paso Robles and Sta Rita Hills, but there are many others.
Oregon
Oregon gained significance in the late 1960s when Californian winemakers ventured off to find cooler climates to grow the most delicate grapes, such as Pinot Noir. They found in Oregon’s Willamette Valley the perfect spot to grow the Burgundian grape.
The Willamette Valley shares traits with Burgundy in France, so much that even Burgundian winemakers, such as Domaine Drouhin, set up shop in the area. Oregon is also home to refreshing Pinot Gris and delicious Chardonnay, but Pinot Noir is the state’s signature grape and covers 60% of the region’s vineyards. Oregon Pinot Noir wins international competitions every vintage.
Washington and New York
Washington is the second-largest wine-producing state in the US and is home to almost 700 wineries. Most wine efforts are concentrated in the Columbia Valley and the AVAs that have resulted from its subtle geographical differences. Washington’s inland regions are dry, and the soils are poor — the ideal conditions for making fine wine.
Washington is best known for its dry and sweet Riesling and its robust yet elegant wines made with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. There’s plenty of experimentation in Washington’s vineyards, so expect the unexpected. Everyday and premium wines come out of the northernmost state on the West Coast.
New York State is the third-largest wine-producing state in America, although most of its vineyards are concentrated around the Finger Lakes. In such high latitudes, only cold-resistant grapes thrive, and amongst them, the most successful is, without a doubt, Riesling. You’ll find dry and sweet Riesling in New York, and it’s of the highest quality.
USA is a Wine Powerhouse
California, Washington, New York and Oregon are the pillars of the American wine industry, but they’re not alone. There’s fantastic wine coming out of the most unusual places, and it’s better every year.
The United States is the largest wine consumer worldwide, so most American wine never leaves the country. If you live abroad, you might have difficulty finding a bottle of California Cab, but if you live in America, you’re in for a treat! American wine is better than ever, and the country’s wine scene is still young — big things are coming for American wine.
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