USA

The USA is a large country with several different climates, elevations, and soil types. It is difficult to summarise simply because it so vast. However, there are features in wine producing regions that greatly impact wine aroma, flavour, and texture.

America’s best known wine regions lie along the Pacific coast. Regions close to the ocean are greatly influenced by it, just like in New Zealand. These regions tend to be cooler, with fresh ocean breezes, and morning fog. Their wines feel brighter on the palate with firmer tannins and fresh fruit flavours. Inland areas are warmer, drier, and tend to produce richer wines with tropical fruit notes.

Grape growing dates back to 1807 when Thomas Jefferson tried planting French grapes in Virginia. Inexplicably, his vines kept dying, and he was forced to make wine from North American grape varieties. Nowadays, after prohibition, pests and more, wine is grown in all 50 states, however the states on the West Coast – Washington, Oregon, and California, make up the bulk of the wine industry.