Looking at the world of wine from a 21st-century perspective, it's easy to forget that American wines are relative newcomers. Even 30 years ago, Americans were little known in the wine world. In that short time, however, the number of wineries in the US has grown from 200 to 4,000. There are wineries and vineyards in all 50 states. These days, Americans make great wine and the best US wines can be found all over the world. What's more, in 2010 the USA overtook France to become the world's number one consumer of wine. We could talk poetically about the special charm of American wine, its history, and ability to make a tasting special event. The truth is, however, that experienced American winemakers have learned to be well aware of the changing tastes of the international wine community. The US is not the only country actively entering the wine industry. Countries such as Australia and Argentina, which would not have caught the eye of any wine connoisseur in the 1980s, are now among the top 10 wine-producing countries.

America's wine regions
At times, California wines seem to be permanently ingrained in the minds of wine consumers, and nothing can shake their credibility. Although the most significant wine region in the US is Napa Valley in California, there are four major wine-producing states in the US, as well as other wine regions with respectable vineyard areas and wineries with growing reputations. There are both traditionalists and innovators among the hard-working winegrowers. However, they share two constant qualities: a passionate commitment to creating excellent wines and a conviction that technology is an important ally in achieving this goal.

• California. If you think of the Golden State when someone mentions American wine, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise. California produces almost 90% of the wine produced in the US and almost 75% of the wine sold domestically. Numerous wine grapes are grown along and across the state, taking advantage of the favorable mild climate that the gentle Pacific breezes provide. Grape harvests in California are also relatively stable from year to year. The best place to grow grapes in the region is Napa Valley. The world-famous Napa Valley is a narrow, curving strip. The southern part of the valley is the coolest, preferred for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but grapes are grown throughout the valley, on the hills and mountain slopes to the west and east. In the 1850s and 60s, most of California wine was consumed on the West Coast. But in 1875, California's congressional delegation succeeded in getting the federal tax on imported wine raised so much that the tax on imported wine was about the same as the price of California wine supplied to New York. So importers from New York started importing California wine as well as more expensive European samples to justify the tax increase. From then on, California wine dominated the low-cost table wine market in the United States.
• Oregon - The Beaver State has been producing American wine for over 40 years, and three of its most successful grape varieties are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Grigio. Oregon has several wine regions - AVA (US wine classification), from the Willamette Valley to the Columbia and Walla Walla Valleys, which Oregon shares with Washington state.
•  American wine from Washington is a rare bird on the European continent, with the largest grape-growing area east of the Cascade Mountains in the Columbia and Yakima Valleys. This dry but well-irrigated area is a great place to cultivate the varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Semillon, and Syrah.
• The great southwest - including Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas - has numerous problems, from arid growing conditions to harsh altitudes. Nevertheless, many success stories exist, from fine Texas Cabernet Sauvignon wines to New Mexico's finest Merlot and sparkling American wines.

American wine culture

In many ways, wine from the USA has developed thanks to wine tourism, with over 27 million people visiting US wineries in 2007. American wine can be bought directly from wineries, and that's about $3 billion in sales. Wineries have become more than just producers and sellers. They are often venues for events such as dinners and business meetings. Some wineries have restaurants and gift shops on board and are also lively tourist attractions. This speaks volumes about the ingenuity of savvy American wine producers, but it says even more about America's changing attitude to wine.

Who's worth looking out for?
Birichino is a serious value in California winemaking. Two winemakers, vinification with minimal intervention, painstaking robotics with unirrigated vines planted on their roots in 1910, a timeless Zinfandel planted in 1922, and work with wild yeasts. We recommend you start your introduction to this unique winery by trying the Enz Vineyard Old Vines Mourvedre 2019 Birichino. A 100% Mourvedre grown in dry soil that was planted around 100 years ago in the Lime Kiln Valley. A wine that gives you goosebumps...

Sine Qua Non is a slice of the Rhone Valley in California with one small nuance, they don't like compromises and clichés, which is why you can also find Petit Mansan, Touriga Nacional, Graciano, and Petit Syrah grapes in the vineyards. Here demand outstrips supply so quickly that the farm has had to create a waiting list. These are ripe and highly aromatic wines that can develop over decades. We recommend starting with the uncompromising Grenache Distenta I 2019. Wine Advocate rated the wine at 99 points. The wine's potential is over 15 years old. A wine filled with passion...