The USA is the world's fourth largest wine producer and home to some of the most iconic wines in the world. Napa Valley in California is internationally recognized as one of the world's very best areas for Cabernet Sauvignon — and the price reflects it.
But the USA is much more than Napa. Oregon produces elegant Pinot Noir that rivals Bourgogne. Sonoma produces excellent Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Washington State is undervalued — but not by the connoisseur.
The USA's signature: Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Powerful, fruity and with distinct oak character — different from Bordeaux, but absolutely world class. Seee guide to Cabernet Sauvignon.
California — sun and fruit
California accounts for over 80% of all American wine production. The warm, sunny climate produces ripe, fruity wines with high alcohol and good body.
- Napa Valley — the world's best Cabernet Sauvignon outside Bordeaux. Expensive, but truly impressive wines.
- Sonoma — more diverse region with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel. See guide to Chardonnay.
- Paso Robles — powerful Zinfandel and Rhône blends at reasonable prices.
Oregon — the USA's Bourgogne
Willamette Valley in Oregon has a cooler, rainy climate that resembles Bourgogne — and Pinot Noir thrives here. Oregon Pinot Noir is typically more elegant and acidic than Californian, with more red fruit and minerality. Seee guide to Pinot Noir for more.
Zinfandel — the USA's original signature wine
Zinfandel is a grape that is grown almost exclusively in California. It produces powerful, peppery red wines with blackberry, chocolate and a characteristic jammy element. Old vine Zinfandel from hundred-year-old vines in Sonoma and Lodi can be truly impressive.
Frequently asked questions
What are the USA's most important wine regions?
The most important regions are Napa Valley in California (world's best Cabernet Sauvignon outside Bordeaux), Sonoma (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel), Willamette Valley in Oregon (elegant Pinot Noir) and Washington State (excellent Cabernet and Merlot).
What is the difference between Napa Valley and Sonoma?
Napa Valley is primarily famous for powerful, expensive Cabernet Sauvignon with ripe fruit flavors. Sonoma is more diverse — cooler and with greater variation. Sonoma is generally more affordable and produces excellent Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
What is Zinfandel?
Zinfandel is a grape that is almost exclusively grown in California. It produces powerful, peppery red wines with blackberry, chocolate and a characteristic jammy element. Old-vine Zinfandel from hundred-year-old vines in Sonoma and Lodi can be truly impressive.
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