Winemaking in California dates back from the late 18th century, when the Spanish missionaries introduced this practice to California. So, with a 250 of history combined with the newest techniques and a privileged climate, California produces some of the finest New World wines.
In California alone almost 100 different grape varieties are grown in almost 100 areas (with variations in climate and soil type).
Appellation of origin in United States can be at state level, meaning all grapes in the wine must be produced within the state’s borders. County appellation means 75% of grapes come from the same county and American Viticultural Area (AVA), 85% of the grapes come from the same area. By approving an area as AVA, the US government demonstrates the unique characteristics of an area, not that it’s best compared to others.
The wine making process in this country is fully owned by the winemakers. They are the ones to decide what kind of grapes they want to use in their terroir or when it’s the best time for harvesting. Of course there are some regulations but they are related to the use of pesticides or the addition of sugar during fermentation (prohibited).
Since 2003 there’s a Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices that all winemakers in California can follow, the code includes best practices for an eco-friendly wine making process, reduced pesticide use, waste reduction, etc.
This code is leading to a more organic and sustainable vineyards in California. In terms of organic wine, Californian wines can be labeled as “made from organically grown grapes” meaning that the grapes are certified as organic but there may be sulfites added during the processing of the wine. A fully organic wine won’t contain any sulfites and, of course, be made of organically grown grapes.
Some of the most important grapes types in California are Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon but other important varieties such as Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah o Sauvignon Blanc are also found among the most used.
Sparkling wines are produced in California since the XIX century when in Sonoma the Korbel Champagne Cellars started producing sparkling wine according to the traditional méthode champenoise. However sparkling wines from California can’t compete with French champagne as their flavour has different notes. The finest sparkling wines produced in California have some fruity aromas.
The best known region in California is Napa Valley a beautiful landscape of vineyards and small roads along the west coast of USA that many compare to the Mediterranean atmosphere. In California is produced 90% of the wine from US in over 1,200 wineries from small family wineries to large corporations that distribute wine worldwide.
In total there are four main regions in California, North Coast, including Napa Valley and Sonoma County, Central Coast that includes San Francisco Bay to Santa Bavara County, South Coast in the regions of Los Angeles and down to the border with Mexico, and finally Central Valley with some other important winemaking regions.
