USA

Winegrowing in North America probably dates back to the Vikings, but documented production originated in the XVIth century. The US vineyards produce a complete range, from aromatic and dry colombard whites to subtle and round chardonnay, as well as complex and powerful reds 90% of the production is made on the West Coast (California, Oregon and Washington States).

Surface: 407 000 ha

Production: 20,5 Mhl

Consumption : 29 Mhl

Terroir

variegated soils: volcanic, pebbly silt and alluvium in California, shales and clay in New York State, limestone in Pennsylvania,…
climate : continental on the East Coast, oceanic and mediterranean on the West Coast, continental moderated by the lakes in the Great Lakes area. main red grapes varieties: cabernet sauvignon, merlot, zinfandel, pinot noir, syrah
main white grapes varieties : chardonnay, colombard, sauvignon blanc, pinot gris, chenin

Main wine regions

State of California, producing ^85% of the total, with prestigious AVAs: Napa Valley, Sonoma and Carneros
Washington State e.g. with Yakima Valley
State of Oregon e.g. Willamette Valley AVA
Great Lakes area

East Coast, from New York State to Florida

Legislation

The AVA (American Viticultural Area) is based on natural characteristics (soil and climate). Wine varieties and wine growing/producing practices are not specified. There are approx. 200 AVAs.

Sites

USA

Wine-discovery tour sponsored by F.I.C.B.in Italy (Piedmont)