USA
The world's fourth largest wine producer, the United States has a wine history dating back to the 1600s, when colonisation began in earnest. Every state produces wine, but mostly in tiny proportions – over 95 percent of the output is restricted to just four states: California, Oregon, Washington and New York. California then produces about 80 percent of that output, making it far and away the capital of wine in the United States. A coming of age has occurred over the last half-century, and the California regions of Napa Valley, Central Coast and Sonoma have been at the forefront of the country's ascendancy.
The United States is home to a swathe of varieties, but the intense, creamy Chardonnays of California are the country's most famous white export. Amongst the red wines, loud and proud Zinfandel is California's statement wine, along with Cabernet Sauvignon, which relishes the warm California sunshine. Further north, Washington and Oregon are becoming standard bearers for light, delicate Pinot Noir and elegant, aromatic Riesling.
