Although Spanish missionaries had introduced vines towards the end of the 18th century, wine growing in the United States really began following the Gold Rush of 1849. Some of the Europeans, who failed to make their fortunes by finding gold in California, decided to plant the first grapes. More and more vineyards appeared over the next hundred years or so, although the industry was considerably set back by the Prohibition years. Today California is one of the very best wine growing regions in the world, producing wines to rival the very best of France.

The main varieties of grapes using in wine production in California are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, pinot Noir and Zinfandel. The latter is a grape native to California. Some wonderful Champagne-like wines are produced by some of the world’s top names, including Mumms.

Although the main area for wine production in the USA is California, wine is also produced in Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. In California itself the best known region is the Napa Valley.

Among the better known Californian wine producers are Baron Herzog, Beaulieu, B.R.Cohn, Chalone Vineyard, Clos du Bois, Clos du Gilroy, Conundrum, Francis Coppola, Hartford Court, Louis Martini, Peachy Canyon, Quady, Stag’s Leap, Talbott and Talomas.