American Wine

Not only is the U.S. the largest wine-producing country in the world by size, but it’s also one of the big four—alongside Italy, France and Spain—responsible for producing over half of the world’s wine. The country has a long winemaking history, with the first wines produced in the 1560s by French settlers from the wild, native vines. However, it wasn’t until the 17th century that vineyards were successfully planted and winemaking became established. Today, American wine is prized worldwide for its premium quality and experimental blends and techniques.

As a geographically vast country, the U.S. enjoys a diverse range of climates and terrain, making it perfect for growing several different grapes varieties used to produce American wine—including red, white, rosé and sparkling wines—in a range of styles.

Wine is produced across all 50 U.S. states, although some are more productive than others. States like California, Oregon and Washington are globally famous for their wines, although other states like New York, Virginia and Michigan are beginning to gain attention for their wines.

• California: California is the largest and most influential wine-producing state. Its diverse terrain and microclimates allow for a range of red wines in all styles to be produced here. Key wine areas include the Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Paso Robles and Santa Barbara, where world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are crafted.
• Washington: The state with the second largest wine production is Washington, with winemakers taking inspiration from French wines and producing high-quality reds and whites. With extreme changes in temperature and weather, key varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc grow in the safety of the eastern side of the state. Riesling is Washington’s pride and joy—crisp, aromatic and full of juicy stone fruit flavors. Key regions include the Columbia Valley and Walla Walla.
• Oregon: Oregon’s focus is on small-scale, high-quality production, working with over 70 different grape varieties. With a Mediterranean climate and cooler, wetter wine regions, Pinot Noir thrives here, as does Pinot Gris, Riesling and Chardonnay.

A range of exceptional red wines are produced across the United States, with the most popular including Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot and Pinot Noir.

• Cabernet Sauvignon: The most widely grown grape variety, Cabernet Sauvignon is also the most popular red wine in the country. Its juicy black fruit flavors, full body and high alcohol make it a first choice all year round.
• Zinfandel: An American specialty, Zinfandel is also prized for its bold, ripe fruit flavors and often produces high-alcohol red wines.
• Merlot: Widely planted across the country, Merlot wines are favored for their approachable, fruit-forward profiles.
• Pinot Noir: A delicate and challenging grape to grow, Pinot Noir excels in cooler climates, producing elegant and expressive wines.

Depending on where the grapes are grown, these reds exhibit a range of styles. For example, deeply colored California Pinot Noirs are typically packed with jammy flavors thanks to the constant sunshine that allows the grape to ripen fully, whereas Oregon Pinot Noirs are lighter in color with a more delicate structure.

American white wines are equally diverse and impressive, showcasing the country’s ability to produce a wide range of styles and grape varieties. Key white wines are:

• Chardonnay: The most widely planted white grape in the U.S., Chardonnay thrives in various regions, especially in California, Oregon and Washington State. American Chardonnay wines come in a spectrum of styles, from oaky and buttery to unoaked and crisp. California Chardonnays are known for their full-bodied, fruit-forward profiles with flavors of tropical fruits, apple and vanilla, often with a hint of butter and oak. Cooler-climate regions like Oregon and parts of Washington produce Chardonnays with more acidity, showcasing citrus, green apple and minerality flavors.
• Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc is another popular white grape variety, particularly in regions like California, Washington State and New York. American Sauvignon Blanc is known for its bright and zesty character, with vibrant acidity and refreshing flavors of citrus, tropical fruits and sometimes grassy or herbal notes. The wines can range from bone-dry to slightly off-dry, appealing to a wide range of palates.
• Riesling: Widely planted in the cooler regions, such as the Finger Lakes in New York and parts of Oregon and Washington. American Rieslings can be off-dry or even slightly sweet, with pronounced flavors of green apple, peach and floral notes. These wines often have an acidity that balances the sweetness, making them incredibly food-friendly.
• Pinot Gris/Grigio: Oregon and California are significant producers of American Pinot Gris. These wines are usually dry and crisp, with pear, melon and citrus flavors. In Oregon, Pinot Gris tends to have more complexity and body, while California versions are often lighter and fruit-forward.
• Viognier: Grown mainly in California and some parts of Virginia, American Viognier wines are known for their aromatic and expressive nature, with floral and stone fruit aromas, such as apricot and peach. The wines often have a rich and full-bodied texture, making them a great alternative to Chardonnay.
• Gewürztraminer: Grown mainly in California and Washington State, American Gewürztraminer wines are intensely aromatic, featuring floral notes, lychee and spice. They can be off-dry to slightly sweet, and their exotic and perfumed character sets them apart from other white wines.

Rosé wine has remained a steady favorite in the drinking habits of wine-loving Americans over the last few years. You might see it called “blush” on some labels, thanks to its range of pale-pink shades. Easy-drinking and available in a variety of styles, rosé has become the brunch wine of choice across the country. Produced using several different grapes, the most popular rosés include juicy Grenache, sweet White Zinfandel and deep Cabernet Sauvignon. Grenache grapes yield rosé packed with juicy strawberry and rose flavors, with a dry finish. Less complex than Grenache, White Zinfandel rosés have similar flavors, but are typically sweeter. Cabernet Sauvignon rosés are known to be heartier and lightly spiced.