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