Discovery Series Explores Domestic White Wines
While wines are produced throughout the United States, domestic white wine production centers around California, Washington, Oregon and New York.
US white wines: Diversity in a range of climates.
California’s Mediterranean climate helps it excel as the top producer of white wines in the U.S.
California has the perfect climate for grape-growing with a long, sunny and warm growing season. The distinct seasonal rainfall and fog from the Pacific Ocean provides relief from the hot summers. The result is grapes with ripe fruit flavors and balanced and refreshing acidity.
US white wines: Diversity in a range of climates.
Washington’s warm summer days and cool nights create the perfect climate for an array of wines.
Chardonnay and riesling make up about 80% of the plantings in Washington. Grape-growing is focused on the Columbia Valley appellation, located in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains in the eastern part of the state. Columbia Valley receives abundant sunshine throughout the growing season.
US white wines: Diversity in a range of climates.
While best known for pinot noir, Oregon also excels at producing pinot gris and chardonnay.
Located in the northwest portion of the state, Oregon’s sheltered Willamette Valley provides a long and gentle growing season with warm days and cool nights. This moderate climate, along with an incredible diversity of soils and growing areas, helps produce flavorful, yet balanced whites.
US white wines: Diversity in a range of climates.
New York’s Finger Lakes region offers cool and diverse microclimates to produce world-class wines.
Wine production in the Finger Lakes region of New York is concentrated on Cayuga, Keuka and Seneca Lakes. The cool microclimates, glacial-sculpted landscapes and talented winemakers produce an array of wines with refreshing and vibrant rieslings leading the way.
Prominent white wine-producing regions of the US.
