All 50 American states produce wine today (even Alaska!). However, the largest and most well known states for wine production are California (accounting for over 80% of the country's production), Oregon, and Washington. Surprisingly, even states like Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Vermont collectively produce more wine than mighty Piedmont in Italy.

The Wine Tasting that Sparked the Rise of American Wine

The famous "Paris tasting," also known as the "Judgment of Paris," in 1976, was a pivotal milestone for the American wine industry. The event took place in Paris and involved a blind tasting of wines from the United States and France, organized by the French wine expert Steven Spurrier. The jury consisted of 11 judges, with 8 from France, including the highly respected Aubert de Villaine from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.

Everyone expected the French wines to win due to their reputation as the world's best and their general acclaim in the wine world. However, surprisingly, American wine emerged victorious in both the red and white categories. A California Chardonnay (Chateau Montelena) and a Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley (Stag's Leap SLV) were declared the winners, opening the eyes of the wine world and boosting the rise of American wine.

The tasting demonstrated that wine from the USA could compete with even the best French wines, changing the perception of American wine, which now enjoyed greater recognition for its quality. The event also inspired many producers to continue improving their wines and experimenting with new techniques and styles.

The Paris tasting created significant debate and controversy for obvious reasons, and attempts have since been made to recreate the tasting in various formats, always with an American wine emerging as the winner.

Want to recreate the tasting yourself? Check out the selection of American wine currently available at auction.

Famous Wine Regions in America

Napa Valley - Home to California's Finest Wines
Napa Valley in California is known for producing some of the best wines in the country and is also one of the most renowned wine regions in the world. The area is famous for its Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir.
Chardonnay from Napa Valley is renowned for its richness and complexity. The wines are often full bodied and creamy, with notes of vanilla and baking spices. Cabernet Sauvignon is another famous grape variety from Napa Valley, producing wines with richness and fullness. Pinot Noir also plays a strong role in Napa Valley, contributing to wines with a complex character reminiscent of those from Burgundy.
Sonoma County - A Versatile Wine Region
Sonoma County is another popular wine region in California, located adjacent to Napa Valley. The region is known for its versatility, producing American wine in a range of different styles.
In Sonoma County, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel are particularly prominent. Chardonnay from Sonoma County is often lighter and more fruity compared to Napa Valley Chardonnay. Simultaneously, Pinot Noir from Sonoma County often exhibits a smokier character than Napa Valley Pinot Noir.
Oregon - A Cool Climate Wine Country
Oregon is known for its cool climate, perfect for producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The region is renowned for its soil types, ideal for cultivating these grape varieties.
Pinot Noir from Oregon is known for its complexity and balance. The wines are often light and fresh, with notes of red berries and earthy tones. Chardonnay from Oregon is also celebrated for its freshness and minerality.
Washington State - A Growing New Wine Country
Washington State is a new and rapidly growing wine country. The vineyards in Washington State are characterized by their high altitude and dry climate, allowing the grapes to mature slowly.

Sell American Wine

If you have American wine in your cellar that you're considering selling, you can benefit from listing it on the ShareWine marketplace and offering it to buyers from across Europe. You can sell your wine from America either through auctions or at a fixed price.

List American Wine for Sale - Create an Auction

Frequently Asked Questions about American Wine

Which grape varieties are most commonly grown in the USA?

Some of the most popular grape varieties grown in the USA include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and the local Zinfandel grape. However, many other grape varieties are also cultivated, such as Riesling, Merlot, and Syrah, depending on the region and climate.

Is American wine only popular in the USA?

No, American wine is also popular in other countries, including Europe and Asia. Its popularity continues to rise and competes with some of the more traditional wine producing regions.

Which food pairs well with American wine?

When choosing an American wine, it is important to consider the type of food it will be served with. For example, robust Cabernet Sauvignon based wines pair well with steaks and grilled dishes, while lighter white wines like Chardonnay can be fantastic with fish and seafood.

Where can you buy the most famous American wine?

The most iconic and famous American wine can be challenging to find. However, your chances are good here at ShareWine, since private collectors from all over Europe regularly offer American wine for sale through an auction. See which wines from the USA are currently available on auction here on ShareWine.