America has been experiencing a renaissance in the wine industry, with regions like Napa Valley and Sonoma leading the charge. Let's explore the rise of American wine and discover some of the best wines coming out of these regions.
What has contributed to the rise of American wine?
The rise of American wine can be attributed to several factors, including advancements in viticulture and winemaking techniques and changing consumer preferences. In recent years, American winemakers have been focusing on producing high-quality wines that can compete globally.
Why is Napa Valley considered one of the best wine regions in the US?
Napa Valley, located in California, is renowned for its ideal climate and diverse terroir, making it a prime location for growing a variety of grape varietals. The region is known for producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot wines that consistently receive high ratings from critics.
What makes Sonoma a standout wine region?
Sonoma, also located in California, is another top wine region in the US known for its diverse microclimates and soil types. This diversity allows winemakers in Sonoma to produce a wide range of wines, from crisp Chardonnays to bold Zinfandels. Sonoma is also recognized for its commitment to sustainable and organic winemaking practices.
What are some of the best American wines to try?
When exploring American wines, be sure to sample some of the top-rated wines from Napa Valley and Sonoma. Look for iconic producers like Opus One, Screaming Eagle, and Harlan Estate in Napa Valley, as well as Ridge Vineyards, Kistler Vineyards, and Williams Selyem in Sonoma.
2022 WILLIAMS SELYEM DRAKE ESTATE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY |
2022 WILLIAMS SELYEM PINOT NOIR RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY |
2022 WILLIAMS SELYEM PINOT NOIR SONOMA COAST.
Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of wine, the rise of American wine offers a wealth of exciting options to discover. From the classic elegance of Napa Valley to the innovative spirit of Sonoma, American wines continue to impress and delight wine lovers around the world.
The American wine industry began in the 16th century with European settlers planting vineyards, but it wasn't until the 1970s that California wines gained international recognition. The 1976 Judgment of Paris, where Napa wines beat top French selections, was a pivotal moment that cemented the U.S.'s place in the global wine scene.
Napa Valley is often seen as the crown jewel of California’s wine industry, famous for its full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. On the other hand, the cooler climate of Oregon’s Willamette Valley produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world.
One of the most exciting developments in the American wine scene is the growing movement toward sustainability. Many wineries are adopting organic farming practices and reducing their carbon footprint to meet the increasing demand for eco-friendly products.
In the late 1960s, Jerry LOHR began an extensive investigation of California grape-growing regions – searching for the ideal location for his first vineyard. Jerry was raised on a South Dakota farm; his agricultural roots armed him with an innate sense of the relationship between climate, soil, and location. His research and instincts led him to the Central Coast, an area just beginning to explore its potential for wine growing.
Four decades ago, the California Central Coast had not yet emerged as one of North America’s world-class winegrowing regions. With little history or viticultural precedent, planting on the Central Coast was a gamble. One of a handful of early pioneers, Jerry LOHR was among the first to realize the inherent potential of Monterey and Paso Robles for producing high-quality grapes and superb wines.
This 2020 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is deep ruby with aromas of black cherry and hints of oak. On the palate, it’s bold and full-bodied, with smooth tannins and a lingering finish. Perfectly paired with a grilled rib-eye steak or dark chocolate.Sojourn Cellars produces highly acclaimed Pinot noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. We source fruit from celebrated vineyards in both Sonoma and Napa counties, where we work closely with vineyard owners who use world-class growing methods for cultivating grapes of the highest quality. Our hands-off winemaking style allows the character and personality of these special vineyard sites to shine through in the finished wines.
At Sojourn, every single decision we make, every vineyard we work with, every person on our small team, and every hour spent in the winery is done to deliver an extraordinary experience to our customers. We love sharing our wines through the approachable and memorable tasting experiences in our Tasting Salon in Sonoma, as well as sharing our wines with our loyal mailing list members, at our events and in our homes. There’s little in life that surpasses a shared experience with others over a very special glass of wine. In everything we do, our goal is to deliver uniquely memorable wine sojourns.
CAYMUS WINERY
In 1972, Chuck Wagner started Caymus Vineyards with his parents, Charlie and Lorna, with a humble plan and an uncharted future. The Wagner family were farmers with deep roots in the Napa Valley – in 1857, Chuck Wagner’s great-great grandfather captained a wagon train to California from Bible Grove, Missouri. Working together for decades, Chuck Wagner and his parents established the family’s work ethic, appetite for innovation, down-to-earth sensibility, and deep appreciation of the pleasures of good food and wine enjoyed with family and friends.
I recently visited the Willamette Valley and had the pleasure of tasting a 2018 Pinot Noir that completely changed my perception of the variety. Its delicate balance of red fruit and earthy undertones was mesmerizing—highly recommended for any Pinot lover!“Some florals and gently reductive aromas here that open up with some air in the glass. The red cherry-fruited palate delivers attractive, typically pinot, cherry flavor in a fleshy style. Drink now.”
The Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is a blend of several different vineyard sites from numerous AVAs. It consists of Dundee Hills, McMinnville, Chehalem Mountains, and Willamette Valley fruit coming from more than seven different vineyard sites. All of which bring their own elements from the dirt they come from. Some bring richness and depth, others minerality and tannin structure. Red, blue, and black fruit all blend, a lengthy tinkering process spanning weeks to find the right combination of flavors that balance and mesh seamlessly into one converging blend
With Kudos, our goal is to bring the best representation of this unique varietal grown in this one-of-a-kind place. We work with a wide range of soils (basalt, sedimentary, alluvial), elevations ranging from sea level all the way up to 750 ft above, and vineyard sites across the valley. We age our wine in dozens of barrels, mixing Stainless steel with New French Oak, Neutral barrels, and everything in between.