When it comes to winemaking in the US, California dominates. The state produces the vast majority of wine made in the country (around 90%) and has over 100 unique federally recognized American Viticultural Areas. The areas we’ve outlined for you here are just the more broad, geographically recognized regions. Part of what gives the state this diversity is simply its size (did you know that California is actually larger than Italy?), but another part is its many varying climates, from the deserts to the valleys to the mountains and the coast. There are little microclimates formed out of valleys, and long summers which make for heartier growing seasons. Basically, it’s a winemaker’s paradise. Maybe that’s why they call it the best coast?
