People in California are welcoming, good-humoured and they are always looking ahead. So are the vintners. They see environmentally friendly work as a pleasant challenge. In this, they follow their nature, literally and figuratively. And the grapes? They never leave their heads hanging in the hot sun either.
Text: Marjolein Schuman | Image: California Wine Institute and Paprika Studios
How beautiful it is here along the coastline. Grey cliffs, white beaches where surfers brave the waves, blue skies and, in the hinterland, green vineyards. No wonder everyone is in such a positive mood. People come here in all colours, and so do the wines. 39 million people versus 110 grape varieties. There is something for every taste. Thirsty Chardonnay or instead powerful Bordeaux blends from old vines? You'll find it all in California. The grapes enjoy abundant sunshine and a long growing season to ripen, thanks to the cooling effects of the Pacific Ocean.
WINEMAKING BY IMMIGRANTS
Stretching from north to south along America's west coast, California is a true wine state, with San Francisco at its centre. If you were to flatten the globe, the grapes are at the same altitude above the equator as in the Middle Eastern wine-growing region of origin. And as the popular European wine countries Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece. Except that viticulture is much less ancient, having been introduced by immigrants settling in the new United States in the 18th century. That immediately gives a certain freedom compared to traditions in classic wine countries. The rules, they decide for themselves here.
Read more for free
Would you like to continue reading this article for free? Enter your e-mail address or log in with Google and read on immediately.
English (UK) 
Nederlands 
Deutsch