The California wine industry has exploded over the years. Once derided for producing wine of poor quality, the 'Judgment of Paris' in 1976 changed everything when wine experts in Europe ranked many California wines equal to or better than classic French wines in a blind tasting.
There is currently a huge wine industry in California. The idea of romantic vineyards is one promoted by the industry, but there is little doubt wine is big business. California alone produces roughly 90 percent of the total wine in the United States and is now the fourth biggest wine producing region in the world. Wineries are primarily found in Northern California, but can also be found down the coast all the way to San Diego.
So, how did wine making get its start in California? The answer has to do with religion. More specifically, a Franciscan monk gave the industry its start. In 1769, Father Juniper Serro planted the first seeds at Mission San Diego. Franciscan monks have had a long history of wine production as part of the sacramental religious services they observe. Given this and the establishment of some 21 missions in California, it is hardly a surprise that this is how wine production began.
This immigration trend would ultimately make California a wine producing power. Over the years, people have immigrated to the United States and California from all over the world. In doing so, they've brought in different techniques and approaches. This is particularly pertinent since California has a huge number of microclimates. As a result, a vineyard in one area may be using a French approach while a vineyard five miles away may be taking an approach developed in Tuscany. Overall, it gives rise to an impressively eclectic selection.
The modern wine industry in California is impressive. There are now well over 100 AVA recognized wine growing regions in the state. Over 2,800 wineries now exist in these regions. Chardonnay is the most common wine, but reds are not that far behind. From the beginnings of a Franciscan monk planting vines at a mission, it is a pretty impressive result.
About the Author:
Thomas Ajava writes for NomadJournals.com - record your wine drinking impressions and paste in labels from bottles with the Nomad wine journal. Makes a great gifts as well.
Author: Thomas Ajava