USA

Winemaking can be traced back to the 1500’s and the arrival of European settlers bringing with them their knowledge and grape varieties. Today 50 states are planted to vine and the USA is the fourth largest producer in the world with 84% being made in California. Quality wines from California were firmly put on map in 1976 when Stephen Spurrier organised a blind tasting with French judges now known as ‘The judgement of Paris’ where California Cab Sauv and Chardonnay was pitted against the very best Bordeaux and Burgundy wines respectively. To the shock of all California scored higher against each of the French wines. This is often referred to as the moment when New World wines moved from the cheap aisle in the supermarket and onto the connoisseurs table.