American Wine

Wine is consumed worldwide by aficionados and laypeople alike. It is a beverage that can be consumed alone or paired with a multitude of foods. Most people think of Europe as the place to get the best wine, however the United States is home to many quality wineries. In fact, the United States produces the fourth largest amount of wine behind France, Italy and Spain. Each of the 50 states produces wine but California is by far the leader. Notably, California produces more wine than all of Australia. Other notable wine states include Oregon, Washington and New York.

Wine has been produced in America for more than 300 years. The first wine was produced in what is now near to Jacksonville, Florida. This wine, created around 1562 was made from Scuppernong grapes by French settlers. Original European settlers referred to North America as Vinland because of the vast amount of grape vines found there.

Commercially, wine has been in the United States since 1799. The first vineyard was established by the Kentucky Legislature. Ever since, with the exception of Prohibition in the 1920s, wine has been a prevalent part of American culture. In fact, a great deal of research on grape types and winemaking strategies has been done in U.S. universities.

Although the United States continues to work hard to become well-known worldwide as an authority on wine making, it is making progress by winning international wine competitions. The United States is gaining in popularity among wine experts worldwide. If you are a beginner in the wine world, try joining a wine club or visiting various local tastings. If possible, opt for wine flights during dinner out so that you can try multiple wines. Ask the restaurants sommelier to recommend a good wine. If interested, ask specifically for an American wine. The only way to develop your palette and know what you like is to try lots of different wines

Top Wine Producing Countries

Wine is produced and consumed all over the world. As both a culinary pairing and a simple hobby, tasting vino is growing in popularity. Although highly based on personal preference, there are certain countries that stick out from the crowd when it comes to wine production. In order to find your favorite, try a selection at a local wine bar or tasting.

Perhaps the most well-known wines come from Europe, where wine making follows a more traditional means of production. For example, in France, wine consumption is higher than any other country per capita. Italy produces more wine than any other country with its best coming from the northern regions of Tuscany and Piedmont. Germanys cooler climate makes it difficult for red grape production which is why it focuses mostly on white. Spanish wines are popular because Spain has more vine acres than any other country in the world, although most is made for domestic consumption.

In South America, countries such as Argentina and Chile are known worldwide for their vineyards. In Chile specifically, such vineyards were first implemented by the Spanish in the 1500s. Currently, varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are popular there. They do not, however, offer the robust fruitfulness of wines in other parts of the world.

In the United States, states like New York, Washington, Oregon and most notably California, produce a variety of grapes and blends. Other well-known areas for wine production include South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. With so many varieties of wine and with production being done in so many regions worldwide, it can be a bit intimidating. Try a local tasting or consult your server for the best pairing with your meal. Make a mental note of which wines you like best.

Health Benefits of Wine

Drinking wine is a popular pastime for many. Many individuals are flocking to wine bars and tastings as a hobby. Some have even made a lucrative career out of becoming a wine expert. Without a doubt the wine industry has flourished in recent years. Whether you are a connoisseur or just a person who enjoys a little vino with the occasional dinner, enjoying this alcoholic beverage has become a cultural pastime.

However, consuming wine is not just enjoyable; it can be very beneficial to your health. There are hundreds and hundreds of recent studies showing the benefits of drinking wine in moderation. Everything from reduced heart disease to improved cataract conditions has been linked to wine consumption.

Studies indicate that drinking wine in moderation can help reduce the risk of heart-attack or heart disease. This is especially true of red wine which is commonly linked to good heart health. This beverage helps increase the amount of healthy cholesterol in the body and also extends the amount of time required for your blood to clot. Wine is full of anti-oxidants which are beneficial to your body. Such presence in wine helps lower the risk of strokes.

Another study by Amsterdams VU University Medical Center in 2005 indicated that moderate drinkers of wine have a 30 percent decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.  There have even been indications that drinking wine in moderation reduces the natural decline of brain function. For women, studies indicate that drinking wine might help reduce or eliminate the presence of kidney stones.

Regardless of the study you find which indicates that wine is good for you, it is important to remember that one or two glasses are the maximum most studies recommend each day. These benefits should not be taken as an excuse to drink heavily. Wine in moderation is the key.  For custom wine cellars and wine racks in your home that will enhance the beauty and value of your collection, check out our Residencial Wine Cellars.