While most include California in the new world wine category, California could also be regarded as the newest old world wine country. After all, California ­winemaking traditions date back to the late 1700’s, when Spanish missionaries introduced winemaking to California from Mexico. The combination of almost 250 years of wine making traditions and experience, our modern-day drive for innovation and improvement, and an ideal climate to grow grapes, makes ­California one of the best places on earth to make outstanding wine.

California wines are well known for their high quality, reliability and diversity. California is one of the most diverse wine regions in the world, with almost 100 grape varietals grown in almost 100 viticultural areas, including dozens of ­different microclimates and soil types, as well as a very indivudalistic set of ­winemakers, many with international experience, which adds to and deepens that diversity.

California quality comes through in every bottle of wine, from the exclusive cult wines to the everyday wines available in supermarkets, and all ranges in between.  There is no doubt that California can successfully compete with any wine region in the world at all price ranges.

California wines in high demand
International demand for California wines continues to grow rapidly. In almost 20 years, exports have increased from $35 million in 1985 to a record $808 million in 2004. This is an average increase of almost 20% per year. Currently, 18% of ­total production is exported to over 125 countries. The 10 most important export markets for California wines are the UK, Canada, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Mexico, Denmark and Belgium.

To view a video about California wine exports.

U.S. wine exports by year 1986 to 2004, volume and value