Wine is produced in all fifty states of America. California leads in production followed by Washington, Oregon, and New York. Among the well-known wineries in America is the Robert Mondavi Winery. It was in 1966 that Robert Mondavi set out to start a winery in Napa Valley that aimed to produce world-class wines.

The Robert Mondavi Winery first produced Cabernet Sauvignon in the late 1960s, opening the world’s eyes to the potential of Napa Valley. Also in the late 1960s, Robert Mondavi Winery produced and popularized Fume Blanc,, California’s version of Sauvignon Blanc wines, which were sweet and unpopular in America. Robert Mondavi Winery created this distinctive and high-quality version of Sauvignon Blanc; this move is now acknowledged as the catalyst for recognition of this variety of wine in the U.S.

The wines of Robert Mondavi Winery include Fume Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, among others. Robert Mondavi Winery believes in the natural farming approach. This principle extends beyond the rules and strictures of organic farming, and considers overall wine quality and the winery’s impact on the environment. Robert Mondavi Winery had the honor of its 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon being served alongside the main course on December 10, 2009, when President Barack Obama was presented the Nobel Peace Prize. Robert Mondavi always believed that all great wines start in the vineyard and that it is up to the winemaker to showcase the vineyard’s individuality.

Another great American winery is Beringer Winery. The history of this winery dates back to 1875, when brothers Jacob and Frederick together bought land and founded the Beringer Winery in Napa Valley. They discovered that the volcanic soil was ideal for growing the same grapes as are found in Europe. The surrounding hills were dug out to provide storage and aging tunnels that maintained the constant temperature needed to produce fine wines.

Beringer Winery received its first award in 1887 at the Mechanics Institute Exposition in San Francisco. During Prohibition, from 1920 to 1930, the Beringer Winery operated by selling sacramental wines that were under federal license and were meant to be used for religious purposes only. During that time the Sparkling Burgundy of Beringer Winery became the winery’s biggest seller.

Beringer Winery was the first winery to offer public tours. This was the beginning of an entirely new industry – the tourist wine business. Tastings were offered only at a much later stage, around 1956. The tradition continues today, and various types of tours are offered by the winery. The wine varieties offered by Beringer Winery include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and many others.

The American wine industry, though relatively new compared to that of its rivals, is already producing fine-quality wines which show perfect integration of fruit, depth of flavor, velvety texture, and aroma that mesmerizes the mind and warms the heart.