The first vines to be planted in the USA were in California were in 1779 by European colonists. The Gold Rush in California in the 1850’s led to increased plantings of vines but Prohibition halted the wine industry with many of the vineyards being ripped up. During the 1960s pioneering winemakers began to put America on the map with plantings in the Napa Valley. It didn’t take long for the US wine industry to grow and gain an enviable reputation. The now famous ‘Judgement of Paris’ tasting in 1976 saw US wines triumph over their classic French equivalents. The most planted grape variety in America is Chardonnay, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon with other popular grape varieties being Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Muscat.

Canada may not be the first place you think of that would grow vines, but it is gaining many fans for its wine in export markets. The Okanagan Valley is Canadas most important wine producing region. Its blue light and desert like conditions are beneficial to vines. However, the growing season here is relatively short and seasons can change very suddenly, making grape growing unpredictable. Pinot Blanc grows particularly well, with Reisling also enjoying the conditions.
Canada also has the ideal climate for producing Ice wine (and Ice Cider). These amazing, and rare dessert wines are made from the gentle pressing of frozen grapes, using only the concentrated juice to produce delectable dessert wines. The changing European climate is making this type of production increasingly rare, helping Canadian Ice Wines become more popular, and sought after, in the UK.