California

If there is a pillar of American wine (there is), it’s California. California Cabernet and Chardonnay set the benchmark at the Tasting of Paris in 1976 but new regions, new varietals, and throwback winemaking techniques have made the Golden State one of the most diverse wine producers in the world. Paso Robles has pioneered the movement of celebrating Rhone varietals in the New World, Santa Barbara is pumping out seductive Pinot Noir, and the Central Valley has continued its run with powerful Zinfandel.