From Burgundy to the Judgment of Paris, discover how Chardonnay became America's defining white wine — and why it has stayed on top for decades.
Read the full storyExploring America's Grapes, Wines, Wineries and the People Behind Them.
Mention America's great wine grapes and most people immediately think of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. But travel beyond America's most famous wine regions and another group of grapes begins appearing on tasting-room menus — Chambourcin, Marquette, Frontenac, La Crescent, Traminette. These hybrid wine grapes are helping rewrite the map of American wine.
Terroir is one of wine's most important ideas — and one of its most misunderstood. Here is what it actually means, and why it matters for the wines you drink.
Cabernet Sauvignon has ruled American red wine for decades. But something is shifting. A growing number of wine drinkers — and the winemakers paying attention to them — are reaching past the Cab and discovering what Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Mourvèdre can do on their own. Here is why these three grapes are having their moment.
Santa Cruz Mountains, California
"An awesome pick for that special occasion"
Vibrant wild cherry, raspberry and cranberry lead into layers of rose petal, forest herbs, earthy spice and crushed stone. Silky tannins and lively acidity give the wine beautiful energy and precision, finishing long, fresh and mineral-driven. About Rhys Vineyards: Rhys Vineyards is known for producing terroir-driven Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah from distinctive sites in California. Its Horseshoe Vineyard, located high in the Santa Cruz Mountains, is especially celebrated for Pinot Noir that combines elegance, complexity and a strong sense of place. A beautiful example of just how refined and expressive California Pinot Noir can be. The American Vine
Pair with
herb-roasted duck, mushroom risotto, grilled salmon, roast chicken or pork tenderloin.
Drink window
Excellent now with decanting; significant aging potential through 2035
A free 5-chapter guide covering American wine regions, key grapes, tasting technique, food pairing, and essential wine terms — yours instantly when you subscribe.
The American Vine
The American Wine Starter Guide
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01 — Wine Regions
02 — Key Grapes
03 — Tasting
04 — Food Pairing
05 — Wine Terms
"My Collection" contains bottles that I have purchased and tasted. I will give you my opinions on them with honest notes on what makes each one worth (or not) your attention. Keep coming back to see what I opened next!
2023 · Syrah
Reynvaan Family Vineyards
Walla Walla Valley, Washington
A powerful yet beautifully balanced Washington Syrah, the 2023 Reynvaan Foothills Reserve opens with black currant, blackberry and dark plum, followed by intensely savory notes of smoked meat, black olive, rosemary, sage and wet stone. The palate is rich and concentrated without becoming heavy, combining silky texture and dark fruit with a distinctive salty-mineral character. Fine-grained tannins provide structure, while pepper, herbs and lingering savory notes carry through the long finish.
2023 · Cabernet Sauvignon
Signorello Estate
Napa Valley, California
A rich, polished Napa Cabernet showing blackberry, cassis, black cherry and boysenberry, layered with graphite, cedar, tobacco spice and cacao. Medium-to-full-bodied with a plush texture and substantial but refined tannins.
2023 · Pinot Noir
Dr. Konstantin Frank
Finger Lakes, New York
A refined Finger Lakes Pinot Noir with red cherry, raspberry, dried rose petal and subtle earthy notes. Light-to-medium body with silky tannins and bright acidity.
2021 · Syrah
Horsepower Vineyards
Walla Walla Valley, Washington
An extraordinary biodynamic Syrah from horse-farmed vineyards. Profound depth with black olive, smoked meat, violets, iron and dark fruit. Silky tannins and extraordinary length.
2024 · Cabernet Franc
Forge Cellars
Finger Lakes, New York
A benchmark Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc. Bright red cherry, raspberry, graphite, dried herbs and a distinctive cool-climate minerality. Medium body with firm, precise tannins.
2021 · Cabernet Sauvignon
Quilceda Creek
Columbia Valley, Washington
One of Washington's greatest Cabernets. Cassis, dark cherry, graphite, cedar and violets with extraordinary concentration and precision. Monumental structure with decades of aging potential.
2021 · Cabernet Sauvignon
Realm Cellars
Napa Valley, California
A stunning expression of To Kalon. Blackcurrant, dark cherry, graphite, tobacco and violets with extraordinary depth and precision. Full-bodied with velvety tannins and a 60-second finish.
2019 · Cabernet Sauvignon
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
Napa Valley, California
The legendary Cask 23 in a superb vintage. Blackberry, cassis, plum, cedar, tobacco and graphite with exceptional balance. Full-bodied with silky tannins and a long, complex finish.
2019 · Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
Ridge Vineyards
Santa Cruz Mountains, California
Ridge's flagship at its finest. Dark cherry, blackcurrant, mineral, cedar and earth with extraordinary complexity and age-worthiness. Structured tannins and a finish that goes on and on.
2021 · Cabernet Sauvignon
Ridge Vineyards
Santa Cruz Mountains, California
A superb estate Cab from Ridge. Dark cherry, blackberry, cedar, tobacco and mineral notes with excellent structure and balance. Classic Santa Cruz Mountains character.
2023 · Zinfandel
Ridge Vineyards
Dry Creek Valley, California
A classic Ridge Zinfandel from the Boatman Vineyard. Blackberry, raspberry, black pepper, spice and earth with excellent balance. Medium-to-full body with a long, satisfying finish.
2022 · Pinot Noir
RAEN Winery
Sonoma Coast, California
A breathtaking Sonoma Coast Pinot. Red cherry, strawberry, dried rose, iron and ocean-influenced minerality. Silky and precise with extraordinary tension and length.
2022 · Pinot Noir
The Eyrie Vineyards
Willamette Valley, Oregon
A historic Oregon Pinot from the pioneering Eyrie estate. Red cherry, raspberry, dried herbs, earth and subtle spice. Elegant and refined with classic Willamette Valley character.
2022 · Pinot Noir
Brewer-Clifton
Sta. Rita Hills, California
A stunning Sta. Rita Hills Pinot from a single vineyard. Red cherry, raspberry, dried rose, mineral and subtle oak. Silky and precise with excellent aging potential.
2021 · Red Blend
RG Wines
Columbia Valley, Washington
A compelling Washington red blend. Dark cherry, blackberry, spice and earth with good structure and balance. Excellent value from an emerging producer.
2022 · Cabernet Franc
Wölffer Estate
The Hamptons, New York
A refined Long Island Cabernet Franc. Red cherry, raspberry, dried herbs, graphite and subtle earth. Medium body with firm tannins and a clean, focused finish.
2021 · Cabernet Franc
Titus Vineyards
Napa Valley, California
A superb Napa Cabernet Franc. Red and dark cherry, graphite, dried herbs and subtle tobacco. Medium-to-full body with refined tannins and excellent balance.
2022 · Cabernet Franc
Saddlehill Winery
Finger Lakes, New York
A solid Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc. Red cherry, raspberry, dried herbs and a cool-climate mineral edge. Medium body with firm tannins and good length.
2019 · Cabernet Sauvignon
Silver Oak
Alexander Valley, California
Silver Oak's Alexander Valley Cab at its best. Blackberry, cassis, vanilla, cedar and tobacco with a plush, approachable style. Full-bodied with smooth tannins.
NV · Cabernet Sauvignon
Bonanza Winery
California
Chuck Wagner's value Cab delivers impressive quality for the price. Dark cherry, blackberry, vanilla and cedar with a smooth, approachable style. Great everyday drinking.
2019 · Cabernet Sauvignon
Outpost Wines
Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
A powerful Howell Mountain Cab with extraordinary depth. Blackcurrant, dark cherry, iron, graphite and mountain tannins. Built for the long haul with a finish that lasts over a minute.
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A free 5-chapter guide covering American wine regions, key grapes, tasting technique, food pairing, and essential wine terms — yours instantly when you subscribe.
The American Vine
The American Wine Starter Guide
5 chapters · Free · No signup required
01 — Wine Regions
02 — Key Grapes
03 — Tasting
04 — Food Pairing
05 — Wine Terms