Wines of the United States of America

Wines of the United States of America

In this category, our intention is to celebrate winemaking across America . The U.S. is a relative newcomer to the world of winemaking. Although there is evidence of vine cultivation and wine production, from both native North American and European varietals, existing prior to the arrival of the European missionaries and settlers. In the 1820's Thomas Jefferson, himself a collector of fine French wines and America 's first oenophile, is said to have imported French soil to promote the growth of his imported French vines. Only a few years later did he abandon the effort to grow European vines and concentrate on cultivating native varietals.

During the years of Prohibition, wine consumption actually increased, though the quality of the vineyards and the wines were likely questionable by today's standards. After Prohibition, winemaking for commercial purposes once again grew in all states – including Kansas , home of Carrie Nation's first outburst in the name of temperance, and a dry state until 1948. By 2001, there were licensed wineries in all 50 states. All these producers have great pride in what they're cultivating. Thus far, the results are good, with incredible potential in the years to come.

European grape varieties are successful in many areas, particularly California , Oregon and Washington . These regions are well represented elsewhere in this story. In this section, we invite you to enjoy our ongoing search for the quintessential wine produced in each of the 50 states, either from European and native North American grape varieties, or from other fruits. They may be red or white, dry or sweet. This chapter, like winemaking in North America , is a work in progress, and evolution. The search will continue as we cross borders and venture into Canada and Mexico .

Charlie Trotter's, as an American restaurant situated in the mid-west, understands the responsibility we have to showcase these winemaking efforts and allow them to share the table with our cuisine for your curiosity and enjoyment.

To take wine into your mouth is to savor a droplet of the river of human history.

Clifton Fadiman, writer, critic, editor

ALABAMA

ARIZONA

ARKANSAS

CALIFORNIA

COLORADO

CONNECTICUT

GEORGIA

ILLINOIS

KANSAS

KENTUCKY

LOUISIANA

MARYLAND

MINNESOTA

MISSOURI

NEBRASKA

NEVADA

NEW MEXICO

NORTH CAROLINA

OHIO

OREGON

PENNSYLVANIA

RHODE ISLAND

VIRGINIA

WISCONSIN