The United States

Question 1

Describe Napa Valley

Answer 1

USA > California > North of San Francisco Bay > Mediterranean with coastal influence > Volcanic, alluvial, clay > Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc > Napa Valley AVA: Dry red and white. Best known for full-bodied, oak-aged Cabernet Sauvignon. Key sub-AVAs: Oakville, Rutherford, Stags Leap District (Cabernet Sauvignon); Carneros (cooler, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir).

Question 2

Describe Sonoma County

Answer 2

USA > California > North Coast, west of Napa > Cool coastal to warm inland > Volcanic, alluvial, sandy loam > Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon > Sonoma County AVAs produce a wide range of styles. Key sub-AVAs: Russian River Valley (cool, foggy — Pinot Noir, Chardonnay), Sonoma Coast (cool — Pinot Noir, Chardonnay), Dry Creek Valley (warm — Zinfandel), Alexander Valley (warmer — Cabernet Sauvignon). Mostly dry red and dry white wines.

Question 3

Describe Monterey

Answer 3

• Cool coastal influence from the Monterey Bay
• Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, some Cabernet Sauvignon
• Style: Dry white and dry red, often crisp whites and elegant reds

Question 4

Describe Paso Robles

Answer 4

Hot, inland part of the Central Coast
• Grapes: Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
• Style: Bold, ripe dry reds

Question 5

Describe Santa Barbera County

Answer 5

• Cool coastal AVA south of Paso
• Grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah
• Sub-AVAs: Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills (especially known for Pinot Noir)
• Style: Dry red and dry white, often with elegant structure and freshness

Question 6

Describe Oregon

Answer 6

USA > Pacific Northwest > Mostly north of California, west of the Cascades > Cool continental with maritime influence > Volcanic, marine sediment, loess > Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay > Willamette Valley AVA: Oregon’s key wine region. Known for dry red Pinot Noir and dry white Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. Sub-AVAs include Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills, Yamhill-Carlton. Wines are elegant, high-acid, and often compared to Burgundy.

Question 7

Describe Washington

Answer 7

USA > Pacific Northwest > East of the Cascade Mountains (RAIN SHADOW)> Continental, dry with large diurnal shifts > Sandy loam, basalt, gravel > Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Riesling > Columbia Valley AVA: Washington’s largest region. Known for dry red blends (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah) and dry or off-dry Riesling. Key sub-AVAs: Walla Walla Valley, Red Mountain, Yakima Valley.

Question 8

Describe New York

Answer 8

USA > Northeastern United States > Key regions around Finger Lakes and Hudson River > Cool continental > Slate, clay, gravel > Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Concord > Finger Lakes AVA: Known for high-acid, dry to off-dry Riesling. Also produces dry reds from Cabernet Franc and hybrid varieties. Other regions include Long Island (Cabernet Franc, Merlot) and Hudson River Region.