California wines are highly regarded for their
consistenc y,
reliability and high quality. They combine a rich European tradition
with a drive for innovation and improvement typical for America. With
over 224.000 hectares of vineyards and a production of 2 billion liters
per year, California is the fourth largest producer of wine in the
world, behind Italy, France and Spain. California is known for its long
growing season, which is marked by sunny, warm and dry days, followed by
cool evenings - an ideal combination for allowing the grapes to ripen
slowly and evenly. The result is the distinctive "fruit forward" quality
that wine enthusiasts around the world have come to recognize as a
hallmark of California wines. |