Section III: Wine Regions of North America Chapter 13: New York, Canada and Other North American Regions

New York State  In the early and mid-1800s, viticulturists bred hybrids and came up with new varietals for wine production.  New varietals planted by immigrants in the 1950s.  Commercial wine-making took off, and an industry emerged before being dealt a blow with Prohibition.  When Prohibition was repealed in 1933, wine production re-emerged, but maintained its emphasis on the native and hybrid grapes.  In the 1950s, a Ukrainian vintner arrived in New York, and modern wine production got started.

Wine Regions of New York  The Finger Lakes  Lake Erie  Hudson River Valley  Long Island  Other Wine Regions in the Eastern US: Connecticut Rhode Island South-central coast of Massachusetts

Virginia  Wine making in this southern state dates all the way back to the Jamestown settlement.  In 1609 the sponsoring company sent French vine cuttings, but they died of fungus and local diseases.  Legacy of Thomas Jefferson, wine lover  Farmers planted hybrids in the late 19 th century.  Industry collapsed under prohibition  Revived in the 1970s when new wineries were established.  Virginia currently has six AVAs.

The Western United States  Texas  New Mexico  Colorado

Texas  The fifth largest wine-producing state in the country  Dates back to mid-17 th century Spanish missionaries  Wine continued to be produced in Texas on through the 18 th and 19 th centuries.  Prohibition closed industry for next four decades.  Several Texas natives began wine-making in 1970s.  Texas has seven AVAs and 138 wineries.

New Mexico  Spanish missionary monks planted wine grapes in the region in  By the late 1800s, the state was the 5 th in the nation in volume of wine.  By the 1940s, Prohibition and flooding ruined it.  The French re-established the industry in the 1980s.  New Mexico has three AVAs and about 40 wineries.

Colorado  Many vintners say that Riesling is the most promising grape for their state.  Presently, most of the production from Colorado’s wineries is sold through their own tasting rooms.  As of early 2009, Colorado had 72 licensed wineries.

Canada  There are four provinces that produce wines.  Major wine regions are Ontario and British Columbia.  Climate is similar to New York’s Finger Lakes.  Specialize in Ice Win and German-style Rieslings.

Canadian History  Wine making in Canada dates from the early 1800s.  Prohibition lasted only a few years in Canada, and upon it’s repeal in 1927, the provinces granted licenses to new wineries.  Most wine made in Canada at the time was the slightly sweet, highly alcoholic style.  Canada’s modern wine industry was born in  Demand for drier, balanced table wines encouraged Canadian vintners to produce better wines.  In 1988, Canada introduced a country-wide appellation system.

Canadian Wine Regions  British Columbia Minimal rainfall Hot summers  Ontario Continental climate Very cold winters