Definition: California

An important wine-producing region on the west coast of the USA, whose production spans latitudes corresponding in Europe to the German vineyards in the north and those of Algeria in the south. In terms of climate, Californian production is as diverse as that of all the vineyards of Europe and North Africa combined. In the space of 20 years, California's wine industry has benefited from extraordinary technological advances. It boasts the world's largest wine producer (Gallo) and now boasts wines from remarkable terroirs. The only thing California lacks is Europe's centuries-old traditions, but this may well be offset by the rapid progress made in viticulture.