| The California wine industry has exploded over the | | | | establishment of some 21 missions in California, it is |
| years. Once derided for producing wine of poor | | | | hardly a surprise that this is how wine production |
| quality, the "Judgment of Paris" in 1976 changed | | | | began. |
| everything when wine experts in Europe ranked | | | | This immigration trend would ultimately make |
| many California wines equal to or better than classic | | | | California a wine producing power. Over the years, |
| French wines in a blind tasting. | | | | people have immigrated to the United States and |
| There is currently a huge wine industry in California. | | | | California from all over the world. In doing so, they've |
| The idea of romantic vineyards is one promoted by | | | | brought in different techniques and approaches. This |
| the industry, but there is little doubt wine is big | | | | is particularly pertinent since California has a huge |
| business. California alone produces roughly 90 percent | | | | number of microclimates. As a result, a vineyard in |
| of the total wine in the United States and is now the | | | | one area may be using a French approach while a |
| fourth biggest wine producing region in the world. | | | | vineyard five miles away may be taking an approach |
| Wineries are primarily found in Northern California, but | | | | developed in Tuscany. Overall, it gives rise to an |
| can also be found down the coast all the way to San | | | | impressively eclectic selection. |
| Diego. | | | | The modern wine industry in California is impressive. |
| So, how did wine making get its start in California? | | | | There are now well over 100 AVA recognized wine |
| The answer has to do with religion. More specifically, | | | | growing regions in the state. Over 2,800 wineries |
| a Franciscan monk gave the industry its start. In | | | | now exist in these regions. Chardonnay is the most |
| 1769, Father Juniper Serro planted the first seeds at | | | | common wine, but reds are not that far behind. From |
| Mission San Diego. Franciscan monks have had a long | | | | the beginnings of a Franciscan monk planting vines at |
| history of wine production as part of the sacramental | | | | a mission, it is a pretty impressive result. |
| religious services they observe. Given this and the | | | | |