California
If 50 American states produce wine, Californian production alone represents approximately 85% of the country's production, making this state the 4th largest producer in the world behind Italy, France and Spain. The climate is strongly influenced by the Pacific Ocean which at this latitude is a cold ocean. The wine-growing regions located near the Pacific have an oceanic climate becoming Mediterranean the further inland you go from the ocean and it becomes more continental near the Sierra Nevada. Bays and openings to the sea, such as San Pablo Bay, act as thermal regulators on viticulture, particularly in Napa and Sonoma Valley.
The sub-region: Stag's Leap
The Stags Leap District, in California's Napa Valley wine region, is home to some of the most famous and beloved wineries in the United States. The vineyard here is overwhelmingly dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, which produces rich red wines combining flavors of ripe blackcurrant, a certain freshness and elegance. Located immediately north of the city of Napa, Stags Leap is in a very special location on the east side of the valley. It occupies a narrow strip of the valley floor, separated from the main valley by a chain of small hills running approximately north to south. Climate also plays a key role (located 15 miles from the northern edge of San Pablo Bay) the area is well placed to receive cool, humid breezes that blow north up the valley from San Pablo Bay . These bring the famous Napa Valley fog on summer mornings and afternoons, providing a beneficial coolant on hot, dry days.