Why is Wine Country Wine Country?
Though not an actual nation state, with central government, defending armies and a working class dedicated to nothing other than producing the best wine possible, wine country exists figuratively as the worldwide hub for wine-growing. Located in the northern region of California, wine making has been documented as a popular hobby and occupation in these parts dating back to the mid 1800′s. Agoston Haraszthy, a Hungarian-American traveling writer and pioneer, is generally credited as the “Father of Winemaking in California,” which by default makes him more or less the father of American winemaking. Born in what is now Budapest to a Hungarian noble family, Haraszthy bought a small vineyard when he first relocated to the Sonoma area, approximately 50 miles north of San Francisco, he purchased a small vineyard, which he christened “Buena Vista,” likely referring to the pleasant view. He soon expanded his winery, eventually spanning more than 5,000 acres, instituting many techniques that were common practice in Europe, but still new to the United States. When he published a 19-page paper entitled “Report on Grapes and Wine in California” in 1858, he helped to establish himself as the premiere wine making guru in the area, giving helpful guidance and advice for those hoping to plant their own vineyards, and encouraging local Californians to grow their own grapevines.Aside from Haraszthy’s abounding influence, northern California benefits from an ideal climate for the grape growing necessary for wine production, providing optimal levels of rainfall and large areas of appropriate soil. Wine Country in California is primarily defined by the valleys north of San Francisco, with heavy emphasis in Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley, Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Bennett Valley and Russian River Valley. There is also limited wine production in higher altitude areas such as Atlas Peak and Mount Veeder.
