The USA
From Coast to Mountain
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The Big Picture
The USA
From California to Washington, the West Coast is shaped by cooling influences rather than latitude alone. Ocean currents, fog, mountains and altitude temper warm climates, allowing each region to find its own balance between ripeness and freshness.
Climate & Viticulture
- California: the cold California Current and coastal fog moderate warm conditions, creating large diurnal ranges as cool air is drawn inland through gaps such as the Petaluma Gap and San Pablo Bay.
- Oregon (Willamette Valley): a cool maritime climate with wet winters, dry summers and a long growing season.
- Washington (Columbia Valley): sheltered by the Cascade Mountains, creating a dry continental climate where irrigation is essential.
Fog- and bay-cooled California → cool maritime Oregon → the desert rain-shadow of Washington.