As July 4th is a significant day for our neighbours in the USA this will be a brief grape history of their country.

When the Vikings arrived around the year 1,000 they called the place Vinland as much of the East Coast of North America thrived with vines like Muscadine and Labrusca.

Winemaking has been tried with these and other indigenous vines, but the end results cannot be compared with those that originated in Europe and the near east.

Now we move to the West Coast and the period between 1769 and 1833 when Spanish missionaries built twenty one missions throughout California, each one being about a day’s gallop on a horse apart.

These religious men introduced fruit, vegetables, cattle and horses.

A grape whose origin has been lost in the sands of time was bought over from Spain and it became known as the Mission grape.

Of course wine was made and today DNA tests tell us that the grape is the Palomino, now mostly used for Sherry production in Spain.

In the mid 1800s the legislature in California commissioned a Hungarian Count named Agoston Haraszthy to go to Europe and bring back cuttings from the major wine producing vines and he is often referred to as the “Father of California Viticulture”.

Today the US is the fourth largest wine producing nation and 90 percent of it originates in California, although it is true, but rather unbelievable, to share with you that all fifty states produce some sort of wine.

So I am deciding what I should share in our home this weekend and I will consider nothing but fine Californian.

I will certainly serve “Abraxas” 2011 “Vin de Terrior” — Scintilla Sonoma Vineyard — Los Carneros District 2011 Robert Sinskey Winery. This blend of 41 percent Riesling, 28 percent Pinot Gris, 23 percent Pinot Blanc and eight percent Gewurztraminer is named for the God(ess) of 365 paradises and all the grapes are grown organically and biodynamically.

Be prepared for beautiful citrus, pear and white flower aromas with a hint of flint and spice.

Riesling lends a racy brightness, the Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc add texture and Gewurztraminer lifts with a spicy note.

I find each vintage of this wine quite remarkable and unique. $47.45.

Another wonderful blend consists of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot.

It is created by Rodney Strong Vineyards in Alexander Valley and our current vintage of “Symmetry” is 2011.

It greets you with an opulent bouquet of blackberries, cassis and sweet spices.

On the palate there are layers of black fruits, dark chocolate and spice. The texture is rich and silky and although capable of ageing it is indeed very enjoyable now. $57.55.

The Europeans continue to travel to the New World to try their art under such ideal conditions. Jonathan Maltus, well known English “Garagiste” or “Cult winemaker” in St. Emilion has established his World’s End winery in Napa Valley.

Jonathan, like me, is just an old rock and roller and so his New World wines are named after famous songs. Take for an example World’s End “Little Sister” Reserve Merlot 2009 — Napa Valley; and I am old enough to remember Elvis giving this to the world.

Let me share what the Wine Spectator says about this wine “This serious and deeply cast Merlot leads with lovely aromas of black cherries, smoke and sweet oak and its very rich, fully stuffed flavours meet every expectation. It is a head-turner now to be sure, but it is a wine that will only get better.” 92/100. $47.90.