The Wine Quiz
Feeling competitive? How well do you really know wine? Test your knowledge by taking our wine quiz! The topic for this week is the all topics! You will have sixty seconds, and three strikes, to answer as many questions correctly as possible.
You may attempt the quiz as many times as you like. Each attempt earns you 5 corks, up to a maximum of 25 corks per day. Participants in first, second, and third places at 9pm (PST) every Wednesday will receive 100, 50, and 25 bonus corks, respectively!
The leaderboard ranks competitors according to their most recent scores. Place and stay in the Top 10, and Reservine will spread the word of your formidable wine knowledge!
Score: 0
Who founded the City of Napa?
George C. Yount
Joseph Osborne
Nathan Coombs
Charles Krug
The Clare Valley and the Eden Valley are most noted for which style of wine?
Dry Riesling
Pinot Noir
Muscat-based sweet wines
Dry Semillon
In which country is the Maipo Valley wine region located?
Australia
Chile
Argentina
South Africa
Which iconic film director purchased the historic Inglenook estate in 1975 and still owns the property today?
Michael Bay
Quentin Tarantino
David Lynch
Francis Ford Coppola
Botrytized wines are produced using grapes infested with which organism?
European Grapevine Moth
Downy mildew
Phylloxera
Noble rot
Domaine de Long Dai is a Chinese wine label owned by which famed French producer?
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti
Perrier-Jouët
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave
Château Lafite Rothschild
Which winery was the first Black-owned estate winery in Napa, California?
Domaine Curry
Brown Estate Vineyards
Darjean Jones Wines
Wade Cellars
Which wine-growing region in Australia is famous for its Terra Rossa soil?
Hunter Valley
Barossa Valley
Coonawarra
Yarra Valley
Which term denotes yeast cells that expire after fermentation and settle at the bottom of the vessel?
Lees
Saccharomyces
Tannin
Noble rot
Which of the following Duckhorn Wine Company properties is located in Napa Valley?
Goldeneye
Calera
Paraduxx
Decoy
The famed Screaming Eagle Winery and Vineyards is located in which Napa Valley AVA?
Yountville
Rutherford
Oakville
St. Helena
Which varietal is the signature white grape variety of Austria?
Chardonnay
Pinot Gris
Pinot Grigio
Grüner Veltliner
Hebei Province is the third-largest wine-producing region in China and surrounds which major city?
Beijing
Shenzhen
Chongqing
Shanghai
The Santa Ynez Valley AVA is located within which larger wine-growing region?
Lake County
Paso Robles
Santa Barbara County
Napa Valley
Which winery is the oldest in Napa Valley?
Charles Krug
Beringer Vineyards
Inglenook
Schramsberg
Napa Valley boasts which type of climate?
Tropical
Desert
Temperate
Mediterranean
Which Italian word refers to sparkling wine?
Amabile
Spumante
Dolce
Secco
How many sub-AVAs are contained within the Napa Valley AVA?
20
16
14
10
If a wine from Alsace is labeled by the varietal, how much of that grape must it contain?
85%
100%
90%
75%
The Napa Valley sparkling wine producer Domaine Carneros was founded by which well-known noble family from Champagne?
Mumm
Lanson
Perrier-Jouët
Taittinger
Etude Wines is a well-known producer in Napa Valley that specializes in which varietal?
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Cabernet Sauvignon
Zinfandel
In which year was Caymus Vineyards founded?
1971
2015
1928
1844
Which term denotes a sparkling wine that is made entirely from black grapes?
Blanc de noirs
Demi-sec
Blanc de blancs
Cuvée de prestige
How did Jacob Beringer get his start in winemaking in Napa Valley?
Working for John Patchett
Cellar foreman for Charles Krug
Winemaker for George Yount
Back in Mainz, Germany
Champagne vineyards are best known for which soil type?
Chalk
Clay
Granite
Sand
What is the primary white grape variety of Argentina?
Malbec
Torrontés
Pinot Noir
Cabernet Sauvignon
Where did Vittorio Sattui emigrate from?
Florence, Italy
Genoa, Italy
Rome, Italy
Tuscany, Italy
As of 2020, how many people have earned the title of Master Sommelier as part of the Americas chapter?
216
172
184
153
Who was the first African American to earn the title of Master Sommelier as part of the America's chapter?
Andre Mack
Carlton McCoy
Thomas Price
DLynn Proctor
The International Pinot Noir Celebration, one of the great wine festivals in the United States, is held in which state?
Washington
New York
California
Oregon
Which environmental factor moderates summer overnight temperatures to an average of 53ºF throughout Napa Valley?
Rain
Winds
Fog
Clouds
Who was the first African American to win America’s Best Young Sommelier?
Theodora Lee
DLynn Proctor
Darjean Jones
Andre Hueston Mack
Bubbles of which gas put the sparkle in sparkling wine?
Carbon monoxide
Argon
Carbon dioxide
Nitrogen
How are the very best vineyards in the Côte d'Or designated?
Grand Cru
Village
Classico
Crémant
For which type of wine is the Côte de Nuits AOC most famous?
Beaujolais
Sparkling
Dry White
Red
Which two varietals are the most commonly planted grapes in the Russian River Valley AVA within the larger Sonoma County wine region?
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir
WSET is the acronym for which organization?
Wine Society of Education and Tasting
Wine School of Eastern Texas
Western Sonoma Enology Trust
Wine and Spirit Education Trust
Which term refers to the entire process of turning grapes into wine?
Vinification
Maceration
Clarification
Fermentation
Which country produces the most corks for wine bottles?
Australia
France
Spain
Portugal
The Russian River Valley AVA is located in which larger wine-growing region?
Willamette Valley
Napa Valley
Sonoma County
Sierra Foothills
When was the City of Napa founded?
1848
1849
1850
1847
Where are the Clare Valley and Margaret River wine-growing regions located?
New Zealand
South Africa
England
Australia
Which famous wine forger, also known as Dr. Conti, was arrested in 2012 and received 10 years in federal prison for his crimes?
Hardy Rodenstock
Laurent Ponsot
Bill Koch
Rudy Kurniawan
Where is the Finger Lakes AVA located?
Washington
Hungary
New York
Ontario
Ms. Theodora Lee, a partner and trial lawyer at Littler Mendelson, founded Theopolis Vineyards in 2003 in which California AVA?
Sierra Foothills
Napa Valley
Lake County
Anderson Valley
Which historic Napa Valley figure was the first to plant a vineyard in the area?
George Yount
Charles Krug
Robert Mondavi
John Patchett
Which varietal in Chile was long mistaken for Merlot?
Zinfandel
Petit Verdot
Carménère
Tempranillo
The Court of Master Sommeliers has how many stages of certification?
4
3
5
2
What does a rain shadow provide?
Protection from harsh weather
More rain
Hail
More wine
Who owns Charles Krug Winery?
The Sattui Family
The Mondavi Family
Bill Foley
Treasury Wine Estates
The Chiles Valley AVA is one district in which larger wine-growing region?
Lake County
Temecula
Napa Valley
Sonoma County
Which of the following AVAs is located in Sonoma County?
Adelaida
Alexander Valley
Rutherford
Stags Leap
Which famed sommelier recently had a cameo in the Netflix film Uncorked?
Patrick Cappiello
Fred Dame
DLynn Proctor
Dustin Wilson
Dario Sattui, fourth-generation vintner of V. Sattui in Napa Valley, also runs which nearby winery with an iconic building?
Inglenook
Artesa
Castello di Amorosa
Beringer
As of 2020, which winery is the largest Black-owned winery in the US?
McBride Sisters
Taste Collection Cellars
Domaine Curry
Brown Estate
Smaragd is a quality term used in which wine region?
Alsace
Mosel
Wien
Wachau
Which winery is the largest single-owner winery in Napa?
Gallo Family Vineyards
Robert Mondavi Winery
Beringer Vineyards
Trefethen
Which governmental body in the United States controls the production and sale of beverage alcohol ?
FDA
TTB
IRS
DEA
Which of the following wines is matured under a layer of Flor?
Fino Sherry
LBV Port
Sercial Madeira
Oloroso Sherry
Which of these wineries did NOT have its wine featured in the 1976 Judgment of Paris?
Clos Du Val Winery
Mayacamas Vineyards
Beringer Vineyards
Spring Mountain Vineyard
Which château, originally classified as deuxième cru, was elevated to premier cru in 1973?
Château Haut-Brion
Château Margaux
Château Mouton Rothschild
Château Lafite-Rothschild
The best vineyards in the Douro DOP are planted on which soil type?
Slate
Schist
Volcanic
Tufo
Which California AVA, known for its Pinot Noir and Sparkling Wine, is also home to an annual Alsatian wine festival?
Anderson Valley
Livermore Valley
Paso Robles
Lodi
The Hess Collection, located above Napa Valley on Mount Veeder, is well known for its high-elevation wines and which other attraction?
Art Gallery
Car Collection
Speaker Series
History Museum
When was the Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve established?
1965
1968
1971
1974
The vast majority of wine production in Mexico takes place in which state?
Sonora
Baja California
Durango
Zacatecas
At what elevations can grapes be found growing in Napa Valley?
Sea Level to 2,000 feet
Sea Level to 2,400 feet
150 feet to 2,000 feet
130 feet to 2,400 feet
To what do the names Jerobaum, Nebuchadnezar, and Salmanazar refer?
Mythical creatures
Biblical kings
Rulers of ancient France
Middle names of the Three Musketeers
Which varietal accounts for more than 50% of the vineyard acreage in Oregon?
Zinfandel
Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir
Petite Sirah
How many AVAs are California?
140
120
130
150
Which of the following wine-growing areas is NOT a sub-region of the Valle Central DO?
Mendoza
Rapel Valley
Maipo Valley
Maule Valley
Which famous wine merchant organized the 1976 wine competition now known as "The Judgment of Paris"?
Jancis Robinson
Kermit Lynch
Steven Spurrier
Peter Granoff
Which of the following Napa Valley AVAs is most associated with Pinot Noir?
Rutherford
Los Carneros
Chiles Valley
Yountville
Which classification of Prädikatswein below is made from the ripest grapes?
Spätlese
Auslese
Kabinett
Beerenauslese
The Anderson Valley AVA is perhaps most well-known for which style of wine?
Bordeaux blends
Sparkling wines
Fortified
Rhône-style
Which three sub-AVAs are part of the larger Napa Valley AVA?
Hames Valley, Wild Horse Valley, Yountville
Chiles Valley, Diamond Mountain, Spring Mountain
Hames Valley, Mount Veeder, Russian River Valley,
Chalk Hill, Los Carneros, Mount Veeder
Stone Hill Winery, established in 1847, is the oldest winery in which state?
Texas
Missouri
Virginia
North Carolina
Which letter did the 1945 vintage of Château Mouton Rothschild feature prominently atop its label?
V
F
I
A
Opus One Winery was founded as a joint venture between Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe of which famous, historic European banking family?
Rothschild
Warburg
Fugger
Medici
In which country is the Okanagan Valley wine region located?
Australia
Canada
New Zealand
United States
Which country produces sparkling wines labelled Cap Classique.
South Africa
France
Monaco
Belgium
Which Médoc commune boasts the most first-growth classifications?
Graves
Pauillac
St-Julien
Haut-Médoc
In which DO will you find wines made from the Albariño grape?
Penedès
Rías Baixas
Rueda
Cava
Which term refers to an unintentional stoppage of fermentation?
Arrested fermentation
Oxidation
Nitrogenation
Stuck fermentation
As of 2019, approximately how many physical wineries are there in Napa Valley?
525
475
500
450
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is a famous estate located in which wine-growing region of France.
Loire Valley
Rhône Valley
Burgundy
Bordeaux
If a German wine label lists the varietal and/or vintage, then that varietal and/or vintage must compose at least how much of the wine?
70
80
75
85
What is the best-known grape variety produced in the Maipo Valley DO?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir
Malbec
Merlot
What type of wine is Crémant d Alsace?
Dry red wine
Botrytis-affected sweet wine
Sparkling wine
Fortified wine
Which two AVAs encompass parts of Oregon as well as Washington?
Columbia Valley, Dundee Hills
Snake River Valley, Walla Walla Valley
Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
Applegate Valley, Snake River Valley
Which of the following AOCs is NOT a classic region or village for Chardonnay within Burgundy?
Chablis
Pouilly-Fuissé
Pommard
Mâcon
What is the more common term that refers to the presence of trichloroanisole.
Fruit acid
Noble rot
Cork taint
Residual sugar
Bonnezeaux is a famous botrytis-affected sweet wine from which wine region?
Bordeaux
Champagne
Alsace
Loire Valley
How is alcohol sensed in a wine?
Astringency or bitterness
Weight on the palate
Tartness
Heat in the nose, throat, and chest
What dealt a major blow to the burgeoning California wine industry in the 1880s and 1890s?
Phylloxera
Noble rot
Heat waves
Prohibition
Which of these labels does NOT fall under the umbrella of the Duckhorn Wine Company?
Migration
Goldeneye
Calera
Swanson Vineyards
The Côte d'Or is broken down into which two main sections?
Côte de Beaune, Côte de Nuits
Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise
Côte de Nuits, Mâconnais
Beaujolais, Chablis
To what does Gran Reserva on a bottle of Rioja refer?
Location
Estate-bottled
Aging requirements
Sweetness level
In which AOC of Bordeaux is Château Haut-Brion located?
Pomerol
Pessac-Léognan
Saint-Émilion
Médoc
Which prominent winemaker fought in a civil war?
George Yount
André Tchelistcheff
Mike Grgich
Georges de Latour
Where is the Temecula Valley wine-growing region located?
Argentina
California
Texas
Spain
The Kronos Vineyard, farmed by renowned winemaker Cathy Corison, is one of the last of which type of vineyards in Napa Valley?
Bio-dynamic
Dry-farmed
St. George rootstock
Zinfandel
A Champagne labeled Blanc de Blancs is made from which varietal?
Chardonnay
Meunier
Pinot Noir
Merlot
Tuffeau is an important soil type in which area of the Loire Valley?
Pays Nantais
Central Vineyards
Touraine
Anjou-Saumur
Which of the following varietals is NOT a grape grown in Champagne?
Pinot Noir
Meunier
Chardonnay
Riesling
Which country accounts for over 75% of the global production of Malbec wine?
South Africa
Portugal
Argentina
Chile
The Walla Walla Valley wine-growing region is located in which country?
New Zealand
United States
South Africa
Australia
About what percentage of Chardonnay vines in California trace their genetic roots to a Livermore Valley clone?
80
20
40
60
Which winemaker made the first Bordeaux-style blend in Napa Valley?
Joseph Phelps
Charles Krug
Robert Mondavi
Cathy Corison
Albert Ahern, Charles Freeman, and Markquand Foster founded which historic Napa Valley winery?
Swanson Vineyards
Beringer
Charles Krug
Freemark Abbey
Tannin comes from which part of the grape?
Seeds
Juice
Rootstock
Skin
Which term refers to the combination of weather, soil conditions, time of harvest, etc.?
Provenance
Maceration
Vintage
Terroir
The Hawkes Bay wine region is located in which country?
United States
New Zealand
South Africa
Australia
Which of the following sparkling wines is NOT produced using the Charmat/tank method?
Cava
Lambrusco
Prosecco
Moscato d'Asti
Which of the following AOCs is designated as a Chablis Grand Cru?
Les Clos
Musigny
Romanée
Montrachet
Which of the following descriptors potentially indicates the use of oak in a wine?
Clove and cinnamon
Wet rock
Apple/pear flavors
Leather
Which of the following regions in Bordeaux produces only dry, white AOC wines?
Margaux
Pomerol
Sauternes
Entre-Deux-Mers
What are the two DOCa regions of Spain?
Cava and Rioja
Cava and Rueda
Ribera del Duero and Rioja
Priorat and Rioja
The Alavesa, Alta, and Baja sub-regions make up which larger wine region?
Rioja
Maipo Valley
Sonoma
Mendoza
Chianti hails from which wine-growing region of Italy?
Lombardy
Piedmont
Tuscany
Puglia
Montagne de Reims is a sub-region of which major French wine-growing region?
Champagne
Burgundy
Languedoc
Loire Valley
Who is credited with importing European vinifera vines to California?
Robert Mondavi
Dr. Konstantin Frank
David Lett
Agoston Haraszthy
Which varietal is the most widely planted varietal in Germany?
Spätburgunder
Müller-Thurgau
Riesling
Silvaner
About how many years does the approval process take to be considered a sub-appellation in Napa Valley?
1-2
3-4
2-3
4-5
Shiraz, now a marketing term for Syrah in Australia and South Africa, was the wine capital of which country for many centuries?
Malta
Croatia
Iran
Lebanon
What makes up most of the vineyard plantings in Chile?
Grapes for fortified wine production
Red grape varieties
Hybrids
White grape varieties
Pinotage refers to a cross between Pinot Noir and which other varietal?
Petite Sirah
Merlot
Cinsaut
Zinfandel
Brix is a measure of which dissolved substance in wine?
Tannins
Carbon dioxide
Malic acid
Sugar
Which varietal is the second-most planted in Italy and commonly labeled "d'Abruzzo"?
Primitivo
Nebbiolo
Montepulciano
Sangiovese
Which varietal is the most widely planted grape in Napa Valley?
Zinfandel
Merlot
Chardonnay
Cabernet Sauvignon
All French Chablis consists of 100% of which grape?
Chardonnay
Chenin Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc
Viognier
Which plant is planted near grapevines to detect diseases?
Dandelions
Mustard
Lavendar
Roses
Approximately what percentage of wine grapes grown in California does E & J Gallo Winery buy each year?
20
66
75
50
For which AOC in Burgundy does white wine account for only around 1% of total production?
Beaujolais
Côte Chalonnaise
Chablis
Côte de Beaune
Which varietal is the primary grape grown in New Zealand
Merlot
Sauvignon Blanc
Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir
Which of the following DOCG zones is located in Piedmont?
Barolo
Soave
Amarone
Taurasi
What is the main grape varietal of the Morgon AOC?
Gamay
Aligoté
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
Which geographic feature brings cool, moist air and fog to the coastal regions of Chile?
Andes snow
Mistral
Humboldt Current
Zonda
Which pioneering California winemaker coined the term Fumé Blanc in 1968 as a marketing ploy for his Sauvignon Blanc, an unpopular varietal at the time.
Andy Beckstoffer
Mike Grgich
André Tchelistcheff
Robert Mondavi
Baixo Corgo is a sub-zone of which wine region?
Toro DO
Rioja DOCa
Rueda DO
Douro DOP
From which city in Europe did Napa Valley pioneer Jacob Beringer emigrate?
Bremm, Germany
Vienna, Austria
Mainz, Germany
Salzburg, Austria
Which country is home to the oldest winery in the Americas?
Chile
Argentina
Mexico
United States
As of 2019, Zinfandel accounts for what percentage of planted acres in Napa Valley?
3
21
17
10
The Saperavi grape is one of the prominent varietals used to make wine in which country?
Italy
Georgia
Montenegro
Slovakia
Which AVA lies in both Napa and Solano Counties?
Atlas Peak
Howell Mountain
Chiles Valley
Wild Horse Valley
In which year was V. Sattui Winery founded?
1885
2007
1984
1935
What is another term for lovers of wine?
X-Files
Oenophiles
Vinophiles
Me
A solera is used for which part of the vinification process?
Distillation
Fortification
Maturation
Fermentation
Which varietal typically dominates the wines of Pomerol?
Petite Sirah
Petit Verdot
Merlot
Sauvignon Blanc
Which wine region in France has the most appellations d'origine contrôlée (AOCs)?
Rhône Valley
Bordeaux
Loire Valley
Burgundy
Intercept Wines from former Oakland Raider Charles Woodson sources grapes from which California region?
Temecula
Sierra Foothills
Central Coast
Napa Valley
Which yeast is most commonly associated with winemaking?
Brettanomyces
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Saccharomyces bayanus
Candida albicans
As of 2020, which wine group is the largest in the United States?
Jackson Family Wines
E & J Gallo Winery
Constellation Brands
Treasury Wine Estates
Which varietal is the predominate grape planted in the Lake Erie AVA?
Cabernet Franc
Concord
Pinot Noir
Merlot
Dr. Chris Wachira, founder and winemaker at Wachira Wines in Alameda, California, originally hails from which country?
South Africa
Kenya
Tanzania
Australia
Steen is another name for which varietal?
Albariño
Cabernet Sauvignon
Chenin Blanc
Zinfandel
In which larger wine region is the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC located?
Bordeaux
Rhône Valley
Loire Valley
Burgundy
The first American Viticultural Area (AVA) was established in which state?
Missouri
Virginia
New York
California
Sparkling wine production thrives in Victoria due to which factor?
Proximity to cool ocean breezes
Hot inland airflow
Intense wind
Rain shadow
Which two countries are famous for Icewine production?
Canada and Germany
France and Spain
Hungary and Italy
England and Germany
Which of the following areas is NOT one of the four major wine-growing regions of Austria?
Niederösterreich
Burgenland
Pfalz
Wien
Which of the below Napa Valley producers is not known for their sparkling wine?
Swanson Vineyards
Domaine Carneros
Mumm Napa
Schramsberg Vineyards
Which river flows to the east of Alsace?
Loire
Mosel
Rhine
Rhône
In 2017, Wine Spectator named the 2014 Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot from which iconic vineyard as Wine of the Year?
Rector Creek
Three Palms
Vaca Vista
To Kalon
The famous Windows XP "Bliss" computer background image was taken in which Napa Valley AVA?
Oakville
Atlas Peak
Calistoga
Los Carneros
Which varietal is the main white grape of Rueda?
Xarel-lo
Verdejo
Riesling
Chardonnay
Before the railroad was established, how did travelers from San Francisco visit Napa Valley?
By Steam Boat
By Horse and Buggy
By Piggy Back Ride
By Car
Approximately what percentage of Napa Valley is planted to white wine grapes?
21
42
30
12
What is an important feature of the vineyards in the Salta IG?
High altitude
Low-lying plains
Proximity to the sea
Southerly winds
Which region accounts for more than 40% of wine production in China?
Shandong
Hebei
Xinjiang
Ningxia
Stellenbosch is perhaps the most well-known wine region in which country?
Austria
Switzerland
South Africa
Germany
Which process in winemaking causes tartrate crystals to precipitate out of the wine at very low temperature?
Vinification
Riddling
Carbonic maceration
Cold stabilization
Which varietal is the most commonly planted grape in the Sierra Foothills AVA of California?
Zinfandel
Cabernet Sauvignon
Petite Sirah
Merlot
What is the most common bottle size for distributed wine?
750mL
375mL
500mL
1L
Which region accounts for more than 80% of all wine production in Chile?
Central Valley
San Antonio Valley
Casablanca Valley
Aconcagua Valley
How many "crus" for the wines of Médoc Bordeaux did the Official Classification of 1855 establish?
5
3
4
6
Which California AVA is located between Monterey and Santa Barbara?
Sierra Foothills
Anderson Valley
Temecula
Paso Robles
Which rule refers to the percentage of 1) grapes that a wine must contain for the winery to label their wine with a specific varietal, 2) region, and 3) vintage?
70-80-90
75-85-100
75-85-95
80-90-100
Which prominent sub-region of Baja California is sometimes referred to as the "Napa Valley of Mexico"?
Valle de Guadalupe
Valle de Calafia
Valle de San Vincente
Valle de Santo Tomás
Prosecco is made by which method of sparkling wine production?
Méthode champenoise
Méthode Cap Classique
Metodo tradizionale
Charmat/tank method
Which "cult wine" producer is NOT located in Napa Valley?
Screaming Eagle
Harlan Estate
Sina Qua Non
Abreu Vineyards
Where is the Luján de Cuyo DOC located?
Mendoza
Salta
Chile
Patagonia
Bertony Faustin of Abbey Creek Vineyard is the first black vineyard owner and winemaker in which state?
Washington
Oregon
Michigan
California
In which year was E & J Gallo Winery founded?
1928
1938
1975
1830
At least how much of a varietal must a Chilean wine contain for that varietal to be stated on the label?
75%
70%
80%
65%
The High Valley AVA is located within which larger wine-growing region?
Anderson Valley
Napa Valley
Sonoma County
Lake County
When were wine grapes first planted in Napa Valley?
1884
1903
1839
1855
What was the largest crop grown in Napa Valley prior to wine grapes?
Prunes
Olives
Cherries
Tomatoes
When visiting Napa Valley, you might see propellers in some vineyards. What are these propellers used for?
Generate Electricity
Frost Prevention
Pump Water
Scare Birds
What is the predominant varietal in the sweet wines from Sauternes?
Pinot Gris
Sémillon
Chardonnay
Zinfandel
What does the abbreviation "LBV" mean on a bottle of Port?
Limited Bottle Vintage
Low Bottle Volume
Late Bottled Vintage
Late Budding Vines
Mount Veeder of Napa Valley is part of which mountain range?
Mayacamas
Santa Ynez
Sierra Madre
Vaca
Which element would lead a wine to be hazy or cloudy?
High alcoholic content
Being from the Old World
Sweetness
Sediment
Which varietal is the most widely-planted grape in Lodi?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Zinfandel
Petite Sirah
Merlot
Which varietal is commonly known by the names of its two top regions, Barolo and Barbaresco?
Nebbiolo
Sangiovese
Barbera
Montepulciano
According to the Alcoholic Beverage Control of California, how many new wineries are being registered each year on average in Napa Valley since 2015?
160
200
170
185
Which term refers to French wine merchants who buy grapes and/or wines for blending and bottling under their own labels?
Négociant
Brasseur
Agriculteur
Viticulteur
Which styles of wine are mainly produced in Austria?
Sparkling and dry
Off-dry
Sparkling and sweet
Either very dry or very sweet
As of 2020, how many African American's have earned the title of Master Sommelier as part of the Americas chapter?
2
8
0
13
Red wine in the Beaujolais AOC is made entirely from which varietal?
Pinot Noir
Cabernet Franc
Merlot
Gamay
The Tokaj wine region is located in which two countries?
Croatia, Slovenia
Austria, Hungary
Hungary, Slovakia
Slovakia, Slovenia
Champagne wine regulations limit producers to using a maximum of how much of the harvest of a particular year for vintage Champagne?
50%
80%
90%
70%
What is the highest point in Napa County?
Mount St. Helena
Mount Veeder
Mount Hood
Diamond Mountain
Which mountain range stands between the Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley AVAs?
Diablo Range
Mayacamas Mountains
Sierra de Salinas
Vaca Mountains
A 'Magnum' is equivalent to how many regular bottles of wine?
0.5
3
2
1.5
Val Verde Winery, which has been in operation since 1883, is the oldest winery in which state?
Oregon
California
Texas
New Mexico
Which wine-producing region in California became the first AVA in the state in 1983?
Paso Robles
Lodi
Napa Valley
Sonoma County
Which of the following does NOT potentially add flavor to wine?
Malolactic fermentation
Cold stabilization
Alcoholic fermentation
Carbonic maceration
Which chemical compound is the main preservative used in winemaking?
Lysozyme
Sulfur dioxide
Malic acid
Butyric acid
As of 2019, what percentage of wineries in Napa Valley are family owned?
85
80
95
90
More than 70% of wineries in Oregon are located in which valley?
Willamette
Snake River
Columbia
Umpqua
DNA testing showed that which varietal was identical to Primitivo in Puglia, Italy and Tribidrag in Croatia?
Zinfandel
Tempranillo
Negroamaro
Grenache
Carbonic maceration is most closely associated with which region in France?
Alsace
Beaujolais
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Champagne
Which famous Napa Valley winemaker traded his pursuit of a PhD in political science for winemaking after a yearlong academic trip to Italy?
Mike Grgich
André Tchelistcheff
Helen Keplingerf
Warren Winiarski
Malic acid is converted into milder lactic acid through which process?
Chaptalization
Malolactic fermentation
Carbonic maceration
Pigeage
The United States is currently the fourth largest wine producer in the world behind which three countries?
France, South Africa, Spain
France, Italy, Spain
Australia, France, Italy
Australia, France, Spain
Grange is a cult wine made by which Australian producer?
Penfolds
d Arenberg
Torbreck
Clarendon Hills
Which of these wines is not a real wine?
Roman E. Conti
Opitz One
Starboard
Nine Popes
Which winery straddles both Napa and Sonoma Counties?
Spring Mountain Vineyard
Pride Mountain Vineyards
Mayacamas Vineyards
Arrowood Winery
In 1996, the Los Carneros AVA in Napa Valley became home to the first plantings of which varietal in the United States?
Carménère
Grüner Veltliner
Albariño
Tempranillo
How much wine does a 'Demi' bottle hold?
500mL
250mL
375mL
750mL
What is the main varietal used to make Tokaji Aszú?
Chenin Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc
Furmint
Riesling
From which ingredient did Vermouth derive its name?
Vermentino
Wormwood
Verdigris
Wort-root
Which Napa Valley producer specializes in Zinfandel, making over 15 red wines from the varietal, including its flagship "Black Chicken"?
Paraduxx
Silverado Vineyards
Robert Biale Vineyards
Maxville Lake Winery
To what does the Portuguese term 'Quinta' refer?
Winemaking estate
Society of Port-shippers
Varietal used in Port
Traditional raft for shipping Port
Which AVA is the southernmost district in the Napa Valley wine region?
Wild Horse Valley
Coombsville
Los Carneros
Mount Veeder
Eschewing the term "Reserve", how does Spring Mountain Vineyard label their flagship red blend?
Elivette
Chevalier
Hillside
Supérieur
Which term refers to the addition of sugar prior to fermentation?
Chaptalization
Sucration
Avec sucre
Grosslage
Shiraz is a marketing term in Australia and South Africa for which varietal?
Syrah
Petite Sirah
Zinfandel
Sauvignon Blanc
In which country is the Mosel wine region located?
France
New Zealand
Germany
Austria
What year was Stag's Leap Winery founded?
1956
1893
2005
1845
Spätburgunder is the German term for which varietal?
Tempranillo
Merlot
Cabernet Franc
Pinot Noir
Which type of wine is made from frozen grapes?
Eiswein
Cryovin
Slush Wine
Glacier Wine
What is Phylloxera?
Substance used to clarify wine
Noble Rot
Vine-eating insect
Fungal vine disease
Which of the following wines is a classic pairing with Stilton?
Port
Bordeaux
Burgundy
Manzanilla Sherry
What gives the Greek white wine Retsina its distinctive flavor?
Cedar
Cypress
Pine
Hickory
Which AVA within the broader Napa Valley AVA is known for its "dust"?
Spring Mountain
Coombsville
Oakville
Rutherford
Which Napa Valley winery was the first winery in California to offer public tours and wine tastings following the repeal of Prohibition?
Beringer Vineyards
Charles Krug
Inglenook
Spring Mountain Vineyard
What is the inspiration behind the iconic Castello di Amorosa?
Neuschwanstein Castle
Medieval Tuscan Castles
Buckingham Palace
Vatican City
The Tavel AOC in the Rhône Valley produces which type of wine?
Rosé
Dessert
Sparkling
White
Fleurie and Chiroubles are two sub-regions in which larger wine-growing region?
Beaujolais
Provence
Stellenbosch
Alsace
Which term refers to all sparkling wines in France grown outside of Champagne that are produced by the méthode classique?
Franciacorta
Crémant
Prosecco
Cava
Who or what are Huxelrebe and Bacchus?
Inventors of the pneumatic press
Grape varietals
Swiss wines
Austrian wine regions
Which of the following AVAs is NOT located in Napa Valley?
Moon Mountain
Spring Mountain
Howell Mountain
Diamond Mountain
Napa Valley accounts for what percentage of the total grape harvest in California?
17
38
4
55
Which varietal is not grown in the Alsace wine region?
Gewürztraminer
Pinot Noir
Sémillon
Riesling
The Van Duzer Corridor is a relatively new AVA located in which state?
California
Oregon
Michigan
Alaska
Which Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1933 repealed Prohibition, which had been in effect since the adoption of the 18th Amendment in 1919?
21st Amendment
19th Amendment
20th Amendment
22nd Amendment
Goldeneye, a prominent producer of California Pinot Noir, is located in which AVA?
Adelaida District
Creston District
Anderson Valley
Alexander Valley
Marlborough is the largest and most well-known wine growing region in which country?
England
New Zealand
South Africa
Australia
What soil in Bordeaux is most suitable for Cabernet Sauvignon?
Clay
Sandy/Silt
Gravel
Granite
The Arroyo Seco, San Bernabe, and San Lucas AVAs all fall within which larger California AVA?
Santa Barbara
Anderson Valley
Temecula
Monterey
Sweetness in a wine is due to which factor?
Aromas of fruit
Residual sugar
Aromas of earth
Elevated acidity
The first commercial winery in California was founded in which present-day AVA?
Paso Robles
Sonoma Valley
Calistoga
Anderson Valley
Which winery did Agoston Haraszthy, considered the father of the California wine industry, found in 1857?
Freemark Abbey
Chateau Montelena
Spring Mountain Vineyard
Buena Vista
Which winery owns the longest continually-operating vineyard in California?
Inglenook
Charles Krug
Beringer Vineyards
Schramsberg
Which grape is the major varietal used to produce wine in the Pomerol sub-region of Bordeaux?
Petit Verdot
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Banyuls is a sweet, fortified wine from which country and varietal?
France, Grenache
Spain, Pedro Ximenez
Spain, Palomino
France, Muscat
Recioto is an Italian word referring to which type of wine?
Late-harvest grapes
Dried grapes
Frozen grapes
Botrytis-affected grapes
In which year did V. Sattui Winery finally reopen after shutting down due to Prohibition?
1976
1977
1975
1928
As of 2020, how many women have earned the title of Master Sommelier as part of the Americas chapter?
14
36
28
22
What does Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA) indicate on a bottle of German wine?
Botrytis-affected grapes
Aged
Sparkling
Fortified
Which style of Port is simple, inexpensive, and considered a house brand?
LBV
Ruby
Tawny
Vintage
At least what percentage of a grape must go into a bottle of California wine for it to carry the name of that varietal?
75
85
70
80
In which country is the Dundee Hills wine-growing region located?
New Zealand
Australia
South Africa
United States
Legendary winemaker Heidi Barrett became a world-wide star beginning with the 1992 vintage from which winery?
Sine Qua Non
Colgin Cellars
Harlan Estate
Screaming Eagle
Tokaji Aszú is a sweet wine from which country?
France
Germany
Slovenia
Hungary
Which varietal is NOT one of the four varietals permitted to be planted in Alsace Grand Cru AOCs?
Riesling
Merlot
Muscat
Pinot Gris
Which country is generally acknowledged to be the birthplace of wine?
France
England
Romania
Georgia
Which town, and AVA of the same name, is located in the very northern part of Napa Valley?
Calistoga
Yountville
Rutherford
Oakville
The Vouvray AOC lies within which larger wine-producing region?
Provence
Alsace
Loire Valley
Champagne
Which of the following wines is made by the Appassimento Process?
Barolo
Amarone
Prosecco
Soave
The Fort Ross-Seaview AVA is located in which larger California wine region?
Central Coast
Paso Robles
Sonoma County
Napa Valley
Which winery in the Duckhorn Portfolio is devoted exclusively to making Napa Valley blends?
Paraduxx
Calera
Decoy
Migration
Why does the Barossa Valley in Australia have many vines that are over a century old?
Proximity to the ocean
Absence of phylloxera
Careful planting
Shiraz prefers older vines
The Paso Robles AVA is well-known for producing a blend of which varietals?
Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Grenach, Syrah, Mourvèdre
Merlot, Petite Sirah
Zinfandel, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc
Which of these wines is the odd-one-out?
Sherry
Barolo
Banyuls
Port
In 2014, Dwayne Wade teamed up with which iconic Napa Valley winemaker to launch Wade Cellars?
Heidi Barrett
Mike Grgich
Cathy Corison
Jayson Pahlmeyer
In 1998, Cabernet Sauvignon surpassed which grape as the most widely planted varietal in California?
Merlot
Zinfandel
Chardonnay
Cabernet Franc
Abrau-Dyurso is a major sparkling wine producer in which country?
Russia
Hungary
Georgia
Austria
As of 2020, about how many brands are in the E & J Gallo Winery portfolio?
60
100
45
30
Which section of Burgundy lies closest to Champagne?
Chablis
Côte Chalonnaise
Côte d Or
Beaujolais
Which process involves the punching down of grapes that have risen to the top of the fermentation vat?
Stompage
Pigéage
Capping
Stamping
What is the name of the mountain range that protects Alsace?
Vosges
Pyrenees
Massif Central
Alps
Rioja is a type of wine from Spain, but to what exactly does Rioja refer?
A Spanish wine-growing region
A wine producer
A grape varietal
A Spanish word meaning "King of Wines"
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Which of these wineries did NOT have its wine featured in the 1976 Judgment of Paris?
Despite its status as the "oldest continually operating winery in the Napa Valley, storied history, and phenomenal wines, a wine from Beringer Vineyards was not featured in the Judgment of Paris. Red wines from Clos Du Val and Freemark Abbey, and a white wine from Spring Mountain Vineyard were selected for the competition.
How many sub-AVAs are contained within the Napa Valley AVA?
The Napa Valley AVA, which was established in 1981, contains 16 sub-AVAs. The most recently created sub-AVA is Coombsville, which was established in December of 2011.
Which varietal is the most widely planted grape in Napa Valley?
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted varietal in Napa Valley, accounting for 51% of the planted acreage (24,045 acres). Chardonnay comes in a distant second at 19% (6,130 acres).
Napa Valley accounts for what percentage of the total grape harvest in California?
Despite its prominent place in the wine world, Napa Valley accounts for only 4% of the total grape Harvest in California and just 0.4% of global wine production!
Which of these labels does NOT fall under the umbrella of the Duckhorn Wine Company?
The Duckhorn Wine Group does not own Swanson Vineyards. It does have Duckhorn Vineyards, Paraduxx, Goldeneye, Migration, Decoy, Canvasback, and Calera under its umbrella.
Which letter did the 1945 vintage of Château Mouton Rothschild feature prominently atop its label?
The 1945 label of Château Mouton Rothschild featured the letter "V" for "victory" and the end of World War II.
How many "crus" for the wines of Médoc Bordeaux did the Official Classification of 1855 establish?
The classifcation ranked the top Médoc wines according to price (directly correlated to quality at the time) and split them into five distinctive "crus".
Which château, originally classified as deuxième cru, was elevated to premier cru in 1973?
After assuming control of the vineyard in 1920, Baron Philippe de Rothschild refused to accept the second-growth classification and fought for years to elevate the status of the vineyard. That change finally came 53 years later!
Which Médoc commune boasts the most first-growth classifications?
Pauillac has the most first-growths at three but also the most fifth-growths at 12! Graves has one first-growth, while Haut-Médoc and St-Julien have none.
Which grape is the major varietal used to produce wine in the Pomerol sub-region of Bordeaux?
Merlot is the major grape used to produce wine in the Pomerol sub-region, and very little Cabernet Sauvignon actually goes into these wines.
Which mountain range stands between the Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley AVAs?
The Mayacamas Mountains run North-South in between the two AVAs with Sonoma Valley to the West and Napa Valley to the East.
At least what percentage of a grape must go into a bottle of California wine for it to carry the name of that varietal?
California wines must consist of at least 75% of a single varietal in order for the bottle to carry the name of that varietal.
Which country is generally acknowledged to be the birthplace of wine?
Archaeologist have traced the first known wine creation back to the people of the South Caucasus (present-day Georgia) around 6,000 BCE.
Rioja is a type of wine from Spain, but to what exactly does Rioja refer?
Rioja is a wine-growing region located in northern Spain with DOCa status.
All French Chablis consists of 100% of which grape?
Chablis, which lies in the northernmost area in Burgundy, produces only white wine out of 100% Chardonnay.
Chianti hails from which wine-growing region of Italy?
Chianti is a wine region of Tuscany and also the most well-known of all its wines.
What does the abbreviation "LBV" mean on a bottle of Port?
LBV stands for "Late Bottled Vintage", which refers to Port that is left in the barrel longer, originally due to lack of demand.
Where is the Temecula Valley wine-growing region located?
The Temecula Valley AVA, established in 1984, is located in southwestern Riverside County in California.
Which of these wines is the odd-one-out?
Banyuls, Port, and Sherry are all fortified desert wines, whereas Barolo is a red DOCG wine from the Piedmont wine-growing region of Italy.
The Paso Robles AVA is well-known for producing a blend of which varietals?
The Paso Robles AVA is known for producing the "GSM" wines that originated in the Rhône Valley wine region of France.
What is the most common bottle size for distributed wine?
Wine is most commonly distributed in 750mL bottles that vary in shapes.
Where is the Finger Lakes AVA located?
The Finger Lakes AVA is located in western part of Upstate New York, south of Lake Ontario.
Which classification of Prädikatswein below is made from the ripest grapes?
Beerenauslese, meaning "berry select harvest", refers to wine made from grapes that are basically raisinated noble rot grapes.
Which type of wine is made from frozen grapes?
Eiswein, meaning "ice wine" in German, refers to wine made with grapes that have frozen on the vine and are pressed frozen as well.
Where are the Clare Valley and Margaret River wine-growing regions located?
The Clare Valley wine region is located in Southern Australia, and the Margaret River wine region is located in Western Australia.
In which larger wine region is the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC located?
The Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC is located in the Rhône Valley wine-growing region in the southeastern part of France.
In which country is the Mosel wine region located?
The Mosel wine region is one of 13 Weinbaugebiete in Germany.
In which country is the Maipo Valley wine region located?
The Maipo Valley wine-growing region is located in central Chile.
For which type of wine is the Côte de Nuits AOC most famous?
The Côte de Nuits is located in Burgundy and produces some of the most famous and expensive Pinot Noir in the world.
Pinotage refers to a cross between Pinot Noir and which other varietal?
Pinotage is the signature grape of South Africa and is a cross between Cinsaut and Pinot Noir.
To what do the names Jerobaum, Nebuchadnezar, and Salmanazar refer?
Jerobaum, Nebuchadnezar, and Salmanazar were all biblical kings.
Montagne de Reims is a sub-region of which major French wine-growing region?
Montagne de Reims lies within the Champagne AOC and produces many of the dark-skinned grapes used in the wines of that region.
The Hawkes Bay wine region is located in which country?
Hawkes Bay is the oldest wine region in New Zealand and ranks second in production.
What is the more common term that refers to the presence of trichloroanisole.
Trichloroanisole is more commonly known as cork taint.
Who or what are Huxelrebe and Bacchus?
Huxelrebe and Bacchus are white grapes typically found in Germany.
Steen is another name for which varietal?
Steen is how Chenin Blanc is commonly called in South Africa.
From which ingredient did Vermouth derive its name?
The name "Vermouth" is the French pronunciation of the German word "Wermut", which means wormwood - an ingredient in that type of wine.
Which country produces sparkling wines labelled Cap Classique.
Cap Classique wines are a premium category of sparkling wines from South Africa.
Fleurie and Chiroubles are two sub-regions in which larger wine-growing region?
Fleurie and Chiroubles are both located within the larger Beaujolais AOC in southern Burgundy.
Which of these wines is not a real wine?
While Opitz One is in fact a real wine, made by Willie Opitz, Roman E. Conti is not a real homage to the famous Burgundy wine. Nine Popes is a Châteauneuf-du-Pape-style wine, and Starboard is a Port.
What gives the Greek white wine Retsina its distinctive flavor?
Retsina derives its distinctive flavor from the addition of pine resin, which was originally used as a sealant before the invention of impermeable glass bottles.
The Vouvray AOC lies within which larger wine-producing region?
The Vouvray AOC is located just east of the city of Tours in the Loire Valley.
What is Phylloxera?
Phylloxera is a microscopic louse or aphid, that lives on and eats roots of grapes.
The Alavesa, Alta, and Baja sub-regions make up which larger wine region?
The Rioja wine region in Spain is subdivided into three zones: Alavesa, Alta, and Baja (also called Oriental).
How much wine does a 'Demi' bottle hold?
A 'Demi', which means half in French, holds 375mL of wine, half that of a regular 750mL bottle.
A 'Magnum' is equivalent to how many regular bottles of wine?
A 'Magnum' holds 1.5L of wine, twice that of a regular 750mL bottle.
To what does the Portuguese term 'Quinta' refer?
The word 'quinta' translates to estate and thus refers to a winemaking estate in Portugal.
Which term refers to the addition of sugar prior to fermentation?
Chaptalization, named after creator Jean Antoine Chaptal, is where sucrose is added to grape juice prior to fermentation to achieve a higher level of potential alcohol.
Bubbles of which gas put the sparkle in sparkling wine?
Carbon dioxide, a byproduct of fermentation, fills the bubbles of sparkling wine.
Which varietal is not grown in the Alsace wine region?
Many varietals, notably Gewürztraminer and Riesling, are produced in Alsace, but not Sémillon.
Which varietal is the most widely planted varietal in Germany?
Riesling is the most widely planted varietal in Germany and accounts for about one fifth of the total planted area.
Spätburgunder is the German term for which varietal?
Pinot Noir is called Spätburgunder in Germany, which translates literally to "Late Burgundian".
If a German wine label lists the varietal and/or vintage, then that varietal and/or vintage must compose at least how much of the wine?
German law stipulates that a wine must consist of at least 85% of a varietal and/or vintage for the label to give the varietal and/or vintage.
The Tavel AOC in the Rhône Valley produces which type of wine?
The Tavel AOC produces only Rosé wines. These wines stand out from other Rosés due to their unusual dryness.
Which three sub-AVAs are part of the larger Napa Valley AVA?
Chiles Valley, Diamond Mountain, and Spring Mountain are all AVAs within the larger Napa Valley AVA.
The Arroyo Seco, San Bernabe, and San Lucas AVAs all fall within which larger California AVA?
The Arroyo Seco, San Bernabe, and San Lucas AVAs are all part of the larger Monterey AVA in California.
The Fort Ross-Seaview AVA is located in which larger California wine region?
The Fort Ross-Seaview AVA is located in the western part of Sonoma County.
For which AOC in Burgundy does white wine account for only around 1% of total production?
White wine accounts for only about 1% of total production in Beaujolais, which primarily grows Gamay.
The Walla Walla Valley wine-growing region is located in which country?
The Walla Walla Valley AVA is located in the southeastern part of Washington in the United States.
More than 70% of wineries in Oregon are located in which valley?
The Willamette Valley, which is located on the 45th Parallel like Burgundy, holds more than 70% of wineries in Oregon.
Which varietal accounts for more than 50% of the vineyard acreage in Oregon?
More than half of the vineyards in Oregon are planted with Pinot Noir. The Willamette Valley and Burgundy are both located at 45 degrees North latitude.
Which two AVAs encompass parts of Oregon as well as Washington?
The Columbia Valley and Walla Walla Valley AVAs fall within both Oregon and Washington.
Which wine region in France has the most appellations d'origine contrôlée (AOCs)?
Burgundy has 84 AOCs and accounts for roughly 23% of all French wine AOCs.
Which AVA is the southernmost district in the Napa Valley wine region?
Los Carneros, known for its cooler climate and Pinot Noir, is the southernmost AVA in the Napa Valley wine region.
Which "cult wine" producer is NOT located in Napa Valley?
Sina Qua Non is located in Southern California in Ventura County.
Red wine in the Beaujolais AOC is made entirely from which varietal?
The red wines of Beaujolais are made entirely from Gamay, which is all picked by hand.
In which country is the Dundee Hills wine-growing region located?
The Dundee Hills AVA is located within the larger Willamette Valley AVA in Oregon in the United States.
The International Pinot Noir Celebration, one of the great wine festivals in the United States, is held in which state?
The International Pinot Noir Festival has been held in Oregon since 1987.
Val Verde Winery, which has been in operation since 1883, is the oldest winery in which state?
Val Verde Winery is the oldest winery in Texas, where missionaries planted to the vineyard in 1662.
Stone Hill Winery, established in 1847, is the oldest winery in which state?
Stone Hill Winery is the oldest winery in Missouri, where grapes were first planted in the early 1800s and used to rank second in production behind New York (before California started making wine!).
The Chiles Valley AVA is one district in which larger wine-growing region?
The Chiles Valley AVA, nestled in the Vaca Mountains and established in 1999, is part of the larger Napa Valley AVA
Abrau-Dyurso is a major sparkling wine producer in which country?
Abrau-Dyurso, established in 1870 by decree of Tsar Alexander II, is a sparkling wine producer located in Southern Russia, near the Black Sea.
The Saperavi grape is one of the prominent varietals used to make wine in which country?
Saperavi, a hardy varietal that can withstand extremely cold weather and does well at altitude, is native to Georgia and used in many of the wines produced there.
Which country accounts for over 75% of the global production of Malbec wine?
Argentina accounts for over 75% of all Malbec wines, which originated in South West France, produced around the globe.
DNA testing showed that which varietal was identical to Primitivo in Puglia, Italy and Tribidrag in Croatia?
The origin of Zinfandel remained one of the most enduring mysteries in wine until DNA testing showed that it was identical to Primitivo and Tribidrag.
Which varietal is the second-most planted in Italy and commonly labeled "d'Abruzzo"?
Montepulciano is the second-most widely planted grape in Italy and the majority of wines made from this varietal come from Abruzzo.
Which varietal is commonly known by the names of its two top regions, Barolo and Barbaresco?
The Barolo and Barbaresco wine-growing regions in Italy are famous for their wines made from Nebbiolo.
Which famous wine forger, also known as Dr. Conti, was arrested in 2012 and received 10 years in federal prison for his crimes?
Rudy Kurniawan, one of whose nicknames was Dr. Conti, was arrested for his large-scale wine fraud operation in 2012 and has been in federal prison in Texas for the past several years.
Which famous wine merchant organized the 1976 wine competition now known as "The Judgment of Paris"?
English wine merchant Steven Spurrier organized the competition now known as "The Judgment of Paris", in which the best wines of California triumphed over the best wines of France.
In 1998, Cabernet Sauvignon surpassed which grape as the most widely planted varietal in California?
Until 1998, Zinfandel was the most widely planted grape in California, due in part to the popularity of white Zinfandel wine.
Which Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1933 repealed Prohibition, which had been in effect since the adoption of the 18th Amendment in 1919?
The 21st Amendment repealed Prohibition in the United States. Despite the repeal, several states remained "dry" for the next few decades.
Which of the below Napa Valley producers is not known for their sparkling wine?
Swanson Vineyards, established in 1985, is known for its Pinot Grigio, Merlot and Alexis Cabernet Sauvignon.
Which pioneering California winemaker coined the term Fumé Blanc in 1968 as a marketing ploy for his Sauvignon Blanc, an unpopular varietal at the time.
Robert Mondavi coined the term Fumé Blanc in 1968 to market his Sauvignon Blanc, which was a success. The term is still in use today, especially in California.
Opus One Winery was founded as a joint venture between Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe of which famous, historic European banking family?
Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild of of Château Mouton Rothschild founded Opus One Winery as a joint venture in 1978.
Shiraz is a marketing term in Australia and South Africa for which varietal?
Shiraz is a marketing term for Syrah in Australia and South Africa. Penfolds Grange is perhaps the most famous example of a Shiraz wine.
Shiraz, now a marketing term for Syrah in Australia and South Africa, was the wine capital of which country for many centuries?
Shiraz was the wine capital of Iran for many centuries. Until the Islamic Revolution in 1979, there were over 300 wineries in Iran.
Grange is a cult wine made by which Australian producer?
Penfolds Grange is the most famous wine in Australia and is made predominantly from Syrah with a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon.
The famed Screaming Eagle Winery and Vineyards is located in which Napa Valley AVA?
Screaming Eagle Winery and Vineyards is located in the Oakville AVA in the central part of Napa Valley.
The United States is currently the fourth largest wine producer in the world behind which three countries?
The United States ranks fourth in wine production behind France, Italy, and Spain.
The Court of Master Sommeliers has how many stages of certification?
The Court of Master Sommeliers has four levels of certification: Introductory, Certified Sommelier, Advanced Sommelier, and Master Sommelier.
WSET is the acronym for which organization?
WSET stands for the Wine and Spirit Education Trust, which provides education and administers exams on wine and spirits around the globe.
Which winery straddles both Napa and Sonoma Counties?
Pride Mountain Vineyards straddles both Napa and Sonoma Counties atop the Mayacamas Ridge.
Which Napa Valley producer specializes in Zinfandel, making over 15 red wines from the varietal, including its flagship "Black Chicken"?
Robert Biale Vineyards specializes in Zinfandel, sourcing grapes from its properties and many others in Napa Valley and Sonoma County.
Which winery in the Duckhorn Portfolio is devoted exclusively to making Napa Valley blends?
Dan and Margaret Duckhorn founded Paraduxx in 1994 as the only Napa Valley winery devoted exclusively to making Napa Valley blends.
The Napa Valley sparkling wine producer Domaine Carneros was founded by which well-known noble family from Champagne?
Claude Taittinger founded Domaine Carneros in the late 1980s to produce a quintessential California expression of the Taittinger style of sparkling wine.
Which wine-producing region in California became the first AVA in the state in 1983?
Napa Valley was named an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 1983, becoming the first California AVA.
The Tokaj wine region is located in which two countries?
The Tokaj wine region is primarily located in Hungary but extends into southeastern Slovakia.
Botrytized wines are produced using grapes infested with which organism?
Botrytized wines use grapes infected with noble rot to produce fine, concentrated sweet wines.
Malic acid is converted into milder lactic acid through which process?
Malolactic fermentation is the process by which tart malic acid, present in grape must, is converted into milder-tasting lactic acid.
Which varietal is the primary grape grown in New Zealand
New Zealand is most well known for its Sauvignon Blanc, which comprises around 60% of the total vineyard acreage in the country.
Marlborough is the largest and most well-known wine growing region in which country?
Marlborough, located on the northern tip of the South Island of New Zealand, is the largest wine region in the country, accounting for 70% of vineyard area and 85% of wine exports.
Brix is a measure of which dissolved substance in wine?
Brix is a measure of the sugar content of a wine, with one degree equivalent to 1 gram of sucrose in 100 grams of the solution.
Which chemical compound is the main preservative used in winemaking?
Sulfur dioxide is the main preservative used in winemaking and serves as both an antimicrobial agent and an antioxidant.
Which country produces the most corks for wine bottles?
Portugal is home to just above one third of cork forests in the world and produces about half of all corks used in wine bottles.
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is a famous estate located in which wine-growing region of France.
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is located in Burgundy and produces some of the most sought-after (and expensive) wine in the world.
The Russian River Valley AVA is located in which larger wine-growing region?
The Russian River Valley AVA is located within the Sonoma County wine region of California, roughly between Santa Rosa in the south and Healdsburg in the north.
Which varietal is the most commonly planted grape in the Sierra Foothills AVA of California?
Zinfandel is the most commonly planted varietal in the Sierra Foothills AVA, accounting for roughly 40% of the total vineyard acreage in the region.
Which two varietals are the most commonly planted grapes in the Russian River Valley AVA within the larger Sonoma County wine region?
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the most widely planted grapes in the Russian River Valley AVA, accounting for roughly 40% and 30%, respectively, of the total acreage in that region.
In 2017, Wine Spectator named the 2014 Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot from which iconic vineyard as Wine of the Year?
Wine Spectator named the 2014 Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot Three Palms Vineyard, so named for its three iconic palm trees, as Wine of the Year.
Stellenbosch is perhaps the most well-known wine region in which country?
Stellenbosch is perhaps the most well-known wine region of South Africa and accounts for roughly 15% of the total wine production in the country.
Which process involves the punching down of grapes that have risen to the top of the fermentation vat?
Pigéage, which is French for "punching down", is the process whereby grapes floating at the top of the fermentation vessel are punched down repeatedly to extract more flavor, color, and tannin.
Which term refers to the combination of weather, soil conditions, time of harvest, etc.?
Terroir refers to the combination of factors such as the weather, soil conditions, and so forth, that determine the quality of the grapes used for wine.
Which term refers to an unintentional stoppage of fermentation?
Stuck fermentation refers to the unintentional stoppage of fermentation that occurs when the yeast becomes dormant before the process is complete.
Which yeast is most commonly associated with winemaking?
Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Latin for "beer yeast", is used most commonly in winemaking, given its predictability and tolerance of factors such as higher alcohol content.
Which term refers to the entire process of turning grapes into wine?
Vinification refers to the entire process of turning grapes into wine, from the selection of the grapes through the bottling of the finished wine.
Which of the following AVAs is located in Sonoma County?
The Alexander Valley AVA is located in the northeastern part of Sonoma County.
Which of the following areas is NOT one of the four major wine-growing regions of Austria?
The four major wine-growing regions of Austria are Burgenland, Niederösterreich, Styria, and Wien.
How are the very best vineyards in the Côte d'Or designated?
The very top vineyards in the Côte d'Or, located in the northern part of Burgundy, are designated as Grand Crus.
Which term refers to French wine merchants who buy grapes and/or wines for blending and bottling under their own labels?
Négociants buy grapes and/or finished wines for blending and bottling under their own labels.
Which Italian word refers to sparkling wine?
Spumante refers to Italian sparkling wine that contains at least 3 atmospheres of pressure, whereas Frizzante refers to semi-sparkling wine with 1 and 2.5 atmospheres of pressure.
In which country is the Okanagan Valley wine region located?
The Okanagan Valley wine region is located in British Columbia, the westernmost province of Canada.
Which term denotes a sparkling wine that is made entirely from black grapes?
Blanc de noirs, French for "white of blacks", refers to sparkling wine that is made entirely of black grapes.
Champagne wine regulations limit producers to using a maximum of how much of the harvest of a particular year for vintage Champagne?
Champagne houses that make both vintage and non-vintage wine are not permitted to use more than 80% of the total harvest of any particular year for vintage Champagne in order to ensure consistency in the non-vintage wines.
What is the name of the mountain range that protects Alsace?
The Vosges Mountains protect Alsace from the harsh, rainy weather coming from Northern France and the Atlantic.
Which river flows to the east of Alsace?
Alsace lies between the Vosges Mountains to the west and the Rhine River to the east.
What does a rain shadow provide?
A rain shadow is a dry area on the leeward side of a mountainous area that blocks the passage of rain-producing weather and cast a "shadow" of dryness.
What type of wine is Crémant d Alsace?
Crémant d Alsace is sparkling wine that is made by the méthode traditionnelle and usually from a blend of grapes.
If a wine from Alsace is labeled by the varietal, how much of that grape must it contain?
Alsatian wines labeled by varietal must be made entirely from that varietal.
Which varietal is NOT one of the four varietals permitted to be planted in Alsace Grand Cru AOCs?
The four grape varieties allowed to be planted in Alsace Grand Cru AOCs are Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Pinot Gris, and Riesling.
Tuffeau is an important soil type in which area of the Loire Valley?
Tuffeau, which is a soft limestone soil, is an important soil in the Touraine area of the Loire Valley.
Tokaji Aszú is a sweet wine from which country?
Tokaji Aszú is a sweet wine from Hungary that is made mostly of Furmint grapes.
What is the main varietal used to make Tokaji Aszú?
Tokaji Aszú, a sweet wine from Hungary, is made primarily from Furmint.
Bonnezeaux is a famous botrytis-affected sweet wine from which wine region?
Bonnezeaux is a famous botrytis-affected sweet wine from the Loire Valley in France.
Which two countries are famous for Icewine production?
Canada and Germany are both famous for their production of Icewine (Eiswein).
Recioto is an Italian word referring to which type of wine?
Recioto or Passito are the Italian words most often seen on labels to indicated grapes that were dried.
What does Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA) indicate on a bottle of German wine?
Trockenbeerenauslese refers to a medium- to full-bodied German dessert wine that is made from botrytis-affected grapes.
Which of the following wines is matured under a layer of Flor?
Fino Sherry is matured under a layer of Flor, which is a film of yeast that grows on the surface of the aging wine and acts like a protective blanket against oxidation and spoilage.
A solera is used for which part of the vinification process?
A solera is used in the maturation of Sherry, whereby young wines are progressively blended together with older wines in a series of barrels.
Which style of Port is simple, inexpensive, and considered a house brand?
Ruby Port is a house wine of each lodge made from multiple vintages and vineyards, and was created to be an inexpensive, consistent house style or brand.
Banyuls is a sweet, fortified wine from which country and varietal?
Banyuls is a sweet, fortified wine made in Roussillon, France from Grenache.
Tannin comes from which part of the grape?
Tannin, which is sensed as astringency or bitterness, comes primarily from the skin - and sometimes the seeds - of the grape and is present in all red wines.
How is alcohol sensed in a wine?
When evaluating a wine, the alcohol element is sensed as heat in the nose, throat, and chest.
Sweetness in a wine is due to which factor?
Residual sugar, which is the sugar content remaining after fermentation, gives a wine its sweetness, or lack thereof.
Which element would lead a wine to be hazy or cloudy?
The presence of sediment in a wine can lead it to be hazy or cloudy.
Which of the following wines is a classic pairing with Stilton?
Port and Stilton are a classic food and wine pairing, with the salty cheese contrasting with the sweet wine.
Which of the following descriptors potentially indicates the use of oak in a wine?
Dried baking spices such as cinnamon, clove, allspice, and nutmeg potentially indicate the use of oak in a wine.
Which of the following does NOT potentially add flavor to wine?
Malolactic fermentation does not impart flavor on red wines but can impart buttery flavors and a creamy texture on white wines.
Carbonic maceration is most closely associated with which region in France?
Carbonic maceration is historically associated most closely with the Beaujolais region of Burgundy.
Which process in winemaking causes tartrate crystals to precipitate out of the wine at very low temperature?
Cold stabilization is a fining method whereby the wine is cooled to a very low temperature, which causes tartrate crystals to form and precipitate out of the wine.
Which term denotes yeast cells that expire after fermentation and settle at the bottom of the vessel?
The dead yeast that accumulates at the bottom of a vessel after fermentation is known as lees.
Who is credited with importing European vinifera vines to California?
In the mid-1850s, Agoston Haraszthy, a Hungarian fur trader, saw the potential of Sonoma in particular and is considered the father of the California wine industry.
Which winery did Agoston Haraszthy, considered the father of the California wine industry, found in 1857?
Agoston Haraszthy founded Buena Vista winery in Sonoma in 1857.
Which governmental body in the United States controls the production and sale of beverage alcohol ?
The Tax and Trade Bureau regulates all federal beverage alcohol laws in the United States, including the establishment and boundaries of American wine regions.
The first commercial winery in California was founded in which present-day AVA?
Buena Vista winery, considered the first commercial winery in California, was founded in 1857 in what is now the Sonoma Valley AVA.
The first American Viticultural Area (AVA) was established in which state?
The first AVAs were named in the early 1980s, beginning with Augusta, Missouri in 1980 and then Napa Valley in 1981.
What dealt a major blow to the burgeoning California wine industry in the 1880s and 1890s?
The phylloxera vine louse made its way from European vineyards to California and devastated the young wine industry there in the 1880s and 1890s.
Which AVA lies in both Napa and Solano Counties?
The Wild Horse Valley AVA, located in the southeast of the Napa Valley AVA, also extends into Solano County to the east.
The Anderson Valley AVA is perhaps most well-known for which style of wine?
The Anderson Valley AVA in Mendocino County is well-known for its traditional-method sparkling wines.
Which California AVA is located between Monterey and Santa Barbara?
The Paso Robles AVA is located in San Luis Obispo County, which lies between Monterey and Santa Barbara in the broader Central Coast wine region.
Which varietal is the predominate grape planted in the Lake Erie AVA?
The Lake Erie AVA, located in New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, is predominately planted with the Concord grape varietal.
Which wine-growing region in Australia is famous for its Terra Rossa soil?
The Coonawarra GI (Geographical Indication), located within the larger South Australia GI, is famous for its Terra Rossa soil.
The Clare Valley and the Eden Valley are most noted for which style of wine?
The Clare Valley and Eden Valley GIs in South Australia are most known for their production of dry Riesling.
Sparkling wine production thrives in Victoria due to which factor?
Victoria has a broad range of climates but sparkling wine production thrives in the Yarra Valley GI in particular due to the cooling influence of the ocean.
Why does the Barossa Valley in Australia have many vines that are over a century old?
The Barosso Valley GI in the larger South Australia GI boasts many vines over 100 years old because phylloxera has been prevented from reaching this area.
Which of the following wines is made by the Appassimento Process?
Amarone is made with the Appassimento Process, in which grapes are harvested and dried for several weeks and the wines fermented dry or off-dry.
What is the main grape varietal of the Morgon AOC?
The Morgan AOC is one of the ten Beaujolais Crus, which only produce red wines from the Gamay grape.
Which of the following AOCs is NOT a classic region or village for Chardonnay within Burgundy?
The Pommard AOC in the Côte de Beaune produces only red wines made from Pinot Noir.
Which of the following AOCs is designated as a Chablis Grand Cru?
Les Clos is one of the seven designated Grand Crus within the larger Chablis AOC.
The Côte d'Or is broken down into which two main sections?
The Côte d'Or is a 30-mile-long escarpment running north to south and broken down into the Côte de Nuits in the north and the Côte de Beaune in the south.
Which section of Burgundy lies closest to Champagne?
Chablis is located 80 miles north of the Côte d Or and is closer to Champagne than the rest of Burgundy.
What soil in Bordeaux is most suitable for Cabernet Sauvignon?
Gravel soil in Bordeaux is most suitable for Cabernet Sauvignon, particularly in the Médoc, which produces the benchmark wines for that varietal worldwide.
In which AOC of Bordeaux is Château Haut-Brion located?
Château Haut-Brion, one of the five First Growth Châteaux in Bordeaux and the only one outside of the Médoc, is located to the south in Pessac-Léognan.
Which varietal typically dominates the wines of Pomerol?
Merlot typically dominates the wines from Pomerol, as well as Saint-Émilion, on the Right Bank of Bordeaux.
What is the predominant varietal in the sweet wines from Sauternes?
Sémillon is the predominate varietal in the sweet wines from Sauternes in Bordeaux.
Which of the following regions in Bordeaux produces only dry, white AOC wines?
Entre-Deux-Mers, which translates to "land between two seas" and lies between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, produces only dry, white AOC wines.
Which California AVA, known for its Pinot Noir and Sparkling Wine, is also home to an annual Alsatian wine festival?
Wineries in the Anderson Valley AVA of California host an annual Alsatian wine festival to showcase locally produced Riesling and Gewürztraminer wines.
Goldeneye, a prominent producer of California Pinot Noir, is located in which AVA?
Goldeneye, which is part of the Duckhorn Portfolio, is located in the Anderson Valley AVA, about two hours north of San Francisco in Mendocino County.
Which AVA within the broader Napa Valley AVA is known for its "dust"?
The unique terroir of the Rutherford AVA, commonly referred to as "Rutherford dust", lends itself to the renowned Cabernet Sauvignon from the appellation.
Which of the following AVAs is NOT located in Napa Valley?
The Moon Mountain AVA is located in neighboring Sonoma County and shares its eastern border with the Mount Veeder AVA, part of Napa Valley.
The High Valley AVA is located within which larger wine-growing region?
The High Valley AVA is located within the broader Lake County wine-growing region and as its name implies, ranges from 1,600 to 3,000 feet in elevation.
Which of the following varietals is NOT a grape grown in Champagne?
Riesling is not a varietal that is grown in Champagne, where Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier are the primary grapes.
A Champagne labeled Blanc de Blancs is made from which varietal?
A Champagne labeled Blanc de Blancs, which translates to "white from whites", is made entirely from Chardonnay.
Champagne vineyards are best known for which soil type?
Champagne vineyards have limestone and chalk soil, which provides good drainage while also retaining moisture.
Prosecco is made by which method of sparkling wine production?
Prosecco is made using the Charmat/tank method, whereby the base wine undergoes secondary fermentation in the tank, thus bypassing costly riddling and disgorging.
Which of the following DOCG zones is located in Piedmont?
The Barolo DOCG is located in Piedmont, which is in northwestern Italy.
Which term refers to all sparkling wines in France grown outside of Champagne that are produced by the méthode classique?
Crémant refers to all French sparkling wines grown outside of Champagne that are produced by the méthode champenoise, though law requires that the method must be identified on labels as méthode classique.
Which of the following sparkling wines is NOT produced using the Charmat/tank method?
Cava, which is sparkling wine of DO status in Spain, is produced using the traditional Champagne method.
Smaragd is a quality term used in which wine region?
Smaragd is a wine classification term for Wachau dry wines based on ripeness level at harvest and is the term that denotes the highest of three levels of ripeness.
Which varietal is the signature white grape variety of Austria?
Grüner Veltliner is the signature white grape of Austria, with Riesling also being a primary white grape of the country.
Which styles of wine are mainly produced in Austria?
Austrian wines are either very dry or very sweet, as there is no tradition of off-dry styles.
In which DO will you find wines made from the Albariño grape?
Albariño represents 90% of the plantings in the Rías Baixas DO in northwestern Spain.
What are the two DOCa regions of Spain?
Priorat and Rioja are the two DOCa wines of Spain, which represent the top-quality regions of Spain.
Which varietal is the main white grape of Rueda?
Verdejo is the primary white varietal grown in Rueda in the Duero River Valley of Spain.
To what does Gran Reserva on a bottle of Rioja refer?
The labeling Gran Reserva refers to wines that have aged for at least two years in oak and three years in the bottle.
Baixo Corgo is a sub-zone of which wine region?
Baixo Corgo is one of three sub-regions of the Douro DOP and is adjacent to Vinho Verde to the west.
The best vineyards in the Douro DOP are planted on which soil type?
The top vineyards in the Douro DOP are planted in schist soil.
The Santa Ynez Valley AVA is located within which larger wine-growing region?
The Santa Ynez Valley AVA is part of the larger Santa Barbara County wine-growing region and contains the highest concentration of wineries in that area.
What is the primary white grape variety of Argentina?
Torrontés is the primary white grape variety of Argentina, which is the largest wine-producing country in South America.
What is an important feature of the vineyards in the Salta IG?
Vineyards in the Salta IG are planted at high elevation where temperatures are cooler.
Where is the Luján de Cuyo DOC located?
The Luján de Cuyo DOC is an important sub-region of the Mendoza IG in Argentina.
What makes up most of the vineyard plantings in Chile?
Many of the vines in Chile were brought from Bordeaux in the 1800s and today, about 75% of the plantings there are of red grape varieties.
Which varietal in Chile was long mistaken for Merlot?
Carménère was long mistaken for Merlot in Chile, which produces the vast majority of the varietal today.
What is the best-known grape variety produced in the Maipo Valley DO?
Over half of all grapes grown in the Maipo Valley DO in Chile are Cabernet Sauvignon.
Which geographic feature brings cool, moist air and fog to the coastal regions of Chile?
The icy Humboldt ocean current brings cool, moist air and fog to the coastal areas of Chile.
Which of the following wine-growing areas is NOT a sub-region of the Valle Central DO?
Mendoza is located in Argentina and is not a sub-region of the Valle Central DO in Chile.
At least how much of a varietal must a Chilean wine contain for that varietal to be stated on the label?
Chilean wines must contain at least 75% of a varietal to be able to state that varietal on the label.
Which region accounts for more than 80% of all wine production in Chile?
The Central Valley DO (Valle Central DO) stretches southward 200 miles from the suburbs of Santiago and accounts for more than 80% of wine production in Chile.
Which region accounts for more than 40% of wine production in China?
Shandong Province accounts for over 40% of Chinese wine production and is where Changyu, the first modern winery in China, started in 1982.
Domaine de Long Dai is a Chinese wine label owned by which famed French producer?
Château Lafite Rothschild started investing in the Qin Shan Valley in China in 2008 before unveiling Domaine de Long Dai ten years later.
Hebei Province is the third-largest wine-producing region in China and surrounds which major city?
Hebei Province surrounds Beijing in the northeastern part of the country.
The vast majority of wine production in Mexico takes place in which state?
About 85% of wine production in Mexico occurs in Baja California, which has over 150 wineries.
Which prominent sub-region of Baja California is sometimes referred to as the "Napa Valley of Mexico"?
Valle de Guadalupe, also dubbed the "Napa Valley of Mexico", is the foremost wine-producing area in Baja California.
Which country is home to the oldest winery in the Americas?
Mexico is home to Casa Madero, which was founded in 1597 and is the oldest winery in the Americas.
The Van Duzer Corridor is a relatively new AVA located in which state?
The Van Duzer Corridor, which became an AVA in January 2019, is located within the Willamette Valley in Oregon.
Which varietal is the most widely-planted grape in Lodi?
Zinfandel is the most widely-planted varietal in Lodi, and the AVA is known for its old vine Zinfandel.
Which iconic film director purchased the historic Inglenook estate in 1975 and still owns the property today?
Francis and Eleanor Coppola purchased the Inglenook estate in 1975 with profits from the Godfather films.
Which historic Napa Valley figure was the first to plant a vineyard in the area?
George Yount acquired the Mexican land grant Rancho Caymus in 1836 and planted the very first vineyard in the area.
Which of the following Napa Valley AVAs is most associated with Pinot Noir?
Los Carneros, with a cooler climate resulting from its proximity to the San Pablo Bay, is well known for its Pinot Noir.
The famous Windows XP "Bliss" computer background image was taken in which Napa Valley AVA?
The well-known shot of rolling grassy green hills was taken in 1996 in the Los Carneros AVA after removal of several vineyards due to Phylloxera.
In 1996, the Los Carneros AVA in Napa Valley became home to the first plantings of which varietal in the United States?
In 1996, Albariño was first planted in the United States in the Los Carneros AVA of Napa Valley.
When were wine grapes first planted in Napa Valley?
Wild grapes certainly grew in abundance in early Napa Valley, but settler George Calvert Yount was the first to recognize the potential for cultivating wine grapes and began planting grapes there in 1839.
What was the largest crop grown in Napa Valley prior to wine grapes?
The most common crops in Napa Valley were apples, cherries, apricots, peaches, pears, plums, tomatoes, olives, almonds, and walnuts. But mostly they grew prunes. French prunes were introduced in Napa in 1883, and for nearly half of the 20th century, prunes were still the largest fruit crop, second only to grapes.
Napa Valley boasts which type of climate?
Napa Valley enjoys a dry Mediterranean climate, which encompasses only 2% of the Earth’s surface and translates to great consistency from one vintage to the next.
Which winemaker made the first Bordeaux-style blend in Napa Valley?
Joseph Phelps Vineyards debuted the first Bordeaux-style blend in Napa Valley, called Insignia, in 1974.
Which famous Napa Valley winemaker traded his pursuit of a PhD in political science for winemaking after a yearlong academic trip to Italy?
While on a yearlong trip to Italy to study Niccolò Machiavelli, Warren Winiarski became convinced of his passion for winemaking, and not after long, he made the red wine that won the famous 1976 Judgment of Paris for California.
About how many years does the approval process take to be considered a sub-appellation in Napa Valley?
In order to become an approved sub-AVA, a panel of experts must determine that the growing region produces distinct flavors that can only be created by that specific terroir (soil, climate, etc.), a process that typically lasts about 2-3 years.
When visiting Napa Valley, you might see propellers in some vineyards. What are these propellers used for?
The propellers you see in vineyards are used for frost prevention. They’re not for misting or scaring off the birds. Frost is the grape vine’s #1 nemesis, and in the early spring when frost is most prevalent, the propellers help to keep the air moving so it doesn’t have the chance to freeze.
Which rule refers to the percentage of 1) grapes that a wine must contain for the winery to label their wine with a specific varietal, 2) region, and 3) vintage?
This 75-85-95 rule of wine states that a wine must contain at least 75% of a specific grape to be labelled that varietal (i.e. Merlot), 85% grown in a specific region to be labelled by that appellation (i.e. Napa Valley), and 95% grown and harvested in a specific year to be labelled that vintage (i.e. 2010).
As of 2019, what percentage of wineries in Napa Valley are family owned?
95% of Napa Valley wineries are family owned and 67% of Napa Valley wineries produce fewer than 5,000 cases annually.
As of 2019, approximately how many physical wineries are there in Napa Valley?
There are approximately 1,700 registered wineries according to the Alcoholic Beverage Control of California. That doesn't mean all of these registered wineries have physical tasting rooms you can visit. The number of Napa Valley wineries with tasting rooms is approximately 475, with approximately 170 new wineries being registered each year on average since 2015.
According to the Alcoholic Beverage Control of California, how many new wineries are being registered each year on average in Napa Valley since 2015?
According to the ABC, an average of 170 new wineries have been registered each year since 2015. The number is trending up in the last few years. That is a big increase from the number of wineries registered in Napa in the 1980's and 1990's. In the 1980's, an average of 3 new wineries were registered each year in Napa. That number jumped up to 7 wineries per year in the 1990's.
When was the Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve established?
The Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve, established in 1968, was the first of its kind in the United States to set land aside specifically for agriculture.
Who founded the City of Napa?
The City of Napa was founded by Nathan Coombs in 1847.
When was the City of Napa founded?
The City of Napa was founded by Nathan Coombs in 1847.
Eschewing the term "Reserve", how does Spring Mountain Vineyard label their flagship red blend?
Spring Mountain Vineyard calls their premier wine "Elivette", a portmanteau of Eli and Yvette, the parents of the current owner.
Etude Wines is a well-known producer in Napa Valley that specializes in which varietal?
Etude Wines, founded by winemaker Tony Soter in 1982, has built a reputation for crafting exemplary Pinot Noir wines.
The Hess Collection, located above Napa Valley on Mount Veeder, is well known for its high-elevation wines and which other attraction?
The Hess Collection boasts an impressive gallery with free admission that houses the personal art collection of winery founder Donald Hess.
The Kronos Vineyard, farmed by renowned winemaker Cathy Corison, is one of the last of which type of vineyards in Napa Valley?
The Kronos Vineyard is one of the last vineyards in Napa Valley with St. George rootstock, largely abandoned by winemakers in favor of more vigorous and consistent Cabernet Sauvignon rootstocks.
Albert Ahern, Charles Freeman, and Markquand Foster founded which historic Napa Valley winery?
Albert "Abbey" Ahern, Charles Freeman, and Markquand Foster purchased the winery Lombarda Cellars - closed since Prohibition - in 1939, reopened it, and gave it the new name of Freemark Abbey, a combination of their names.
Which Napa Valley winery was the first winery in California to offer public tours and wine tastings following the repeal of Prohibition?
In 1934, Beringer Vineyards became the first winery in California to offer public tours and wine tastings following the passage of the 21st Amendment in late 1933.
Which of the following Duckhorn Wine Company properties is located in Napa Valley?
Paraduxx, which specializes exclusively in Napa Valley blends, is located in the Yountville AVA in Napa Valley.
How many AVAs are California?
There are currently 139 American Viticulture Areas (AVAs) in California wine country.
Before the railroad was established, how did travelers from San Francisco visit Napa Valley?
The railroad was established in 1868. Before that time, travelers used steamboat ferries from San Francisco where tourists and residents were carried to the Valley for days or weekends on leave.
At what elevations can grapes be found growing in Napa Valley?
Vineyards in Napa can be found from sea level all the way to about 2,400 feet. Mount Veeder offers some of the highest vineyards, nearing 2,400 feet.
What is the highest point in Napa County?
Mount St. Helena is the highest point in Napa County with 5 peaks in a sort of "M" shape. One peak is in Sonoma County and another high point falls in Napa County.
Which winery is the oldest in Napa Valley?
Charles Krug is the oldest winery in Napa Valley. The vines were first planted in 1861, and the winery became the first to open its tasting room to the general public back in 1882.
Which winery owns the longest continually-operating vineyard in California?
Although Charles Krug is the oldest winery in Napa Valley, Beringer Vineyards owns the longest continually-operating vineyard. The grapes were planted almost 150 years ago in 1875.
What is the inspiration behind the iconic Castello di Amorosa?
While travelling in Europe, Dario Sattui developed an interest in medieval architecture and fashioned the Castello di Amorosa after Tuscan castles of the 12th and 13th century.
Dario Sattui, fourth-generation vintner of V. Sattui in Napa Valley, also runs which nearby winery with an iconic building?
Castello di Amorosa, with its stunning 13th-century-style Tuscan castle, started as a pet project of Dario Sattui.
Mount Veeder of Napa Valley is part of which mountain range?
Mount Veeder and its AVA are located in the southern part of the Mayacamas Mountains, which line the west side of Napa Valley.
As of 2019, Zinfandel accounts for what percentage of planted acres in Napa Valley?
Zinfandel, once the dominant grape, accounts for only about 3% of planted acres in Napa Valley as of 2019.
Approximately what percentage of Napa Valley is planted to white wine grapes?
As of 2019, approximately 21% of Napa Valley is planted to white wine grapes and 79% to red wine grapes (51% of all plantings are Cabernet Sauvignon).
Which environmental factor moderates summer overnight temperatures to an average of 53ºF throughout Napa Valley?
Fog helps regulate temperatures in Napa Valley, especially during the hot summers, when the day time temperature often reaches highs of 95ºF or hotter.
Which town, and AVA of the same name, is located in the very northern part of Napa Valley?
The town of Calistoga and surrounding AVA are located in the northern tip of Napa Valley.
Who owns Charles Krug Winery?
In 1943, Robert Mondavi persuaded his parents, Cesare and Rosa Mondavi, to purchase the inactive winery for $75,000. Robert Mondavi began his wine career there before founding his own winery in 1966.
Which winery is the largest single-owner winery in Napa?
Set on 600 acres of land, Trefethen is the largest single-owner winery in Napa. It is a family-run business that features wine tours and tastings, including a historical overview of the winery, which has existed since 1886. This vineyard specializes in estate grown wines, which people can sample with flights during their tours.
As of 2020, which wine group is the largest in the United States?
E & J Gallo Winery - 75 million cases sold per year, 2) The Wine Group - 57 million cases sold per year, 3) Constellation Brands - 51 million cases sold per year, 4) Trinchero Family Estates - 19 million cases sold per year.
Which plant is planted near grapevines to detect diseases?
Originally, roses were planted in vineyards as an early warning system. Roses and grapevines typically have the same type of soil and sun requirements. In addition, both are prone to the infestation of a fungus known as powdery mildew.
What is another term for lovers of wine?
An oenophile is someone who loves and appreciates wine.
In which year was Caymus Vineyards founded?
In 1971, Charlie Wagner and his wife Lorna asked their son Chuck, who had just graduated from high school, if he would be interested in starting up a family winery. Chuck accepted the offer, and Caymus Vineyards was born.
How did Jacob Beringer get his start in winemaking in Napa Valley?
Jacob Beringer arrived in California and became cellar foreman for Charles Krug, one of the first commercial winemakers, in 1869. Krug's business was right next to the property that would eventually become Beringer Vineyards.
In which year was V. Sattui Winery founded?
Vittorio Sattui started the business in 1885 after emigrating from Genoa, Italy. Vittorio was forced to shut down when Prohibition went into effect, and the winery would lay dormant until 1976, when Vittorio’s great-grandson, Dario, resurrected the family business.
In which year did V. Sattui Winery finally reopen after shutting down due to Prohibition?
The law-abiding Vittorio was forced to shut down the winery when Prohibition went into effect, and the winery lay dormant until 1976, when his great-grandson, Dario, resurrected the family business in St. Helena, Napa Valley.
Where did Vittorio Sattui emigrate from?
V. Sattui Winery stands today as the result of hard work, dedication, and the extraordinary vision of two men who happen to be related. Vittorio Sattui started the business in 1885 after emigrating from Genoa, Italy. The law-abiding Vittorio was forced to shut down when Prohibition went into effect, and the winery would lay dormant until 1976, when Vittorio’s great-grandson, Dario, would realize his dream of resurrecting the family business in the town of St. Helena in Napa Valley.
From which city in Europe did Napa Valley pioneer Jacob Beringer emigrate?
Jacob Beringer, enticed by the opportunities of the new world, sailed from his home in Mainz, Germany, to New York. However, after hearing that the rocky hillside soil and fertile valley floor resembled that of vineyards back home in Germany, Jacob made his way to the Napa Valley.
In which year was E & J Gallo Winery founded?
Brothers Ernest and Julio Gallo, sons of Italian immigrants who settled in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, opened their business in 1938. 68 years later, Gallo is the largest wine company in America, producing over 75 million cases each year.
Approximately what percentage of wine grapes grown in California does E & J Gallo Winery buy each year?
Gallo purchases over two-thirds of all the wine grapes grown in California annually!
As of 2020, about how many brands are in the E & J Gallo Winery portfolio?
Gallo Wines has more than 45 brands in its portfolio and ships to over 90 countries.
What year was Stag's Leap Winery founded?
Stags Leap Winery was founded in 1893 by Horace Chase and his uncle, W. W. Thompson, on land where grapes had been planted in the 1880s by T.L. Grigsby of nearby Occidental Winery, which is now Regusci Winery.
About what percentage of Chardonnay vines in California trace their genetic roots to a Livermore Valley clone?
Around four-fifths of all Chardonnay vines in California trace their genetic roots back to a clone from Livermore Valley, one of the oldest wine regions in the state.
Who was the first African American to win America’s Best Young Sommelier?
André Hueston Mack (born December 25, 1972) is an American sommelier, winemaker, and author. He is the first African American to win the title of Best Young Sommelier in America (2003), and was the runner-up for the title of Best Sommelier in North America in 2004.
As of 2020, how many people have earned the title of Master Sommelier as part of the Americas chapter?
There are 172 professionals who have earned the title of Master Sommelier as part of the Americas chapter since the organization’s inception. Of those, 144 are men and 28 are women. There are 269 professionals worldwide who have received the title of Master Sommelier since the first Master Sommelier Diploma Exam.
As of 2020, how many women have earned the title of Master Sommelier as part of the Americas chapter?
There are 172 professionals who have earned the title of Master Sommelier as part of the Americas chapter since the organization’s inception. Of those, 144 are men and 28 are women. There are 269 professionals worldwide who have received the title of Master Sommelier since the first Master Sommelier Diploma Exam.
As of 2020, how many African American's have earned the title of Master Sommelier as part of the Americas chapter?
There are 172 professionals who have earned the title of Master Sommelier as part of the Americas chapter since the organization’s inception. Of those, 144 are men and 28 are women and 2 are of African American descent (both men). There are 269 professionals worldwide who have received the title of Master Sommelier since the first Master Sommelier Diploma Exam.
Who was the first African American to earn the title of Master Sommelier as part of the America's chapter?
Thomas Price of Seattle achieved the title in 2012.
As of 2020, which winery is the largest Black-owned winery in the US?
The McBride Sisters, Robin and Andréa, own the largest Black-owned winery in the US. The half-sisters found out about each other in the middle of their lives. Sharing the same father, Kelly McBride, they were united by the efforts of their patrilineal side after he passed away from cancer in 1996.
Which winery was the first Black-owned estate winery in Napa, California?
Brown Estate Vineyards is the first and only Black-owned estate winery in California's Napa Valley (USA), and is best known as one of that region's most well-regarded zinfandel producers.
Which famed sommelier recently had a cameo in the Netflix film Uncorked?
DLynn Proctor recently had a cameo in Uncorked, released in late March 2020 on Netflix.
Dr. Chris Wachira, founder and winemaker at Wachira Wines in Alameda, California, originally hails from which country?
Dr. Chris Wachira was the first Kenyan-born, Californian winemaker, distributor, importer, and exporter.
In 2014, Dwayne Wade teamed up with which iconic Napa Valley winemaker to launch Wade Cellars?
Wade Cellars was born in 2014 after Jayson Pahlmeyer invited Dwyane to witness harvest in the Napa Valley in 2014, sparking the dream in Wade to make a wine of his own.
Bertony Faustin of Abbey Creek Vineyard is the first black vineyard owner and winemaker in which state?
Bertony Faustin, Oregon’s first Black vineyard owner and winemaker, began crafting his Abbey Creek Vineyard wines in 2008.
Intercept Wines from former Oakland Raider Charles Woodson sources grapes from which California region?
Intercept Wines, launched in 2019, sources grapes from Paso Robles and Monterey on the California Central Coast.
Ms. Theodora Lee, a partner and trial lawyer at Littler Mendelson, founded Theopolis Vineyards in 2003 in which California AVA?
Ms. Theodora Lee founded Theopolis Vineyards, a small-lot vineyard and hand-crafted winery located in California’s prestigious Yorkville Highlands of the Anderson Valley in 2003.
Which prominent winemaker fought in a civil war?
Napa Valley legend André Tchelistcheff (1901-1994) fought with the White Army in the Russian Civil from 1918-1921, two decades before he accepted an offer from Georges de Latour to become chief winemaker at Beaulieu Vineyards.
Legendary winemaker Heidi Barrett became a world-wide star beginning with the 1992 vintage from which winery?
Heidi Barrett has been responsible for many cult wines in California during the course of her illustrious career, perhaps most famously Screaming Eagle
Leaderboard
This board serves to broadcast the glory of the top wine geeks out there! Participants in the top three spots every Wednesday at 9pm (PST) will earn 100, 50, and 25 bonus corks, respectively, and receive a huge shout-out from Reservine on Instagram. Cheers and study hard!
Hannah S.
23
Patrick O.
17
Heather U.
8
Dan F.
5
John G.
5
Richard S.
3
Mahi k.
2
Ashwani D.
1