Every state in America is home to a highly respected winery that can trace its roots back more than 100 years. American wine producers have even received international recognition for their distinctive contributions to the art of producing wine. Following closely behind the esteemed Napa Valley wineries are commercial wineries in New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Texas, which strive to develop innovative winery practices.

Since many American connoisseurs no longer believe a great wine must be foreign-produced, your business can establish accounts with commercial wineries here in the United States. Dealing with domestic vintners streamlines the wine purchasing process. You'll also be promoting American wines to patrons still clinging to their French and Italian counterparts. Keep a few points in mind as you begin searching for wineries and wine growing information:

1. Raise eyebrows by serving premium wines made at any of the Napa Valley wineries.

2. Branch out from Napa wineries to find innovative wines made in other geographic regions.

3. Consider essential wine growing tips from the experts to start or improve your own winery.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy direct from any of the outstanding California wineries

Few wine aficionados would belittle the monumental contributions that the commercial wineries in California have made to wine making history.

I recommend: Napa Valley Vintners, founded in 1943, brought together experienced vintners from close to 300 wineries in this well-known region of California. Contact this trade group for professional development, contact information and advice on purchasing wines directly from Napa Valley wineries. The Robert Mondavi Winery, perhaps the most famous Napa winery, ships its exceptional wines to every state in the union. The Temecula Valley Wine Growers Association seeks to promote awareness of the excellent winemaking that goes on in Temecula wineries.

Try wines from commercial wineries in other states

Satisfy your patrons' longing for new and exciting wines made in other parts of the United States.

I recommend: All American Wineries, operating out of North Carolina, will help you find vineyards and wineries in states other than California. The New York Wine & Grape Foundation will help you locate wines from the best New York wineries. The Virginia Wine Marketing Office will answer questions about the wine varieties available in that state.

Access information on wine growing

Perhaps you'd like to venture into the wine growing business or you need assistance with the winery you're running. Since wineries and wine connoisseurs love to educate about their art, you'll have no trouble finding advice on what it takes to start and maintain your own vineyard.

I recommend: Professional Friends of Wine, based in California, is comprised of wine merchants, vintners and connoisseurs who want to boost the public's enjoyment for wines with training and education. Contact the California Sustainable Wine Growing Alliance in San Francisco for specifics on how you can determine whether your winery follows environmentally sound cultivating practices.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Take advantage of the free 'green waste' that may be available in nearby towns and cities. If your winery can use this waste as fertilizer, many refuse contractors will spread the waste for you free of charge since they won't need to transfer it to already bulging landfills.