North America is a continent that wrote its own wine rules. In a few short decades it went from an afterthought to a place that sets benchmarks — and it's still discovering itself, valley by valley.

California's two faces

Napa Valley made the continent famous with rich, sun-soaked Cabernet Sauvignon, while just over the hills the cooler, coastal reaches of Sonoma turn out elegant Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and old-vine Zinfandel.

The cool north

Oregon's Willamette Valley has become one of the world's great homes for perfumed, food-friendly Pinot Noir. Across the border, British Columbia's Okanagan Valley and New York's Finger Lakes prove that some of the most thrilling wines here are the racy, mineral whites — especially Riesling.

The new frontier

Don't overlook Mexico: the sun-drenched Valle de Guadalupe is making bold, characterful blends that are turning heads. North America's story is one of range — and that's exactly what makes touring it so rewarding.