Ampersand | Napa Valley Red Wine 2012 / 750 ml.

Napa Valley is California's -- and America's -- most famous and celebrated wine district. Located north of San Francisco, Napa Valley is most famous for its world-class Cabernets and Chardonnays. The region's acclaim officially took off following a 1976 tasting in Paris when renowned judges chose a Napa Chardonnay and Cabernet over top French wines made from the same grapes.

Most wineries in the region produce either a Chardonnay or a Cabernet, and usually it's both. Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel are also grown with success in Napa Valley. You'll likely recognize the names of some of the viticultural areas within Napa Valley, including St. Helena, Stag's Leap and Carneros.

When it comes to US wine production, California is King. California wines account for almost 90% of all wines produced in the United States each year, and is home to the most celebrated vineyards and producers in the country. California is probably best known for its world-famous Cabernets and Chardonnays, many of which hail from its two most-acclaimed AVAs, Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Other prominent grapes used in California wines include Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Zinfandel (which California made popular).