USA

The Vikings were the first to notice the USA's potential as a wine-producing nation - young Leif Ericsson helmed an expedition of likely lads to the place he named 'Vinland' in around 1000AD. After several bruising encounters with the local Indian population, the Norsemen settled for a draw and loaded a cargo of grapes and timber before sailing for Greenland.

A thousand years later, the USA is making wine from Hawaii to Texas, but most of the decent stuff comes from California.

I remember back in the recession two before the last one, in the early 70s - 'three day week' and all that - that my first trip to California gave me the biggest shot of adrenalin, excitement and get up and go I've ever had. What energy and creativity and money! Sublime AND ridiculous.

Wineries like Disneyland, yet the most amazingly knowledgeable wine consumers in the world. Since then, it went a bit OTT pricewise, but has calmed now. I doubt it will ever be a place for bargains but there are wonderful wines to be had.