Pais

Known in California as the Mission grape, Pais was the first wine grape (vitis vinifera) to be planted in the US and in fact—in all of North America. Originally from Spain, where it’s known as Listán Prieto, settlers brought it to Mexico in 1540 and it arrived in California at the Mission San Diego in the late 1700s. Propagated for its use as a sacramental wine, Mission remained important in California until the spread of phylloxera in the 1880s.

Perfect Food Pairings for Pais

Tapas, dolmas, roasted duck, chicken or quail, grilled mushrooms

Sommelier Secret for Pais

In Chile it is called Pais. In Argentina, Pais is known as Criolla Chica.