Not long after the initial settlement of Utah by the Mormons, the first wine grapes were planted in the area in the 1860s. Despite some past regulations on wine, the state actually has a large wine industry. The majority of the wineries in the state are located in mountain valleys, often as high as 6,000 feet above sea level. Because of Utah’s dry, cold climate, many grapes are unable to grow in the region, though winemakers still manage to produce both fruit wines and grape wines. Today, the most popular varieties include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling and Muscat Blanc.