The mountain state in western North America with the capital Salt Lake City belonged to Mexico until 1848, was a territory of the USA from 1850 and only became the 45th state in 1896. Around 70% of the population are Mormons. This denomination strictly rejects alcohol consumption, the state has the strictest rules in the United States in this respect (see also under Prohibition). The "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" was founded in 1830 by Joseph Smith (1805-1844). Mormons are strictly forbidden alcohol, nicotine as well as coffee and tea (except for medical reasons). There are countless detailed regulations in this regard.
In restaurants, hard drinks such as whisky or gin may only be served with meals. Bars that want to serve hard drinks without a meal must register with the competent authority as a "private club". Strict rules apply to public consumption of alcohol. Each glass served may only contain 28.3 grams of "premium alcohol" (about 1/4 wine at 13.5% vol.). Each time the bottle is poured, a counting machine records how much went into the glass. The bartender must always make sure that he does not bring a guest the reordered new glass until the old one is empty. Only one glass of alcohol is allowed next to the plate at a time.
There is an extreme steppe climate with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Due to the restrictive laws, viticulture does not play a major role. Hybrids, but also European varieties, are cultivated on the vineyards at altitudes of up to 1,800 metres above sea level. Apart from the fact that state and counties are automatically considered AVA areas, there is no area classified as AVA. Wineries are Castle Creek Winery & Red Cliffs Lodge, La Caille Winery & Vineyards, Native Wines, Spanish Valley Vineyards & Winery and William Cooper Winery.
