The California wine industry's number one export market is the United Kingdom. So for the fourth year in a row the Napa Valley Vintners Association has hosted a group of British wine writers and trades people. California Heartland's Pat McConahay caught up with them as they tasted Merlots at Sterling Vineyards near Calistoga. The group of 17 sampled eight 1995 Merlots. Merlot is one of the country's up and coming varietals and among those tasted was one from Crichton Hall. Owner Richard Crichton says his native land's growing interest in California wines is due in part to the UK's successful economy. "They're enjoying the good things in life and California wines are part of that. There's a very high recognition of the quality of this state's premium wines," Crichton said. Seagram's, which owns Mum Napa Valley (maker of sparkling wines), was a pioneer in opening up the UK market and is now the largest exporter to that country. "The UK is the most competitive wine market in the world. In selling to the British you have to make sure your product represents a good value for the money," said Jonathan Pey, Seagram's spokesperson. Andrew Williams, who writes for London-based "Drinks International" magazine, says the quality of California wines is higher than it has ever been. "There are some seriously good wines now in California. They stand on par with the best from France, Germany and Italy," Williams said. If you have questions or comments about this story, please E-mail Producer/Reporter Pat McConahay at pmcconah@kvie.org.