California's Mediterranean climate is similar to Italy's, so the Italian immigrants felt at home and were able to bring their food and culture to this new land.
The California soil was ideal for planting crops Italians were used to growing, such as eggplant, artichokes, broccoli and Sicilian lemons. Italians also brought with them a love of wine as well as a history of making it.
Fonte: Jovina Cooks Italian