Thankfully, there are several half-day and full-day wine country excursions leaving from both San Francisco and Oakland. Getting Around:The easiest way to navigate Wine Country is by car, but being behind the wheel while hopping from tasting to tasting isn't an ideal scenario.Language and Currency: Wine Country is undoubtedly an international destination, though being in California-English is the standard language and the U.S.Spring comes alive with wildflowers and the first sprouting grapes and winter-though often relatively frigid and rainy also sees lesser crowds, offering the opportunity for more intimate tasting experiences. Summer brings the crowds, though it also offers long nights of wine tasting and live music while the fall harvest is a celebration like no other. Best Time to Visit: With its distinct Mediterranean climate and activities that mesh with the seasons, there's never a bad time to visit Wine Country.There are about 20 wineries in this arid region. California’s southernmost region is Temecula Valley, located just northeast of San Diego. This causes fog to extend further inland throughout the county. Unlike most of California Wine Country, valleys in the region run east-west rather than north-south. The cool, wind-swept climate of Santa Barbara County is perfect for Pinot Noir production. The climatic and geologic variations in this large county give rise to many different styles of wine. San Louis Obispo County is one of the most difficult regions to generalize in California Wine Country. Over the past few decades, the local wine industry has been turning heads as well.Īlthough California is mostly known for its northern wine regions, Southern California is starting to break that characterization. Monterey County is best known for its breathtaking coastal views and famous golf courses. The Bay Area is a cosmopolitan, urban center that still has some nooks and crannies dedicated to grape growing. The San Francisco Bay Area and Monterey County are home to some of California Wine Country’s most beautiful scenery. In the Sierra Foothills, Zinfandel has historically been the varietal of choice, but recently, many other grapes have been changing this trend. Central Valley and San Benito County are also known for making some of California’s most value-driven wines but don’t associate lower prices with inferior quality. There has recently been a lot of investment in Mendocino County and Lake County, and both regions are increasingly becoming destinations for wine tours and tastings. Practically every grape grown in California can be found here: Alexander Valley excels at Cabernet Sauvignon production, Dry Creek Valley is home to some of California’s oldest Zinfandel vines, and the Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley produce top-notch Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.Ĭalifornia also contains several wine regions that are known for their great values. Sonoma County is another top destination in California Wine Country. Local vintners take an unrelenting approach to winemaking, and cost is often no object. It is also one of the top destinations for wine tours and fine dining in California. Napa Valley is California’s most famous and glamorous wine region, largely because its warm, sunny days have made it a world leader in Cabernet Sauvignon production. Understanding these distinctions will help you find what you like and don’t like from California Wine Country. This is the main reason for the establishment of the American AVA system to acknowledge established differences between wine producing regions. Each of the thirteen major regions is developing their own identity and a track record for producing certain wines. Learn more about the wineries you know and love, discover the hidden gems, and enjoy all that the golden state has to offer.Ĭalifornia is coming to terms with its place in the world of wine. Each of the twelve major regions is unique and produces a wide array of truly distinctive wines. California Wine Country is home to some of the finest producers in the world.
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