California is of course the primary wine producing region in the United States
producing more than 90 percent of American wine. The vast size and varying
climates of California make it difficult to generalize about the state. Rather,
California is comprised of numerous regions, each with its own strengths and
weaknesses in wine production.
Napa and Sonoma, located north of San Francisco are the most widely
recognized California wine regions and deservedly so. Napa Cabernets are
among the world's most treasured and expensive wines. Sonoma, located
between Napa and the Pacific Ocean has earned a reputation for world-class
Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, especially those made from grapes in the
relatively cool Carneros appelation.
But beyond these two heavyweights, other parts of California produce a wide
range of wines at all price points. Santa Cruz is the center for a group of
winemakers producing wines from grapes traditionally grown in France's
Rhone region.
Winemakers in the Sierra Foothills and Central Valley are taking advantage of
the lower real estate costs to produce more value-priced wines from more
than a dozen grape varietals.
Work your way down the coast through Monterey and San Luis Obispo to
Santa Barbara County and you'll find new wineries popping up on a regular
basis.
Back to Wine Regions.
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