Page 52 - 2019 Travel Guide to California

WINE COUNTRY
BY MARCY GORDON
Celebrating the Fruit of the Vine
Wine tasting is always festive, no matter the season
CALIFORNIA
VINEYARDS
Sampling local wines is a popular
activity in the many wine growing
regions up and down the state.
California wines became famous
when a Chardonnay from Chateau
Montelena in Napa Valley won the
Judgment of Paris in 1976. It was an
event that rocked the wine world,
and the quality of California wines
has only grown since then.
There are so many wines, varieties and
regions in California that figuring out
where to go and what to taste can be
daunting. Aside from taking a tour, one of
the best ways to get acquainted with an
area is by attending a local wine festival.
Think of it as Wine-Recon, a most
delightful way to gather insight and
information on local wineries in a short
span of time. From large-scale food and
wine fests to small, quirky events, wine
festivals can cater to both the casual wine
fan and the experienced wine enthusiast
determined to discover the next great
producer.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST
Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Livermore,
Santa Cruz Mountains
The most famous California wine region by
far is in Northern California.
Napa Valley is known around the world
for its exceptional wines, and draws more
visitors than any other area. The quintessen-
tial wine country experience was perfected
here, with more than 300 wineries vying for
your taste buds along Highway 29 and the
Silverado Trail. While the majority of visitors
go to the big-name wineries such as Robert
Mondavi, Beringer and Sterling, those in the
know are heading for Coombsville.
ERIC BERGER. OPPOSITE: VISIT CARMEL; LUKASZ SZWAJ/SHUTTERSTOCK
50 2019 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA