Page 40 - 2022-2023 Travel Guide to California

WINE COUNTRY
BY MARCY GORDON
FRUIT OF THE VINE
When it comes to wine, there's always something to celebrate
CALIFORNIA
VINEYARDS
Sampling local wines is a popular
activity in the many wine growing
regions throughout 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.
The U.S. is the fourth largest wine
producing area in the world after
Italy, Spain and France, respectively.
California produces almost 85% of it.
Spanish missionaries brought the first
vines to California in the late 1790s and set-
tlers from Europe began developing the
modern wine industry of today during the
Gold Rush of the 1850s.
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. From
large-scale food and wine fests to small,
quirky events, wine festivals can cater to
both the casual wine fan and the experi-
enced 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
LUKASZ SZWAJ/SHUTTERSTOCK. OPPOSITE: BOB MCCLENAHAN; KERRICK JAMES
38 2022-23 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA