Page 38 - 2024/2025 Travel Guide to CALIFORNIA

WINE COUNTRY
BY MARCY GORDON
IN PRAISE OF THE GRAPE
When it comes to wine, there is 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 country in the world after Italy, France and Spain, respectively. California produces over 80% of it. Spanish missionaries brought the first vines to California in the late 1790s and settlers 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 here, with more than 400 wineries open for tastings along Highway 29 and the Silverado
36 2024-25 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA