Page 36 - 2025-2026 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. California wines became
famous when a dry white wine from
wine producer Charles Wetmore,
who was the Secretary of California’s
Viticultural Commission, won the
Grand Prix at the International Paris
Expo in 1889. 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 U.S.
wine. Spanish missionaries introduced
vines to California in the late 1700s, and
European settlers expanded the industry
during the 1850s.
With so many varieties and regions, nav-
igating California wine can be daunting.
Attending a local wine festival is an excel-
lent way to explore, from large-scale food
and wine events to smaller, niche gather-
ings for casual drinkers and seasoned
collectors.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST
Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino,
Livermore, Santa Cruz Mountains
The most famous California wine region by
far is in Northern California.
Napa Valley, globally renowned for
exceptional wines, offers over 400 tasting
rooms along Highway 29 and Silverado
Trail. While major wineries like Robert
Mondavi and Beringer attract crowds, savvy
visitors seek out Coombsville.
For serious wine collectors, Auction
Napa Valley has been the premier charity
event of the season for over 40 years. Love
music and wine? Make plans to attend
ARNIEBY/SHUTTERSTOCK; JAY SINCLAIR. OPPOSITE: ERIC BERGER
34 2025-26 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA