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wine county
Celebrating the Fruit of the Vine
Wine tasting is always festive, no matter the season
By Marcy Gordon
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, navigating California wine can be daunting. Attending a local wine festival is an excellent way to explore, from large-scale food and wine events to smaller, niche gatherings 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 BottleRock in May; it’s the hipster festival of the year. Prefer something more pastoral? Wind your way up Highway 128 in Mendocino County to Anderson Valley for two exceptional festivals: the highly regarded Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival in May; and the Winter White Wine Weekend in February, focusing on Alsace-style white wines.
Healdsburg in Sonoma County boasts top tasting rooms, with annual highlights including Winter Wineland in January, Barrel Tasting in March, and November’s Wine and Food Affair. Nearby, Livermore, just east of San Francisco, is known for its Chardonnay and historic wineries like Wente and Concannon.
SIERRA FOOTHILLS
El Dorado, Amador, Calaveras
Once gold mining hubs, towns like Placerville, Amador City, and Sutter Creek now attract wine lovers. Murphys’ historic main street is lined with tasting rooms blending rustic charm with modern sophistication. The El Dorado Hills Art, Beer & Wine Festival offers fine art, live music, and local tastings.
CENTRAL COAST
Monterey, Santa Lucia Highlands, Paso Robles, Edna Valley
The Central Coast is one of the largest and most diverse wine growing regions, and Monterey is home to the Winemakers’ Celebration in Carmel-by-the-Sea where you can stroll the charming streets, sample some of the area’s best wines and enjoy light-bites from popular local restaurant chefs.
If you are a Pinot or Syrah fan, head for the highlands, the Santa Lucia Highlands, an appellation with many noteworthy wineries such as Morgan, Mer Soleil and Hahn.
Santa Clara Valley, one of the oldest wine regions in California, was founded by Italian immigrants in the early 1800s and has now grown to more than two dozen wineries.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA & CENTRAL VALLEY
Santa Barbara, Santa Rita Hills, Santa Ynez Valley, Los Olivos, Temecula, Lodi, Madera, Clarksburg
The Southern California coastal region vineyards in Santa Barbara, Santa Rita Hills and Santa Ynez Valley produce primarily Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. Santa Ynez Valley became the poster child for wine tourism when the 2004 film Sideways confirmed its status as a Pinot Noir hot spot (or cool spot, as Pinot grapes don’t like too much heat). But the ghosts of Sideways’ Miles and Jack are long gone and it’s safe to drink Merlot again. The end of September brings the annual Celebration of Harvest, four days of wine and culinary experiences in Santa Barbara Wine Country.
In the Central Valley, Lodi Row x Row is a famous and long-running festival for Zinfandel lovers. Lodi is recognized as one of the top wine regions in the New world, a hotbed of production growing more than 100 varieties in addition to its legendary Zin.
Vineyards inland in Southern California’s mostly hot and arid region are gaining notice, and Temecula in particular is generating an ardent following for its wines and sheer determination to grow grapes in a challenging location.
San Diego may be known for beaches, but an hour north, vineyards thrive. The San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew Celebration lets visitors sip wine among exotic animals.
California wine festivals and events fill the calendar all year long, like a roulette wheel of juicy prospects. Whether you plan ahead, or spin the big wine wheel and see where it lands, the odds are delicious.
