The Four Great California Wine Regions

The state of California was first introduced to grape vines in the 18th century by the Spanish, who planted vineyards with each mission they established. Wine was used both for religious sacraments and for daily life. The cuttings used came from Mexico and were descendants of the “common black grape” (as it was known) brought to the New World by Hernán Cortas in 1520.

California has more than 427,000 acres (1,730 km2) planted with vines and ships close to 500 million gallons of wine per year, which represents almost 90% of the total wine produced in the United States. There are more than 107 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), including the well-known Napa, Russian River Valley, Rutherford, and Sonoma Valley AVAs. The Central Valley is California’s largest wine region stretching 300 miles (480 km) from the Sacramento Valley south to the San Joaquin Valley. This region produces nearly 75% of all California wine grapes and includes many of California’s bulk, boxed and jug wine producers such as Gallo, Franzia and Bronco Wine Company.

More than 100 grape varieties are grown in California, including French, Italian, and Spanish wine varieties, as well as hybrid grapes and new vitis vinifera varieties developed in the UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Oenology. The seven main grape varieties are: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot noir, Sauvignon blanc, Syrah, Zinfandel. North Coast

the north shore includes most of the northern coast of California, north of the San Francisco Bay. The large North Coast AVA covers most of the region. Notable wine regions include Napa Valley and Sonoma County and the smaller sub AVAs within them. Mendocino and Lake County are also part of this region.

Napa Valley is the third highest tourist destination in California behind the Golden Gate Bridge and Disneyland and deserves its own discussion. Some of the biggest names in the world can be found in this small section of the North Shore region. North Shore Napa Valley

North Shore Napa Valley

Joseph Phelps – Most notable for its Bordeaux-style red wine, vineyards in Stags Leap, Rutherford, St. Helena, and Oakville.

Cakebread Cellars: Reputation built on great, rich Chardonnays, first vintage bottled in 1973, main vineyard is Rutherford AVA

Opus One: Founded in 1979 as a collaboration of Mondavi and Rothschild, Bordeaux-style blend of Cab, Cab franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot Silver Oak Winery Primary focus on Cabernet Sauvignon with vineyards in Alexander Valley AVA and Oakville AVA

Although it is not necessary to memorize the history or location of every California AVA, it is advisable to pay close attention to Napa and its sub-appellations.

central coast

It includes most of the central California coast and the southern and western San Francisco Bay area to Santa Barbara County. The Great Central Coast AVA. Notable wine regions in this area include the Santa Clara Valley AVA, the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, the San Lucas AVA, the Paso Robles AVA, the Santa Maria Valley AVA, and the Santa Ynez Valley. Most notable:

Paso Robles: Centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles along California’s central coast and is the fastest growing AVA in California. Varietal produces mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zin, Chardonnay, home to the Vina Robles winery.

Saint Lucia Highlands Located in Monterey County at 1,200 square feet above sea level, the main grape produced is Chardonnay; The most notable wines produced come from a winery located in another region of California.

South coast

It includes part of Southern California, that is, the coastal regions south of Los Angeles to the Mexican border. Notable wine regions in this area include Temecula Valley AVA, Antelope Valley/Leona Valley AVA, San Pasqual Valley AVA, and Ramona Valley AVA.

Traditionally, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes dominated the acreage here. In recent times, however, the south coast climate has fostered a new era of growing abundant Rhône, Italian and Spanish grapes, perfect for red varieties like bold Syrah, spicy Tempranillo and white varieties like crisp Pinot. Grigio.

There are nearly twenty-five wineries in this area. Callaway Vineyard & Winery is the largest producer; others include Maurice Car’rie Vineyards & Winery, Culbertson Winery, and Mount Palomar.

Central Valley

– Includes the California Central Valley and Sierra Foothills AVA. Notable wine regions in this area include the Lodi AVA and the Clarksburg AVA. Central Valley Wineries produces most of the state’s wine, but few producers use the name on their label. This is because many people associate the region with cheap, mass-produced wines. Some notable areas:

Lodi: Primarily small family farms, Zinfandel does very well in the area. Abundance Winery is located here and we carry many wines from this AVA.

Clarksburg: The Clarksburg wineries are located in the Sacramento Delta. Much of the fruit is purchased by nonresident winemakers, but a handful of Clarksburg wineries are turning heads with Chenin Blanc and Petite Sirah.