

The state’s diverse terrain and microclimates allow for an incredible range of wine styles, and unlike tradition-bound Europe, experimentation is more than welcome here. This of course is a mere sketch.Responsible for the vast majority of American wine production, if California were a country, it would be the world’s fourth largest wine-producing nation. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.įine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity. While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. California is a winemaking colossus by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world.
