California

Name a wine, and it’s probably grown in California. Although Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay dominate the state’s abundant grape-growing regions, Zinfandel, Merlot, and Syrah are being grown in increasing amounts.

The Napa Valley, especially, has become renowned the world over as America’s most famous wine region. Nestled amidst rolling hills, it boasts nearly 200 wineries and over 34,000 acres of vineyards. Situated to the west is Sonoma, which has established itself since the 1970s. With nearly 175 wineries, Sonoma County ranks second only to Napa County in the United States for number of wineries. Counties along the central coastal part of the state, from Los Angeles to San Francisco, are also beginning to get in on the winemaking action.

While some of its Cabernets, Merlots, and Chardonnays are among the finest in the world, California’s mass production of wine has resulted in many possessing high acid, high alcohol and middling flavor. Still, some of the state’s top producers — Beringer, Kendall-Jackson, and Robert Mondavi to name but a few — consistently turn out great, if limited production wines.

The wine gods were especially smiling on California during the 1990s, when nearly every year — save for a so-so 1998 — provided supremely ripe fruit and outstanding vintages. And even though prices tend on the high side, there are still outstanding values to be found among the California vintners.

[ Return to Top ]