In general, the state is sunny and warm, but distinct differences create grape diversity. Up and down the length of the state, climate variations allow popular varietals like pinot noir and zinfandel - as well as lesser-known grape varietals - to flourish. There’s no better place to explore the nuances of cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, pinot noir, or even lesser-known varietals than in one of California Wine Country’s numerous tasting rooms.Ĭlos Du Val Tasting Room in Napa, Courtesy of Clos Du Val Napa in particular has seen innovative spaces that include hands-on workshops, food and wine pairing opportunities, and design-forward spaces open in the past few years, but all of the California wine regions offer something special. Speaking of wine tasting, California has some of the most luxurious and interactive wine tasting experiences in the country. The State Has Some of the Country’s Most Luxurious Tasting Rooms In fact, San Francisco and the vicinity now make up the highest density of Three Michelin-starred establishments in the country. Tasting rooms welcome guests for wine tastings and unique experiences, while Wine Country restaurants impress with local, seasonal cuisine. With the abundance of spas, bed and breakfasts, and luxury resorts throughout California’s wine regions, the state is a perfect vacation getaway for wine lovers. Oregon and Washington, which often flip-flop between second and third place, each only have about 800 estates.Ĭalifornia’s Wine Regions Welcome Guests With Open Arms California also has the largest number of wineries in the country, with 4,501 at last count, which comprises nearly half the wineries in the entire country. The majority were red grapes with 2,448 thousand tons and whites made up 1,834 thousand tons. According to the 2018 California Crush Report, 4,282 thousand tons were harvested in 2018. The Golden State is by far the largest producer of American wine. Old Vine Zinfandel vines at Dry Creek Vineyard, Courtesy of Dry Creek Vineyard Plus, vineyards of zinfandel, considered America’s heritage grape, continue to thrive and contain some of the oldest vines - many over 100 years old - in the country. While chardonnay is the most popular variety, followed by cabernet sauvignon, it’s not unusual to find grapes indigenous to other countries, like albariño from Spain, touriga nacional from Portugal, and barbera from Italy, dotted throughout vineyards. There are over 100 different grape varieties cultivated in California, and the number continues to grow. Vineyards Play Host to Numerous International Grapes As winemakers continue to understand their terroir, new AVAs, such as the pending West Sonoma Coast AVA, are continually proposed. If a wine carries an AVA name on the label, 85% of the grapes must come from the stated designation. Under state law, wines labeled as “California” must contain 100% fruit grown in the state and must also be produced in California. ![]() Martini WineryĪs of May 2019, there are 139 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in the state, with grapes grown as far north as Shasta and as far south as the Temecula Valley. Growth was slow, but after the 1976 Judgement of Paris - where California wines received high accolades and bested their French counterparts - the state received a shot of confidence as well as adrenaline and the industry flourished.Ĭabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley, Courtesy of Louis M. Once the law was repealed, a new Viticulture and Enology program at the University of California Davis sought to revive the damaged industry. Prohibition nearly destroyed the industry a loophole in the law allowed for home winemaking, but with demand for grapes rising, growers ripped out the high-quality, pricier varieties in favor of cheaper grapes. Although Southern California was the epicenter for wine throughout the first half of the 1800s, settlers were inspired to head north during the Gold Rush (1848 – 1855), laying the groundwork for today’s famous regions such as Napa and Sonoma. ![]() The variety, known as the mission grape, thrived until about 1880. Winemaking Has a Long History in the StateĬalifornia’s winemaking history began as early as the 1700s, when missionaries from Spain brought vines with them in order to produce wine for communion. California has firmly established its reputation as one of America’s most revered wine regions, but how much do you really know about California wine? We’ve rounded up some interesting facts about the Golden State and its wineries that may surprise you.
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