CALIFORNIA, HERE WE COME
Plot A course down the coast with our Golden StAte road trip guide for the true wine lover
Ready to hit the road on a wonderful wine adventure?
If you’re looking to head North, the Okanagan Valley is an absolute no-brainer to find a plethora of perfect new pours. But, if you’re looking to go a bit further afield — more specially, in a southerly direction — considering a road trip to the Golden State is always a good idea.
California, after all, is home to a growing number of wine hot spots that go far beyond the wellknown Napa Valley (although, it’s not to be missed). We asked the team at Visit California to help highlight a few favourite wine destinations that are worth the time, gas money and mileage from Vancouver to those in search of new sips to savour.
SONOMA VALLEY
Approximate distance from Vancouver: 1,497 km
Why it’s worth a visit: In addition to being the slightly smaller version of its sister area, Napa Valley, Sonoma is soon to be a hot spot for those who have a passion for sustainability. Sonoma County has committed to becoming the first 100 per cent sustainable wine region in the United States — by the end of this year. The green approach is ambitious, considering the area is home to more than 495 wineries, but with many of these operations being family owned and operated, and with 80 per cent of the wineries coming in at less than 100 acres in size, the growers in the area are confident they can make their ambitious goals a reality.
NAPA VALLEY
Approximate distance from Vancouver: 1,501 km
Why it’s worth a visit: While it wasn’t established officially until 1981, the Napa Valley has long been considered one of the top wine-growing regions in the world. It’s said that production in the area dates back to the late 1850s. Within the Napa Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA), there are an astounding 16 sub-AVAs, including Los Carneros (created in 1983) all the way to the most recent addition, Coombsville (created in 2011). While a wine aficionado could spend weeks exploring the various wineries in the area such as Amici Cellars, ZD Wines and Round Pond Estate, a hot-air balloon ride might be a great place to start in order to fully appreciate just how big the Napa Valley’s wine offering truly is.
MONTEREY COUNTY
Approximate distance from Vancouver: 1,722 km
Why it’s worth a visit: The Monterey AVA, which has five sub-regions, was established in 1984. More than 50 per cent of the Monterey AVA’s grapes are Chardonnay. But, in addition to offering the promise of a good white wine, Monterey also offers a twist on the same old wine tasting experience. The area is home to several unique wine-based experiences including blending opportunities and classes at The Wine Experience on Cannery Row, which sees visitors blend and label their unique creations; live concerts and events at Folktale Winery & Vineyards and an ATV experience at Hahn Estate winery.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
Approximate distance from Vancouver: 1,977 km
Why it’s worth a visit: Horse lovers, take note! While wine is a major part of this area’s economy — with an estimated 70-plus growers and tasting rooms operating within its estimated 42,880-acre span — Santa Ynez has also long been known as a booming equestrian destination. With this in mind, a visit to this valley wouldn’t be complete without a horseback riding adventure such as the riding experience offered by KAP Land & Cattle at the historic 714-acre Parker Ranch or a mounted wine tour with the Vino Vaqueros.
SANTA BARBARA
Approximate distance from Vancouver: 2,039 km
Why it’s worth a visit: Santa Barbara County’s wine history is said to date back to the 18th century, with the Mission Santa Barbara as its birthplace. Since then, the area has expanded to include more than 100 wineries and a variety of grapes including Chardonnay. The area’s boom has ushered in a diverse range of winery types including “boutique” options such as the Margerum Wine Company, helmed by area winemaker Doug Margerum. In addition to area wine-tasting, visitors can scope out the scenic Santa Barbara coast with sailing trips such as on board the Double Dolphin, a 50-foot catamaran, operated by Santa Barbara Sailing.
TEMECULA VALLEY
Approximate distance from Vancouver: 2,189 km
Why it’s worth a visit: The Temecula Valley Wine Country is pretty much perfectly located. It’s an hour (give or take because if you’ve ever driven in Southern California, you know traffic can be unpredictable) drive from San Diego, Palm Springs and Orange County, and another 30 minutes from Los Angeles. The valley, which is home to nearly 50 wineries with more than 50 varietals, has a new highlight with BOTTAIA Winery and The Pool at BOTTAIA, an upscale property that offers spectacular, Instagram-able backdrops. The Temecula Valley also gives visitors a chance to step back in time with a stop in Old Town Temecula. The area features buildings dating back to the late 1800s that have since become home to cool restaurants, breweries, tasting rooms and more.