WINE COUNTRY
Celebrating the Fruit of the Vine
CALIFORNIA VINEYARDS
Sampling local wines is a popular activity in the many wine growing regions throughout the state. California wines became famous when a Chardonnay from Chateau Montelena in Napa Valley won the Judgment of Paris in 1976. It was an event that rocked the wine world, and the quality of California wines has only grown since then.
There are so many wines,
varieties and regions in California that figuring out where to go and what to taste can be daunting. Aside from taking a tour, one of the best ways to get acquainted with an area is by attending a local wine festival. Think of it as Wine-recon, a most delightful way to gather insight and information on local wineries in a short span of time. From large-scale food and wine fests to small, quirky events, wine festivals can cater to both the casual wine fan and the experienced wine enthusiast determined to discover the next great producer.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Livermore, Santa Cruz Mountains
The most famous California wine region by far is in Northern California.
Napa Valley is known around the world for its exceptional wines, and draws more visitors than any other area. The quintessential wine country experience was perfected here, with more than 300 wineries vying for your taste buds along Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail. While the majority of visitors go to the big-name wineries such as Robert Mondavi, Beringer and Sterling, those in the know are heading for Coombsville.
For serious wine collectors, Auction Napa Valley has been the premier charity event of the season for more than 37 years. Love music and wine? Make plans to attend Bottlerock in May; it’s the hipster festival of the year. Prefer something more pastoral? Wind your way up Highway 128 in Mendocino County to Anderson Valley for two exceptional festivals, the highly regarded Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Fest in May, and the Winter White Wine Festival in February, focusing on Alsace-style white wines.
In Sonoma County, Healdsburg reigns as the king of the tasting rooms in California. The three most popular annual events in the area include Winter Wineland in January, Barrel Tasting in March, and foodie favorite Wine and Food Affair in November.
One of the oldest regions, Livermore, is just 30 miles east of San Francisco and best known for its Chardonnay production and the well-established winery estates of Wente and Concannon.
SIERRA FOOTHILLS El Dorado, Amador, Calaveras
The mining towns of the Sierra foothills— Placerville, Amador City and Sutter Creek—used to draw prospectors in search of gold, but now wine lovers come in search of riches in liquid form. The main street of Murphys is lined with Gold Rushera buildings and more than 20 tasting rooms equal parts rustic and sophisticated. The Barbera Festival is the perfect place to sample Barbera alongside other Italian varietals including Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Vermentino, Pinot Grigio, Nebbiolo and Aglianico.
CENTRAL COAST
Monterey, Santa Lucia Highlands, Chalone, Carmel Valley, Paso Robles, Edna Valley, Arroyo Grande, Santa Clara Valley
The Central Coast is one of the largest and most diverse wine growing regions, and Monterey is home to the granddaddy of all wine festivals, the Pebble Beach Food & Wine Classic in April, where you can sip fine wines and enjoy small plates by star chefs.
If you are a Pinot or Syrah fan, head for the highlands, the Santa Lucia Highlands, an appellation with many noteworthy wineries such as Morgan, Mer Soleil and Hahn.
Santa Clara Valley, one of the oldest wine regions in California, was founded by Italian immigrants in the early 1800s and has now grown to approximately 25 wineries.
Looking to meet the next great winemaker? The 10th Annual Garagiste Festival in Paso Robles will introduce you to the small guys with bright futures.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA & CENTRAL VALLEY Santa Barbara, Santa Rita Hills, Santa Ynez Valley, Los Olivos, Temecula, Lodi, Madera, Clarksburg
The Southern California coastal region vineyards in Santa Barbara, Santa Rita Hills and Santa Ynez Valley produce primarily Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. Santa Ynez Valley became the poster child for
wine tourism when the 2004 film Sideways confirmed its status as a Pinot Noir hot spot (or cool spot, as Pinot grapes don’t like too much heat). But the ghosts of Sideways’ Miles and Jack are long gone and it’s safe to drink Merlot again. The end of September brings the annual Celebration of Harvest, four days of wine and culinary experiences in Santa Barbara Wine Country.
In the Central Valley, Lodi Zin Fest is the most famous and longest running festival for Zinfandel lovers. Lodi’s star is on the rise, and it’s now recognized as one of the top wine regions in the new world, a hotbed of production growing more than 100 varieties in addition to its legendary Zin.
Vineyards inland in Southern California’s mostly hot and arid region are gaining notice, and Temecula in particular is generating an ardent following for its wines and sheer determination to grow grapes in a challenging location.
San Diego usually means sun and sand, but just an hour north you’ll find there’s wine too. Animal lovers will enjoy the San Diego Zoo Food, Wine and Brew Festival where you can stroll the grounds and sip wine in the midst of the wild kingdom.
California wine festivals and events fill the calendar all year long, like a roulette wheel of juicy prospects. Whether you plan ahead, or spin the big wine wheel and see where it lands, the odds are delicious.