Sonoma County
Just about every grape variety grows
and prospers within its varied terroirs,
from the cool of Carneros to the
inland warmth of Cloverdale.
Mendocino/Lake
Two very distinct regions side by
side—one coastal and the other
mountainously inland. Combined,
they offer everything from coolclimate Pinot Noir to burly Petite Sirah.
Livermore Valley
Among the state’s oldest wine
regions, Livermore’s future is bright in
Bordeaux-influenced whites and reds,
namely Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon,
Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.
Lodi
One of California’s most prolific wine
centers, Delta-influenced Lodi is
overcoming old biases with a flurry of
crisp, unexpected whites and spicy,
Spanish and Portuguese-inspired reds.
Sierra Foothills
Rugged and remote with an abiding
ability to grow great Rhône-inspired
varieties, the Foothills also continues
to nurture its deep legacy of old vines,
especially Zinfandel.
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
In this charmingly rural region,
coastal valleys support Pinot Noir and
Chardonnay. The warmer Paso Robles
appellation shows increasing sophistication with red blends.
Monterey
Pacific Ocean breezes bring cool,
moist air. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
thrive in the north and west, while
Syrah and Bordeaux varieties flourish
in the warmer south.
Central Valley
The juggernaut of California wine,
it is home base of Gallo, Bronco and
Franzia. In addition to Moscato, this
fertile area also boasts small-production
dessert wines and vermouth.
South Coast
A vinous, golf course-dotted
playground for San Diego and Los
Angeles, this region is in the midst
of renewal, staking its future on
heat-loving Syrah, Tempranillo and
Zinfandel.
Santa Barbara
Hollywood glamour mingles with top
wines. The Santa Rita Hills produces
world-class Pinot Noir; the warmer
Santa Ynez Valley favors rich Syrahs,
Merlots and Sauvignon Blancs.
Napa Valley
Famed for Cabernet Sauvignons and
Bordeaux blends, Napa also astounds
with Sauvignon Blanc, Petite Sirah,
Zinfandel. All do well in Napa’s
flatlands, benches and mountains.
wine lovers’ guide to california
10 wine lovers’ guide to
california
Regions
Mendocino/ lake
Sonoma
Napa
Sierra Foothills
Lodi
Livermore
Central Valley
Monterey
SLO/Paso Robles
Santa Barbara
South Coast
11
wine lovers’ guide to california