Comprising half of the American winemaking market, California wine country has long been the destination of choice for wine connoisseurs searching for innovative vintages and college friends retreating for the weekend. Over 3000 vineyards operate up and down the Californian Pacific coast. While many wine tourists flood the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, adventurous visitors should plunge down the shoreline and visit California’s distinctive wine regions. Explore mountainside vistas on small, family-owned wineries. Sleep in cozy ocean side cottages. Taste varietals influenced from Bordeaux and Burgundy’s traditions. Then witness the pioneering techniques of California winemakers as they infuse Italian and Spanish varietals to create robust flavor notes.
When venturing through these Californian wine regions, visitors will discover great wineries, welcoming communities, comprehensive wine clubs, and sprawling landscapes.
Wineries of Mendocino County
Perched on the Pacific coast north of San Francisco, Mendocino County is dotted with villages, redwoods, and scenic drives. At the water’s edge, weather can be brisk. Head farther inland and the temperatures rise, warming landscapes perfectly adapted for Syrah and Grenache. In the cooler climate of Anderson Valley, winemakers produce high quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir alongside sparkling wines. Popular winery tours include Navarro Vineyards, Esterlina Vineyards, and Husch Vineyards & Winery.
For longer stays in Mendocino, consider:
- Hiking the redwood forests at Russian Gulch State Park
- Exploring the history at the fully functioning Point Cabrillo Lighthouse
- Viewing contemporary art at Mendocino Art Center
Wineries of Monterey County
Located in proximity to Silicon Valley, Monterey County boasts 200 vineyards collectively producing 42 grape varietals: 19 white and 23 red. Each day, cool ocean air flows over the county, raising grape growers’ concerns over ripening processes. Yet, on land situated just 100 miles south of San Francisco, visitors can taste crisp Reislings, Chardonnays, and Gewurztraminer. Popular wine tours include Ventana Vineyards, Chateau Julien, and Georis Winery.
For longer stays in Monterrey, consider:
- Practicing your putt on the ocean side greens at Pebble Beach Golf Course
- Listening for sea lions at Point Lobos State Reserve
- Letting the kids run wild at the Dennis the Menace Park
Wineries of San Luis Obispo County
A top growing wine region in California, San Luis Obispo County is midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. With mild summers and warm autumns, this wine region beckons visitors to a true country retreat. In southern San Luis Obispo alone, vineyards claim 3000 acres of land. The county produces full-bodied Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as well as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Popular wine tours include Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards, Salisbury Vineyards, and Claiborne & Churchill Vintners.
For longer stays in San Luis Obispo, consider:
- Discovering the hidden history and vibrant flowers at Dallidet Adobe Gardens
- Journeying back to 1772 at the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
- Investigating hands-on activities at the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum
Wineries of Santa Barbara County
A menagerie of valleys, mountains, oak groves, and wildflowers, Santa Barbara County consists of the twin appellations of the Santa Maria and Santa Ynez Valleys. Both locales possess cool coastal climates as well as warmer inland temperatures. As such, growers can cultivate an array of high quality wines from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to Rhone-style varietals. Popular wine tours include Whitcraft Winery, Summerland Winery, and Carr Vineyards & Winery.
For longer stays in Santa Barbara, consider:
- Meandering among the Spanish-Moorish architecture at Santa Barbara County Courthouse
- Witnessing Californian history at the Mission Santa Barbara
- Mimicking the animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo
For further information on the Wine Countries of America, read:
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