The families who grow California wine are pioneers and visionaries. The warm summer and rainy winter and spring in the coastal areas produce superior tasting wines. California wine areas believe in achieving the highest quality, best flavored wines through good stewardship of the land and using sustainable practices in winegrape growing.
The impact of the first Spanish settlers on the California wine industry is huge. The Spaniards first planted vineyards in the 18th century as each mission was established. Grapes were needed by the Catholic monks for reigious ceremony as well as basic provision. These vineyards were planted with the common black grape which was imported from Mexico. Up until the 20th century this variety, also known as the “Mission Grape”, was the dominant grape.
The famous “California Gold Rush” increased the population in the Sonoma and Napa Valleys and some of California’s oldest wineries were started during that period. Notable wine producers like Buena Vista Winery, Charles Krug Winery, Inglenook Vineyards, and Schramsberg Vineyard were created during this period.
California Wine Zones
There are several areas that produce California Wine. They are separated in to 4 separate locations. The number one vicinity is referred to as the North Coast area which is located north of San Francisco comprising of Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, and Lake Counties. Second is the Central Coast of California that are areas west of San Francisco all the way to Santa Barbara County that includes well known places such as the Paso Robles, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Ynez Valley and more. Thirdly, there is the South Coast locales of Los Angeles, Temecula, Antelope, Romona Valleys on down to the Mexican border. The Central Valley is the fourth vicinity that would comprise of the Sierra foothills, Lodi and of course, the central valley.
Types of Grapes and Wines
The California Wine country grows hundreds of variety of grapes. You will find fine French, Italian and Spanish grape varietals and flavorful combination grapes coming from the agricultural community quite often.
You will recognize such names as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot noir and more. You have tasted some of their red wine grapes like Barbera, Grenache, Malbec and Sangiovese. Some white grapes are the Chenin blanc, Gewurztraminer, Pinot blanc, Pinot gris, and Riesling to name just a few.
New World Style Wines
California wine is commonly called "New World" wine. California wine is produced with a riper grape which gives it a rich, fruity flavor and higher alcohol content. The oak aged California wine making process produces a wonderful full body taste.
California Wines Earn High Marks
California wines are garnering national and international merit. California is one of the most diverse winegrowing regions in the world and also one of the best sources for the premier wine of the month club .