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The families who grow premier 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 original Spanish pioneers had a large effect on the California wine growers. As the California missions were being setup in the 18th century, the Spaniards would create a vineyard. Grapes were needed by the Catholic monks for reigious ceremony as well as basic provision. The vineyard would be sown with the common black grape that was transplanted from Mexico. Up until the 20th century this variety, also known as the “Mission Grape”, was the dominant grape.

The largest expansion in populace and wineries in the California areas of Sonaoma and Nappa Valleys was during the years of the gold rush. During this time well known wine companies such as Buena Vista Winery, Charles Krug Winery, Inglenook Winery and Schramsberg Vineyard were founded.

California Wine Territories

California wine is produced in specific locales. They are separated in to 4 separate locations.  The first locale is the North Coast area which takes in counties of Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino and Lake. The second district would be the Central Coast areas west of San Francisco which reaches down into the Santa Barbara, Paso Robles and Santa Maria Valleys. Third on the list is the South Coast region which denotes the area south of Los Angeles all the way to Mexico which includes the Temecula Valley, Antelope Valley, San Pasqual, Ramona Valley, etc. The fourth region is the Central Valley which includes, of course, the central valley and the Sierra foothills and Lodi.

Wide Range of Grapes and Wines

The California Wine country grows hundreds of variety of grapes. There are French, Italian and Spanish grapes as well as hybrid grapes and new varieties being developed all the time.

You will recognize such names as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot noir and more. They also raise red wine grapes such as Barbera, Grenache and Petite Sirah. A few of their white wine grapes are the Gewurztraminer, Pinot blanc and Riesling.

California Wine Known as “New World Style”

California wine is often referred to as “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

More attention and rave reviews have been coming from the international arena as California wine producers craft higher quality wines each year. California wineries compete in wine events all over the world and consistently earn high marks making California one of the sources for premier international wine of the month association.  Another wine club worth mentioning is the distinguished California wine club which offers offers premium California wines at great pricing.