California is world renowned for its wines, is the dominant wine producer in the United States and the fourth largest producer in the world. Over 90% of all wines vinified in the United States are born in California.
Napa Valley
Napa Valley wines gained world recognition in 1976 when they were presented at a blind comparative tasting in Paris that featured Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay from California alongside the wines from celebrated French wine regions including Bordeaux and Burgundy. The California wines won the honors and Napa, as a wine producing region, was put on the map.
Although it is just 30 miles long and a few miles wide, Napa Valley is home to diverse microclimates and soils uniquely suited to the cultivation of the noble vine. These conditions help insure vintage-to-vintage consistency and exceptional quality. Among the internationally acclaimed varietals produced in this small region are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Cabernet Franc.
Sonoma
Sonoma County possesses a diverse landscape for grape production. Climatically it is strongly influenced by maritime variations – cool nights and days that rarely get hot -where the possibility of frost is rare. When the grapes are ready for harvest in the fall, the weather is moderate with little or no rainfall – ideal by many standards.
Grape varieties that thrive here include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir.
