The Wine Fact Center

California wine vintages are is an example of the farmers and artisans who craft their wine.  The warm summer and rainy winter and spring in the coastal areas produce superior tasting wines. California wine growers produce some of the finest wines in the world due to the attention winegrape growers give to matching grape varieties to climate and location.

The Spanish influence on most California wine is quite obvious. The Spaniards first planted vineyards in the 18th century as each mission was established. A vineyard would be the basic staple of each California mission that was built in the 18th cnetury. Early vine cuttings came from Mexico from the common black grape. The original mission grape plantations would primarily use the common black grape or “Mission Grape” as it was often called.

The gold rush period in California saw the biggest growth in residents as well as wineries in the Sonoma and Napa Valleys. Notable wine producers like Buena Vista Winery, Charles Krug Winery, Inglenook Vineyards, and Schramsberg Vineyard were created during this period.

California Wine Regions

There are several areas that produce California Wine. There are 4 vicinities in particular.  First, there is the North Coast region that refers to an area north of San Francisco that includes the Sonoma and Napa Valleys as well as Mendocino and Lake County. 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 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 types of grapes available in the California wine country is almost as varried as its people. 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. They also raise red wine grapes such as Barbera, Grenache and Petite Sirah. 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 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.

Rave Reviews for California Wine

More attention and rave reviews have been coming from the international arena as California wine producers craft higher quality wines each year. 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.  Another wine club worth mentioning is the California wine club which offers offers premium California wines at great pricing.