California would be the fourth largest producer of wine in the world if it were an independent nation. California also ranks first in wine consumption in the U.S., followed by Florida, then New York. California wine has gained world recognition for many fine wines due to the wealth and variety of soil conditions and micro climates that exist here. There are 96 American Viticulture Areas (AVAs) in California. Each is a distinct winegrape growing area recognized by the U.S. government, a testament to the variety of microclimates in the state. California has 96 of the 172 AVAs established in the U.S. There are more than 60,000 registered California wine labels.

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Each year, tourists visit wine regions throughout California to explore the state’s 2,000 wineries and the diverse array of cultural attractions. From gardens, art museums, great seasonal cuisine and artisan foods to natural hot springs, spa treatments, beaches, redwood groves, golf, and boutique shopping, California wine country offers travelers many diversions between visiting the wineries.

California Wine Regions

Paso Robles Wine Country is centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles along California's Central Coast. As California's fastest growing wine region and one of the largest geographic appellations, the 24 square mile territory encompasses more than 26,000 vineyard acres and nearly 200 wineries. Several Paso Robles wines have taken top honors in national and international rankings, and the wine critic Robert M. Parker Jr. wrote in the October issue of Food & Wine magazine, “I believe the region already shows some of the most striking potential in all of California.

The San Luis Obispo wine growing region is located half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles on the central California coast. San Luis Obispo County is served by San Francisco and Los Angeles International Airports with local airports in San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria. There are 26,400 acres of wine grapes planted in San Luis Obispo County. The number one wine grape variety in San Luis Obispo County is Cabernet Sauvignon with 8,600 acres. Merlot is second with 4,000 acres. There are about 110 wineries in the County. In Santa Barbara County, Chardonnay is the predominant grape with 8,000 acres, and Pinot Noir follows with 2,900 acres. There are almost 90 wineries.

The Santa Barbara wine growing region is located above Los Angeles on the central California coast and is served by Los Angeles International Airport with a regional airport in Santa Barbara. Find a good showing of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and some crisply textured Sauvignon and Riesling.

The San Diego wine growing region is located on the southern California coast and is served by San Diego International Airport. San Diego may be California's smallest wine growing region but is blessed with the multiple micro climates and rich soils that produce very fine Chardonnays, Cabernets and Zinfandels.

The Mendocino County Wine Region includes Lake County and is located above San Francisco on the northern California Coast and served by San Francisco and Oakland International Airports. Find delicately spiced Gewiurztraminer and lightly leafy Sauvignon to big, meaty Cabernets and Zinfandels.

The famed Napa County wine region is located above San Franciso in the northern California coastal region and is served by San Francisco and Oakland International Airports. Some of the very best Chardonnays, Cabernets and Merlots are made in the Napa Valley.

The Sonoma County wine region is located above San Francisco on the northern California coast and is served by San Francisco and Oakland International Airports. Find some of the best Chardonnays, Pinot Noir and sparkling wine that California has to offer.

The Carneros wine region borders the Napa and Sonoma regions with a distinct micro climate and soil conditions for exquisite Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays and sparkling wine.

The Sierra Foothill wine region of the central California valley is generally east of San Francisco and includes the El Dorado and Amador County wine growing regions. Find award winning Zinfandels, delicate Rieslings, Sauvignons and dark Cabernets.

The Livermore wine region lies east of San Francisco Bay in the central California valley. Historically famous for Bordeaux - style white blends, you may now find a wide variety and some wonderful sparkling wine.

The Santa Clara wine region is located in the central California area and is served by San Francisco International airport and local airports in San Jose and Monterey. Find succulent Montebello Cabernets and award winning Lytton Springs Zinfandel from Sonoma grapes.

The Santa Cruz wine region is located below San Francisco on the central California coast and is served San Francisco International Airports and local airports in Monterey and San Jose. Find wonderful Pinot Noirs in this cooler coastal region and some genuine original wines from Marsanne, Roussanne, Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre vines.

The Monterey wine growing region is located below San Francisco on the central California coast and is served by San Francisco International Airports and local airports in Monterey and San Jose. Find fine wines from cool climate grapes such as Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chenin Blanc.