ADVANCED

THE OTHER CALIFORNIA

Up and coming wine regions

Take it to the Next Level - Learn about the up and coming areas

MENDOCINO • NORTH COAST

Perhaps one of the most breathtakingly beautiful regions in California, Mendocino is also one of the coolest, resulting in elegant, refined wines that favor cooler climates like Pinot Noir and sparkling wine produced from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Located just north of Napa and Sonoma, this idyllic area is most notable for its rocky coastline, state parks and redwood forests, not to mention meticulously managed vineyards, a quarter of which are certified organic.

LODI • CENTRAL VALLEY

Originally planted with wine grapes around the same Gold Rush time period as the Sierra Foothills, Lodi is best known for its award-winning Zinfandels, many produced from head trained gnarled old vines. Located east of the San Francisco Bay Area and west of the Sierra Nevada, the Lodi wine region features more than 85 wineries with more than 75% of the region’s wine acreage dedicated to red varietals. For the experimentalist, look to Lodi for fun international red varietals like Spanish Tempranillo, Portuguese Touriga Nacional or Italian Barbera.

LIVERMORE VALLEY • CENTRAL COAST

One of California’s oldest wine regions, the Livermore Valley is located about an hour east of San Francisco. Unlike many other winegrowing regions, the Livermore Valley lies on a unique east-west orientation, allowing the coastal fog and marine breezes to come in from the San Francisco Bay and cool the valley’s warm air, resulting in ideal conditions for producing fully-ripened, balanced fruit. Gravelly soils also contribute to deep, concentrated wines. With over 50 wineries that are mostly small and family-owned, the Livermore Valley is known for Petite Sirah, a deeply hued, rich and complex wine, but you’ll also find excellent Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

MONTEREY • CENTRAL COAST

The Monterey region is home to Pebble Beach, Big Sur, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Cannery Row and the Salinas Valley – all of which offer a host of unforgettable experiences. But the growing notability of Monterey has more to do with the great-tasting offerings from this geographically diverse region. With one of California’s longest growing seasons, wines from Monterey have great character with balanced acidity. Monterey’s most promising wines are coming from the Santa Lucia Highlands, known for producing stellar Pinot Noir.

PASO ROBLES • CENTRAL COAST

Halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles along California’s Central Coast is a relaxed small town with winding roads, rolling hillsides, generous mountaintop views and plenty of wine. With day-to-night temperature swings greater than any other appellation in California, Paso Robles is a unique wine region with distinct microclimates and diverse soils. Known for Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends, as well as excellent Rhone varieties like Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre, wines from Paso Robles are among our top picks for overall quality and value!

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY • CENTRAL COAST

Mountainous with diverse climate differences and more than 77,000 acres under vine. You will find Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah on its chilly and foggy western end and world-class Rhone blends, Zins and Bordeaux blends on its warmer and drier eastern boundaries. Be sure to wander the charming town of Los Olivos and quaint Danish village of Solvang.

TEMECULA VALLEY • SOUTH COAST

Best known for its Italian and Rhone varietals, this warm wine region is tempered by morning coastal fog. With its rolling hills covered in vineyards and mountainous landscape, Temecula is a true hidden gem to seek out next time you are in the Los Angeles or San Diego areas.