NOVICE
Series Four
THE OTHER CALIFORNIA
Lay of the Land
A rock star environment for growing wine grapes includes a combination of natural influences like climate, soil and topography working in concert together. California’s proximity to coastal influences, as well as its dynamic climate and topography combine to make it one of the most ideal places to grow grapes in the world. From the northern reaches of the state to the inland valleys and southern coast, distinctive, quality wine from California isn’t constrained to one specific growing region. Let’s break down the five overarching growing region designations that are home to some of the Advanced section’s most exciting up & coming California wine regions.
NORTH COAST
If you are planning a trip to San Francisco, do yourself a favor and build in a few extra days to explore the North Coast winegrowing region beyond the token Napa and Sonoma limits. Covering more than three million acres of land, the North Coast is the largest of the five California wine growing regions and is home to more than half of the state’s wineries. With one of the coolest climates in the state, this region is most notable for the cool coastal air and fog from the Pacific Ocean, which favors the production of premium grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
CENTRAL COAST
Did someone say road trip? While taking a joy ride along California’s Pacific coast is on many people’s bucket lists, this coastal area boasts more than just postcard-worthy views. Stretching approximately 250 miles of California coastline from San Francisco down to Santa Barbara, the Central Coast is home to a treasure trove of premium vineyards and wineries whose grapes share the benefits of the cool marine influences from the Pacific, as well as the varying exposures and soil profiles that make this diverse wine growing terrain so spectacular. Skip ahead to the Advanced section for our top up & coming winegrowing regions within the Central Coast.
SIERRA FOOTHILLS
Located in the heart of California’s Gold Country, the Sierra Foothills only crushes about .4% of California’s annual wine production, but it is not to be overlooked, for both its wine and its scenery. Nestled on the eastern side of the state next to Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe, this unique region is home to some of the state’s oldest vines, producing a range of top quality red wines from Zinfandel to Italian-bred varieties like Barbera and Sangiovese.
CENTRAL VALLEY
While California’s coastal regions seem to get all the glory, California’s Central Valley is not to be overlooked. Positioned in the agricultural heartland of the state, the sunny inland valley’s warm conditions and Mediterranean influence encourage consistent quality grapes, as well as an onslaught of agricultural crops like almonds, apricots, alfalfa and the list goes on! Home to Lodi, the Zinfandel capital of California, this region showcases the range and depth that different regions of the state are capable of.
SOUTH COAST
Sunshine, beaches, clear skies and yes … wine! You might be surprised to learn that the early years of the California wine industry in the 19th century actually began in Southern California where vineyards were planted across Los Angeles, Anaheim, Rancho Cucamonga, Santa Ana and beyond. At one point, Los Angeles even earned the nickname, “City of Vines.” Stretching from Los Angeles down to the San Diego border, California’s South Coast wine growing region of today features quiet vineyards tucked into rolling valleys and foothills. While the South Coast may be relatively small compared to its northern neighbors, wine destinations like the Temecula Valley, with more than 30 wineries and counting, are quietly making a name for themselves.