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California’s Best Wine Regions—and How to Explore Them

Whether you like a French-style chardonnay with oaky undertones or a cherry-forward pinot with a little weight, we’re breaking down the basics on the very best of California’s renowned wine regions.

When planning a trip to California wine country, Napa and Sonoma are typically at the top of travelers' minds. While these NorCal destinations are widely considered the crème de la crème of California’s vino scene, there are several wine regions scattered all across the Golden State, each possessing its own "je ne sais quoi."Napa Valley is notorious for producing big, bold cabernets, while nearby Sonoma boasts a diverse portfolio, with a particular focus on pinot noir and chardonnay. Just 65 miles east of Napa is more low-key Lodi—the “zinfandel capital of the world.” Along the Central Coast, Paso Robles showcases Rhône-style blends, and further south, Santa Barbara’s Santa Ynez Valley specializes in world-class pinots. Even SoCal has a few of its own premier wine-growing regions, though options are more limited. It is still in the “emerging” phase, but Malibu is now a designated region, while Temecula is home to a valley with rolling hills and more than 50 wineries. San Diego’s Little Italy has a solid array of busy tasting rooms, but most visitors (and locals) are unaware that the county is California’s oldest wine region. Whether you like a French-style chardonnay with oaky undertones or a cherry-forward pinot with a little weight, we’re breaking down the basics on the very best of California’s renowned wine regions.

The Top Wine Regions in California

Napa is widely regarded as the primary force that put California wine on the world’s radar. Despite contributing less than five percent of the state's total production, the valley remains one of the most popular tourist destinations for travelers seeking a weekend away in wine country. There are more than 400 wineries to explore across 17 AVAs, ranging from Calistoga and Rutherford to St. Helena and Yountville. The area’s diverse microclimates and rich soils have allowed it to thrive on the world stage, and though the region is best known for its hearty and bold cabernets, it was Chateau Montelena’s 1973 chardonnay that first gained recognition at the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Praise for the 1973 cabernet sauvignon from Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars quickly followed.Wine and culinary expertise go hand in hand, so it’s no surprise that Napa is also home to a plethora of high-end restaurants. Notable Michelin-starred establishments include chef Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry, Press in St. Helena and the Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil. Napa is worth a visit for any wine enthusiast, though it’s worth noting that over the past couple of decades, the area has become heavily commercialized, resulting in an influx of tourism, traffic and a somewhat hands-off hospitality approach that can detract from the overall charm of wine country. Curating the right itinerary with visits to family-owned wineries like Bennett Lane and Chappellet Winery, while staying at boutique properties like Hotel Yountville and Bardessono Hotel and Spa, creates a more intimate foundation for your experience.

Despite being right next door to Napa, Sonoma offers an entirely different experience and feels worlds away. Though there is the actual city of Sonoma, we’re referring to the entire county when talking about the wine region. There are 19 appellations within Sonoma County, with a few of the most popular being the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley and Sonoma Coast. Russian River Valley is defined by its cool climate and includes destinations like Sebastopol and Guerneville, while the rocky soils of Dry Creek Valley produce premier sauvignon blanc and zinfandel. If you head to the coast, expect bright pinot noirs that are enhanced by a crisp marine breeze, but if you’re looking for a middle ground between Sonoma and Napa, head to Carneros for vibrant sparkling wines. The Downtown Sonoma........

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