Discover California
Wine Country
Our California Wine Travel Guide has been designed to provide a look into visiting wine regions throughout the state of California – where to sip, where to stay and thing to do both among and beyond the vines.
Every one of the 50 states in the United States produces wine, but there is no denying the dominance California has over the U.S. wine industry. Not only does the state of California produce 85% of all U.S. wine, it’s also home to the most famous American wine regions – Napa Valley and Sonoma.
California is the third largest state in the U.S., and roughly three fourths the size of France. While Napa Valley and Sonoma are the most famous of the California wine regions, there are many more to explore. The state is home to 142 of the 258 American Viticulture Areas (AVAs) in the United States, Napa and Sonoma make up about 40 of these.
HISTORY
Given its huge role in the wine world today, it may be a bit surprising to learn that California was late to the game in growing vines and producing wine.
Wine had first made its way to North America in the 1520’s when Spanish colonizers planted the first European vinifera winegrapes in Mexico. In 1560, the first wine was produced in what is today Florida. And, in the 1620’s American colonies first began working to produce wine.
It wasn’t until 1769 when Father Junípero Serra established the first Spanish missions and the Spanish priests began planting vineyards around the missions to supply wine for Mass. They didn’t plant the California Cabernet we all know, but rather Mission grapes which were used to produce Angelica wine.
From here on winemaking in California grew as people began to head west. It was in 1849 when things really began to take off. The Gold Rush had brought thousands of people from around the world to the state in search of striking it rich. Many of these individuals were experienced winemakers and farmers from Europe who didn’t find gold in the hills, but rather excellent farmland and growing conditions for viticulture.
California wines were thrust into the spotlight, igniting a surge in new wineries opening throughout the state, and the country. Over the next decade, wine production in California doubled.
In 1985 – 71 years after National Prohibition – California finally reached the number of bonded wineries that existed before Prohibition – 700. As of the end of 2020, there are currently more than 4,700 wineries in California.
WINE REGIONS IN CALIFORNIA
Today, California is home to 142of the 258 American Viticulture Areas (AVAs) in the US, Napa and Sonoma make up about 40 of these.
California is the third largest state in the U.S., and roughly three fourths the size of France. Given its size – 770 miles (1,240 km) long and around 250 miles (400 km) wide, and diverse topography – you would think vineyards would thrive throughout the state. But, alas at least half of California is inhospitable for growing grapes.
When looking at the map of California, you will see the Coast Mountain Range running nearly the length of the state along the coast. This natural border keeps the areas by the Pacific Ocean cool, while on the other side of the mountains is warmer and drier.
With the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range on the eastern border of the state and the Coast Range on the left, the 300-mile-long stretch of land between the two has become an agricultural heaven, otherwise known as the Central Valley. This area produces 60 percent of all the agricultural products in California and is a viticulture haven in California.
CALIFORNIA REGIONAL GUIDES
Like wine, our guides keep getting better with time. (We’re always adding more from local experts!) We have built out the following regional California wine country guides to help you uncork your next grape escape. Complete with information about the region, where to sip, stay and things to do. Make sure to take a look at the featured wine tasting itineraries for each region.
Northern California
Napa Valley
Sonoma
Santa Rosa
Alexander Valley
Carneros
Mendocino
Lake County
Central Coast
Monterey
Paso Robles
Livermore Valley
Santa Cruz
Santa Barbara
Santa Ynez Valley
CALIFORNIA WINEMAKERS
Meet the people shaping the California wine region.
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Elaine Schoch
Elaine Schoch (pronounced the German way – Shock) is an award-winning travel writer, wine judge, certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 and founder/editor at Carpe Travel. She is married to The Husband and has two kids, who’s interest and knowledge in wine is quite extensive. Not to mention the stamps in their passports.
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Elaine Schoch is an award-winning travel writer, wine judge, American Wine Specialist and certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET II). At Carpe Travel she shares wine travel destination guides for ALL WINE LOVERS – from novices to experienced pros – to help them plan their wine adventures, arming them with insider tips, must-visit spots, and things to see and do beyond the vines.