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California wine vintages are is an example of the farmers and artisans who craft their wine.  The warm summer and rainy winter and spring in the coastal areas produce superior tasting wines. California wine areas believe in achieving the highest quality, best flavored wines through good stewardship of the land and using sustainable practices in winegrape growing.

The impact of the first Spanish settlers on the California wine industry is huge. A vineyard was always part of the building of a California mission village during the 18th century. The grapes were grown for use in religious sacraments as well as for daily life. Early vine cuttings came from Mexico from the common black grape. The original mission grape plantations would primarily use the common black grape or “Mission Grape” as it was often called.

The largest expansion in populace and wineries in the California areas of Sonaoma and Nappa Valleys was during the years of the gold rush. During this time well known wine companies such as Buena Vista Winery, Charles Krug Winery, Inglenook Winery and Schramsberg Vineyard were founded.

California Wine Regions

There are distinct California wine zones. There are 4 vicinities in particular.  The number one vicinity is referred to as the North Coast area which is located north of San Francisco comprising of Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, and Lake Counties. The second district would be the Central Coast areas west of San Francisco which reaches down into the Santa Barbara, Paso Robles and Santa Maria Valleys. Third on the list is the South Coast region which denotes the area south of Los Angeles all the way to Mexico which includes the Temecula Valley, Antelope Valley, San Pasqual, Ramona Valley, etc. The fourth region is the Central Valley which includes, of course, the central valley and the Sierra foothills and Lodi.

Types of Grapes and Wines

The types of grapes available in the California wine country is almost as varried as its people. There are French, Italian and Spanish grapes as well as hybrid grapes and new varieties being developed all the time.

You have probably heard of most of the popular grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel. They also raise red wine grapes such as Barbera, Grenache and Petite Sirah. A few of their white wine grapes are the Gewurztraminer, Pinot blanc and Riesling.

California Wine Known as “New World Style”

California wine is often referred to as “New World” wine.  California wine is produced with a riper grape which gives it a rich, fruity flavor and higher alcohol content. California wines achieve a full bodied flavor by making wine using oak aging process.

Rave Reviews for California Wine

California wines are garnering national and international merit. The rest of the world is quickly discovering the treasures of the California wine industry through the wine of the month club.  Another wine club worth mentioning is the California wine club which offers offers premium California wines at great pricing.

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