California Grape Regions

Grapes are what give each wine their distinct flavors.

Depending on the type of grape and where it is grown can influence the way that the wine will taste. California has over 60 types of grapes that are grown and are used for making wine. The California climate varies depending upon the region that you are in. as a result Californian wine makers have learned which type of grape varietals work for them and that will grow the best with their soil and climate.

California can be divided into at least six different regions. Each of these regions produces a different wine because of the grapes that grow best in their region based upon many factors. These regions include the North Coast, Central Coast, South Coast, San Joaquin Valley, Sacramento Valley, and the Sierra Foothills.

Counties in the North Coast of California have a rainy climate. This type of weather makes it easy to grow grape varietals such as Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each county within this region is known for producing certain types of wines or specialize in a specific wines production. Pinot Noir, for instance, is grown the most in Sonoma County than in any other county in the state of California. (Editor's Note: This is also technically where Napa Valley resides….believe it or not and no, it's not as cold in the North Coast as one might expect, much of the wine is from grapes grown close to 15 miles inland)

Central Coast counties in California have climate that reflects a cool summer breeze. These counties have a cool and breezy climate. Theses counties are great for producing Chardonnay, and Rhone varietals. (Editor: Santa Barbara County is an interesting example because for every one mile you move inland, you lose one degree in temperature because largely, of the way that the on shore breeze comes in.  Additionally, for each hour of the day, you lose an additional degree of temperature.  That's one reason why Santa Barbara makes a wide ranging number of wines and quite frankly, before Sideways, had a hard time marketing themselves.  That does make SB County one great place to find a unique wine gift though)

The Southern Coast of California has a climate that fluctuates depending upon the time of day. For the most part counties in this region have warm days that are followed by cool nights. This climate makes it the perfect region to grow grape varietals. In fact, the notoriety of San Diego County goes far beyond what tourists say. Grapes have been growing in San Diego county for much longer than any of the other counties in the state of California. (Editor: Having grown up in San Diego, this is something I've heard a million times I think, that being said…..I don't buy it.  Wines I've had from SD County have been just ok and given land prices etc, they aren't any cheaper than offerings that I much prefer from Sonoma)

The San Joaquin Valley and the Sacramento Valley are sometimes pooled together and referred to as the states Inland Valleys. These regions have a Mediterranean like climate. They can easily be considered the powerhouse of the California wine regions, because almost three- quarters of the states grape varietals are produced here. (Editor's Note: Yup….lots of bulk, nameless wine.  That being said, there's a few innovative vintners trying to go for higher quality, which is something I find pretty interesting)

The Sierra Foothills has the most dramatic climate of them all. This region experiences the most versatile climate than any other region in California. The Sierra Foothills experience warm days and has breezy nights for the majority of the years. However, it also gets snow during the winter months. Even with is wavering climate, this region is home to some of the longest living grape vines. These grape vines are still working and producing grapes. (Editor's Note: If you want to talk about the real history of California wine, the Sierra Foothills deserve a mention since you can still, at times at least, find Zinfandel growing wild in the hills)

California is known as wine country because it produces wines in nearly every region possible throughout the state. It is easy to see why these vineyards are a great tourist attraction and why some of the best wines are produced here. Each region has cultivated its craft for producing exquisite wines.

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