California has some of the most unique geography in the country. It’s mild climate and fertile soil make California Wineries some of the best in the entire world. While everyone has heard of Napa Valley, there are several other California Wineries you should be aware of. Here are the top 5 destinations for California Wineries.

California Wineries in Sonoma
With 13 different viticultural areas, you bet you have a good choice in where to stop for a little wine tasting! But which are the most popular vineyards and wineries that you should not miss? You can start by deciding which wines you are interested in: Chardonay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Sauvignon or Merlot… and then select the wineries that produce these wines. Or you can just visit the most popular wineries of the Sonoma County. Benziger Family Winery is one of the most popular one for its garden and its great wines. It offers you a full experience. If you want to get a more European style visit, then you should go to the Chateau St Jean in Kenwood. Everything depends on the experience you are looking for.
California Wineries in Napa Valley
With picturesque views that have vineyards planted on slanting hills, a Napa Valley weekend getaway is actually a place you can visit at any time of the year. Even though you may have driven to this town, make sure that you rent a bicycle to take advantage of the numerous bike tracks and the scenic beauty that lines them. You can do a 10 mile trip to Yountville or a 30 mile one to Calistoga if you feel fit.
Obviously you have to stop by the vineyards for some interesting and rejuvenating wine tasting. The Artesa Winery offers a great view as you sip the refreshing wines too. You could also choose to take a sip out of the goblets at the Domaine Carneros or the Clos Du Val Winery.
While you are at the Napa Valley, you cannot afford to miss the Napa Valley Wine Train or the hot air balloon ride that the place offers. The best places to eat out here include Celadon and Zuzu.
California Wineries in Paso Robles
Small-town comfort and family-owned wineries make Paso Robles a relaxing, quaint year-round destination. Paso Robles is situated in California’s Central Coast, roughly halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. And as you look at this AVA Map http://www.pasowine.com/ava-map/ it’s clear you have a ton of good choices. What makes Paso Robles such a great wine destination is the down-to-earth people, and lack of wine-snobbery that may be at some winery destinations. Even casual wine drinkers will have a great time relaxing at the vineyards and enjoying a wine tour.
Paso Robles wineries grow mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. However they’re also known for their great Zinfandels.
So where do start? One of my personal favorites, the Tobin James Cellars, is a great place to begin, and has one of the best tasting rooms.
California Wineries in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Wine Country is divided in 4 different areas. In the Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the main productions. This area is also popular for golfing escapes. Cambria Winery is very popular for its wines selection and especially for the view. If you are looking for a more off the beaten path winery in Santa Barbara, you should visit the Kenneth Volk Vineyard in Foxen Cayon for a unique experience. Santa Inez Valley is home to most of the wineries of Santa Barbara Wine Country. If you like Cabernet and Merlot, you will enjoy this wine-growing area. The Santa Maria and Santa Inez Valley are the most important vineyard areas. Sta Rita Hills, which is on the Santa Inez Valley appellation, and Los Alamos Valley also grow Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. For a great picnic spot and a Pinot Noir degustation, Melville Vineyard in Sta Rita Hills offers you a great mediterranean touch. In Los Alamos, come enjoy your wine between the cattle ranches and farms at the Bedford Thompson Winery. As one of the largest in the region, this winery offers a interesting wine experience in a rustic setting.
California Wineries in Temecula Wine Country
One of Temecula’s oldest wineries is the Mount Palomar Winery. It has been around since 1969 and offers the classic Bordeaux and Bordeaux blends. This winery also makes the most delicious port and a Solera Cream Sherry too. So make sure that you get a taste of these as well when you are on your tasting spree.
The South Coast Winery Resort and Spa offers you a chance to taste some tingling wines with a yoga twist. Even though this winery is a new kid on the block (the first bottling was in 2003) it has already won more than 400 awards. Given the popularity of yoga and wine tasting both, this is a place you might want to make prior reservations for.
The Thornton Winery gives you an opportunity to wine and dine at the same time. They are famous for their Brut Reserve and Cabernet-Merlot blend. Try getting here on a weekend and you will get a chance to attend the Champagne Jazz Concert Series.




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