California

With vines planted in almost every area of the Golden State, the California wine region accounts for nearly 90% of total U.S. Wine Production. California's climate, warm with little-to-no rain, contributes to the concentrated fruit and approachability of the region's wines. When studying our California Wine Ratings, it is hard not to recognize the emergence of Napa’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc as top quality wines. Not to be overlooked are the delicate and expressive Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from the Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley and Carneros AVA, as well as the robust Zinfandels from the Dry Creek Valley and Lodi region. Even the reds from Monterey, Paso Robles, Mendocino and Lake Counties are gaining attention in our California Wine Guide. With the presence of their wines increasing, California is one of the premier wine producing regions in the world.