Santa Barbara

A Brief History of California Wine

Popular California wines are a reflection of the land where they are produced and of the people who craft them~The families who grow superior California wine are pioneers and visionaries~California wine vintages is an example of the farmers and artisans who craft their wine}.  The unique taste of these wines is due to the consistent weather conditions and fertile ground in which their grapes are grown. 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 Spanish influence on most California wine is quite obvious. As the California missions were being setup in the 18th century, the Spaniards would create a vineyard. The grapes were grown for use in religious sacraments as well as for daily life. The vineyard would be sown with the common black grape that was transplanted from Mexico. This grape species, often referred to as the “Mission Grape,” was the chief varietal of the early mission vineyards.

The largest expansion in populace and wineries in the California areas of Sonaoma and Nappa Valleys was during the years of the gold rush. Notable wine producers like Buena Vista Winery, Charles Krug Winery, Inglenook Vineyards, and Schramsberg Vineyard were created during this period.

California Wine Territories

California wine is produced in specific locales. They are divided into 4 main areas.  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 Central Coast is the number two region which lies west of San Franicisco stretching down to Santa Barbara, Paso Robles, Santa Maria and Santa Ynez. 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 California Wine country grows hundreds of variety of grapes. You will find fine French, Italian and Spanish grape varietals and flavorful combination grapes coming from the agricultural community quite often.

You will recognize such names as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot noir and more. They also raise red wine grapes such as Barbera, Grenache and Petite Sirah. Some white grapes are the Chenin blanc, Gewurztraminer, Pinot blanc, Pinot gris, and Riesling to name just a few.

California Wine Known as “New World Style”

California wine is often referred to as “New World” wine.  The temperate and warmer climate in California ripens the grape earlier making for a frutier flavored wine with 13.5% alcohol levels. California wines achieve a full bodied flavor by making wine using oak aging process.

California Wines Earn High Marks

California wines are garnering national and international merit. international wine of the month organization~California is one of the most diverse winegrowing regions in the world and also one of the best sources for the premier wine of the month club~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 well known California wine club which offers offers premium California wines at great pricing.

Celina Y Reutilio-A Santa Barbara