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ยป CA.WINE COUNTRY by marcy gordon Wineland! GRAPES BEING CHECKED before harvest, top; cork from a 2009 Perseid, Meteor winery, Coombsville AVA in Napa Valley. 2 4 2 013 travel guide to c al ifo r n i a Wine is so popular in California and there are so many varieties here it's a marvel that no enterprising visionary has built a theme park devoted to it: Wineland! California has been a center for wine since Spanish missionaries brought the first vines to California in the late 1790s and settlers from Europe during the Gold Rush of the 1850s began developing the modern wine industry. Today, California wine is known worldwide and the state is the fourth largest wine producing area in the world after Spain, France and Italy. Five main growing regions divide the state with more than 100 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) determined by the climate, soil and altitude that contribute to unique characteristics in finished wine. California offers as many ways to experience wine as varieties of grapes grown. Whether it's food, adventure, art or history, there's a tour or tasting experience to pair with your interests. The classic on-site winery tour is alive and well, but off-site tasting rooms are booming, and are a great alternative to exploring a wine region without driving from winery to winery. These opportunities abound the length and breadth of the state. NORTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Livermore, Santa Cruz Mountains By far the most famous California wine region is in Northern California. Napa Valley is known around the world for its exceptional wines and draws more visitors than any other area. The quintessential wine country experience was perfected here, with more than 300 wineries vying for your taste buds along Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay TOP: ANDY DEAN; COURTESY METEOR WINERY; OPPOSITE PAGE: TERRASTUDIO.NET (4); COURTESY SODARO ESTATE A thrilling place for every taste