36 2024-25 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA
BY MARCY GORDON
T
he U.S. is the fourth largest wine
producing country in the world after
Italy, France and Spain, respectively.
California produces over 80% of it. Spanish
missionaries brought the first vines to
California in the late 1790s and settlers
from Europe began developing the modern
wine industry of today during the Gold
Rush of the 1850s.
There are so many wines, varieties and
regions in California that figuring out
where to go and what to taste can be
daunting. Aside from taking a tour, one of
the best ways to get acquainted with an area
is by attending a local wine festival. From
large-scale food and wine fests to small,
quirky events, wine festivals can cater to
both the casual wine fan and the experi-
enced wine enthusiast determined to
discover the next great producer.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST
Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino,
Livermore, Santa Cruz Mountains
The most famous California wine region by
far is in Northern California.
Napa Valley is known around the world
for its exceptional wines, and draws more
visitors than any other area. The quintessen-
tial wine country experience was perfected
here, with more than 400 wineries open for
tastings along Highway 29 and the Silverado
CALIFORNIA
VINEYARDS
Sampling local wines is a popular
activity in the many wine growing
regions throughout the state.
California wines became famous
when a Chardonnay from Chateau
Montelena in Napa Valley won the
Judgment of Paris in 1976. It was an
event that rocked the wine world,
and the quality of California wines
has only grown since then.
IN PRAISE OF THE GRAPE
When it comes to wine, there is always something to celebrate
WINE COUNTRY
