The Golden State of California Wine

Just as the world flocked to California in 1849 in search of illusive gold, the world flocks to California today on a much easier mission ?to discover and taste the liquid gold of California wine.

No wine producing region in the world can compare to California, and to the amazing amount of world-class wines the state consistently produces. California's steady temperate weather, cool coastal influences and vast microclimates provide the perfect conditions for an array of grape varietals, resulting in a certain ideal ripeness. Because of this ripeness, California wines are fruit-driven, full of complexity and splendid in taste.

The magnificent Napa Valley, now world famous, is the crown jewel of California wine regions. It is known for its rich, lush and powerful flavors from the Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots and most recently the Syrahs. The Napa Valley is also the home of delicious and richly textured Chardonnays. Napa may be the "Paris" of the California wine world because of its proximity to San Francisco, yet the wine regions of California stretch over 600 miles from north to south; many are already famous in their own right. The rugged north Mendocino coast is home to some of the state's best sparkling wines and Pinot Noirs. Delectable as these Mendocino wines are, they are often topped by those of Sonoma! In Sonoma you will find stunning Zinfandels and Chardonnays and astonishing Pinot Noirs. To the south and inland, the historic Livermore Valley is in a revival of its illustrious wine past. And Lodi is now revered for big, rich and fruity, high-quality Zinfandel. The expansion continues, with the emergence of a tremendous list of premium wines from the beautiful central coast and southern regions ?Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Santa Rita all contribute to this glorious lineup.

The advancement of California to the top of the wine world has inspired some of the most famous regions in the world to pay close attention and improve their winemaking in order to compete in the international wine market.

The best of the wine world is now at your fingertips, right here in California! I look forward to sharing it - and tasting it - with you.