Other California Wine RegionsWine Tasting Off The Beaten PathThere are other lesser known California wine regions worth visiting besides the more obvious ones like Napa and Sonoma.
Mendocino County and Lake County About 90 miles north of San Francisco, the Mendocino wine region lies mostly in the inland valleys. Organically grown grapes are prevalent here. Lake County has vineyards growing in the hot valley, which is particularly good for Zinfandel grapes. Other vines grow on up higher in the red volcanic soil surrounding nearby Mt. Konocti, which is a dormant volcano. Though there aren't a lot of wineries, this is changing. Also, many out-of-county wineries buy grapes from these vineyards. Most of the wineries in Mendocino county are located in the Redwood Valley/Ukiah area and the Hopland area, both close by the 101 freeway and Russian River. In addition, the beautiful Anderson Valley boasts several wineries along Highway 128, which veers northwest from Boonville. THE SIERRA FOOTHILLS AND GOLD COUNTRY The Sierra Foothills is the easternmost of the California wine regions. The elevation affords cool evenings and the mountain soils are good for the grapes. Grapes were first planted here in the mid 1800's during the Gold Rush. Some of those old Zinfandel vines still thrive. Cabernet and Syrah also have large plantings. Some of wine country subregions of the area include El Dorado, Amador and Calaveras. Located along Highway 49, the Amador wine region is known for its fine Zinfandels, but some winemakers are also experimenting with Rhone Valley varietals. THE CENTRAL VALLEY This is one of the largest of the California wine regions, but more due to sheer volume of grapes grown and wine produced. It isn't really well known for wine touring or for premium wines. This area extends roughly from Red Bluff and the Sacramento Valley in the north to Bakersfield and the San Joaquin Valley in the south. These two valleys meet in the Delta area, about 100 miles east of San Francisco. The Sierra Nevadas lie to the east and the coast ranges lie to the west. Lodi The Lodi wine region has been around since the Gold Rush, but has grown quite large in recent years with around 60 wineries. Unlike the rest of the Central Valley, evening maritime breezes get pulled in through the Delta area to Lodi, allowing for premium grape growing. Over 60 big wineries buy grapes from this wine region. Livermore Valley About 45 minutes east of San Francisco along the 580 freeway is the Livermore Valley wine region. Before Prohibition, there were over 50 wineries; only recently have a new wave of wineries started blossoming.
Wine Tasting In California
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