WINE & ACCESSORIES

Rave Reviews for California Wine

Elegant California wines are a reflection of the land where they are produced and of the people who craft them~The families who grow premier 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 growers produce some of the finest wines in the world due to the attention winegrape growers give to matching grape varieties to climate and location.

The Spanish influence on most California wine is quite obvious. The Spaniards first planted vineyards in the 18th century as each mission was established. Grapes were needed by the Catholic monks for reigious ceremony as well as basic provision. These vineyards were planted with the common black grape which was imported from Mexico. The original mission grape plantations would primarily use the common black grape or "Mission Grape" as it was often called.

The gold rush period in California saw the biggest growth in residents as well as wineries in the Sonoma and Napa Valleys. During this time well known wine companies such as Buena Vista Winery, Charles Krug Winery, Inglenook Winery and Schramsberg Vineyard were founded.

California Wine Territories

There are several areas that produce California Wine. They are separated in to 4 separate locations.  The first locale is the North Coast area which takes in counties of Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino and Lake. 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 central valley areas of the Sierra foothills and Lodi are the fourth section.

Varieties of Grapes and Wines

The California Wine country grows hundreds of variety of grapes. For instance, there are the French, Italian, Spanish grapes and new hybrids springin up each year.

You have probably heard of most of the popular grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel. They also raise red wine grapes such as Barbera, Grenache and Petite Sirah. A few of their white wine grapes are the Gewurztraminer, Pinot blanc and Riesling.

California Wine Known as "New World Style"

California winemakers produce “Old World” wines as well as their trademark “New World” wines.  Because of the consistently warm weather they tend to use a riper grape that gives the wine a fruitier flavor as well as higher alcohol levels. The oak aged California wine making process produces a wonderful full body taste.

California Wines Earn High Marks

More attention and rave reviews have been coming from the international arena as California wine producers craft higher quality wines each year. international wine club~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 prestigous wine of the month club}.  Another wine club worth mentioning is the California wine club which offers offers premium California wines at great pricing.