California

There is so much more to California wine country than the famed and fabled Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Those major wine producing areas are arguably the most popular, but why not check out a few California wines from different regions of the state?

Being the third largest state in the country, coupled with the fact that it makes up almost the entire west coast, the climate in California varies greatly. The climate or course, affects the weather and the weather affects the terroir and the terroir affects the grapes. All of these things combined results in dramatically different tasting wines. Here's just a small example of what California has to offer outside of Napa Valley and Sonoma County:

• Mendocino County – This northern California wine producing area is perfect if you're looking for smaller boutique wineries as opposed to massive wineries.
• Monterey – Located on California's central coast, Monterey boasts a total of eight designated AVA's.
• Santa Maria – This southern California wine region is home to over 30 wineries. Plenty to keep you busy for a wine tasting weekend.

Given that California has so much to offer by way of wine, it's perfectly fine to stray from the paths of Sonoma and Napa. Not that both regions don't produce fantastic wines, but sometimes, it's nice to find a little, not so well known (not to mention not so pricey) wine gem of your own.

• Sonoma Winery Tours
• Interesting Facts About Wine
• How to Throw a Wine Tasting Party
• Definitions Of Wine Types
• Is Red Wine Good For You

• Dry Red Wine Types
• Red Wine Calories
• Wine Calories
• Wine Serving Temperatures
• Best Red Wine Under $15

• Turley Zinfandel California Juvenile 2003 Reviews
• California Wine Tour
• California Wine Country
• California Wine Gifts
• California Wine Country Trips