Where To Go In California, By Wine Varietal & Style

The idea for this post came about after reading for the hundredth time in a Napa social media group, "We're going to Napa for our first time! I love Riesling, where do we go?" I didn't reply, but I'm thinking, you go to New York or Washington State. You don't go to Napa.

Following along with that idea is this, "I like ____. Where can I find it?" Not all-inclusive, but I hit some of the major ones.

 

image from santacruzmountainvineyard.com

These are all generalizations, of course. 

You like Napa's big, bold Cabernet, but not Napa's prices. The first thing to know, you can find some less expensive Cabs in Napa, you just have to search. Otherwise, go to Paso Robles along the California Central Coast. 

If you drive a few miles on Highway 128 from Napa Valley to Alexander Valley in Sonoma County Cabernet prices magically drop at least in half. Alexander Valley Cabs don't mimic Napa or Paso ones as they're not so full-bodied, but they sure are great for the price.

You want a big, bold Zinfandel. You may have tried Zins from Sonoma and Napa and find it hit-or-miss for that style. Go to Lodi where the climate is great for big, soft reds, especially Zinfandel. As a bonus their prices are pretty good.

You want your Zins in a more traditional style, still fruity without a lot of acid or tannins. Amador County in the Sierra Foothills has this style. They are the closest to Dry Creek Zins that I'm aware of. Dry Creek tends to be brighter (higher acid) with red fruits. Amador is more powerful with a wild berry flavor. Amador is also a great spot for Barbera.

You love Russian River Pinot Noir, but are ready to branch out. You can, of course, go for Willamette in Oregon. The difference will be quite noticeable. If you don't want to give up the fruit flavors of the California sun, head south for Santa Barbara, Sta. Rita Hills, specifically. Santa Barbara Pinot prices are a bit less than what Russian River commands. It's all about fame. A nearby, but remote spot, is Anderson Valley in Mendocino County, just north of Sonoma. Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County is another.

The above recommendation for Pinot also holds for Chardonnay. Head for the Santa Barbara or Monterey areas.

I just want cheaper prices! I hear yah. Lesser-known areas are less expensive. 

• The Sierra Foothills where Amador and El Dorado Counties, east of Sacramento, have the largest concentration of wineries
• Monterey County, Central Coast
• Santa Cruz Mountains, between the Bay Area and Monterey
• Lodi, in the Central Valley between Sacramento and Amador County
• Clarksburg, just outside Sacramento