7 Best California Wines to Try

California wine. Just the name conjures images of sun-drenched vineyards, rolling hills, and the clinking of glasses filled with rich, flavorful liquid. But with so many wineries and varietals to choose from, where do you even begin? That’s where this guide comes in. We’re diving deep into the world of California wine, exploring seven exceptional bottles that represent the best the Golden State has to offer. Get ready to discover your new favorite!

Exploring California Wine Regions A Quick Overview

Before we jump into the specific wines, let's take a quick tour of California's key wine regions. Each region boasts unique terroir – the combination of soil, climate, and topography – that imparts distinct characteristics to the grapes and, ultimately, the wine.

Napa Valley: Perhaps the most famous of all, Napa Valley is synonymous with premium Cabernet Sauvignon. You'll also find excellent Chardonnay, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc here. The warm days and cool nights allow for optimal grape ripening, resulting in concentrated flavors and elegant structure.

Sonoma County: Napa's neighbor to the west, Sonoma County offers a more diverse range of microclimates and grape varieties. From cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay along the coast to Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon further inland, Sonoma has something for everyone.

Paso Robles: Located on the Central Coast, Paso Robles is known for its bold, fruit-forward wines. Rhône varietals like Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre thrive here, as do Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. The region's warm days and cool nights create ideal conditions for producing richly flavored wines.

Santa Barbara County: Further south, Santa Barbara County boasts a cool, maritime climate that's perfect for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Sta. Rita Hills AVA, in particular, is renowned for its elegant and complex Pinot Noirs.

Mendocino County: Located north of Sonoma, Mendocino County is known for its sustainable and organic farming practices. The region produces a wide range of wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and Italian varietals.

The Best California Wines Our Top 7 Picks

Now, let's get to the good stuff! Here are seven exceptional California wines that you absolutely must try:

1 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley The King of California Reds

Description: Caymus is arguably one of the most recognizable names in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Known for its opulent, full-bodied style, Caymus Cabernet is a true crowd-pleaser. It's typically aged in French oak barrels, which imparts notes of vanilla, spice, and cedar. Expect layers of dark fruit flavors like blackberry, cassis, and plum, along with a velvety smooth texture and a long, lingering finish.

Use Cases: Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect wine for special occasions. Pair it with a grilled steak, roasted lamb, or a rich chocolate dessert. It's also a great wine to cellar and enjoy as it ages.

Product Comparison: Compared to other Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons, Caymus tends to be more fruit-forward and approachable in its youth. While some producers focus on elegance and structure, Caymus emphasizes richness and intensity. Think of it as the "rock star" of Napa Cabernet.

Detailed Information:

• Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Region: Napa Valley, California
• Aging: Aged in French oak barrels
• Alcohol: Typically around 14.5%
• Pricing: Expect to pay upwards of $150 per bottle.

2 Kistler Chardonnay Sonoma Coast A Benchmark for California Chardonnay

Description: Kistler is a producer that consistently delivers exceptional Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast. Their Chardonnay is known for its complexity, elegance, and minerality. Expect aromas of citrus, pear, and white flowers, along with subtle oak notes and a vibrant acidity. Kistler's Chardonnay is a wine that can age beautifully, developing even more nuance and complexity over time.

Use Cases: Kistler Chardonnay is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Enjoy it with seafood, roasted chicken, or creamy pasta dishes. It's also a great wine to sip on its own as an aperitif.

Product Comparison: Compared to other California Chardonnays, Kistler emphasizes balance and finesse. While some producers opt for a more buttery and oaky style, Kistler's Chardonnay is more restrained and elegant. Think of it as the "ballerina" of California Chardonnay.

Detailed Information:

• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Region: Sonoma Coast, California
• Aging: Aged in French oak barrels
• Alcohol: Typically around 13.5%
• Pricing: Expect to pay around $80-$120 per bottle.

3 Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills A Taste of Coastal Elegance

Description: Sea Smoke is a producer specializing in Pinot Noir from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA in Santa Barbara County. Their "Southing" Pinot Noir is a blend of their estate vineyards and is known for its silky texture, vibrant acidity, and complex aromas of red fruit, spice, and earth. It's a wine that truly captures the essence of the Sta. Rita Hills terroir.

Use Cases: Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir is a perfect match for roasted salmon, duck breast, or mushroom-based dishes. It's also a great wine to enjoy with a cheese plate or charcuterie board.

Product Comparison: Compared to other California Pinot Noirs, Sea Smoke is known for its intensity and concentration. While some producers focus on a lighter, more delicate style, Sea Smoke aims for a richer, more powerful expression of Pinot Noir. Think of it as the "powerhouse" of Santa Rita Hills Pinot.

Detailed Information:

• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Region: Sta. Rita Hills, California
• Aging: Aged in French oak barrels
• Alcohol: Typically around 14%
• Pricing: Expect to pay around $75-$100 per bottle.

4 Ridge Vineyards Geyserville Zinfandel Sonoma County A Classic California Zinfandel

Description: Ridge Vineyards is a historic winery known for its commitment to traditional winemaking techniques. Their Geyserville Zinfandel is a blend of Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah, and other varietals from the Geyserville area of Sonoma County. It's a wine that showcases the rich, brambly fruit flavors and earthy notes that are characteristic of California Zinfandel.

Use Cases: Ridge Geyserville Zinfandel is a fantastic wine to pair with barbecue, grilled meats, or spicy dishes. It's also a great wine to enjoy with pizza or pasta with red sauce.

Product Comparison: Compared to other California Zinfandels, Ridge is known for its balance and complexity. While some producers focus on a high-alcohol, jammy style, Ridge aims for a more restrained and nuanced expression of Zinfandel. Think of it as the "classic" of California Zinfandel.

Detailed Information:

• Varietal: Zinfandel blend
• Region: Sonoma County, California
• Aging: Aged in American oak barrels
• Alcohol: Typically around 14.5%
• Pricing: Expect to pay around $40-$50 per bottle.

5 Turley Wine Cellars Old Vines Zinfandel California A Celebration of Old Vine Zinfandel

Description: Turley Wine Cellars is a producer dedicated to preserving and showcasing old vine Zinfandel vineyards throughout California. Their "Old Vines" Zinfandel is a blend of fruit from various old vine vineyards and is known for its concentrated flavors, rich texture, and spicy aromas. It's a wine that truly captures the history and heritage of California Zinfandel.

Use Cases: Turley Old Vines Zinfandel is a perfect match for grilled sausages, hearty stews, or game meats. It's also a great wine to enjoy with a cheese plate or charcuterie board.

Product Comparison: Compared to other California Zinfandels, Turley is known for its intensity and concentration. They source from some of the oldest and most prized Zinfandel vineyards in the state, resulting in wines with exceptional depth and complexity. Think of it as the "preservationist" of California Zinfandel.

Detailed Information:

• Varietal: 100% Zinfandel
• Region: California (various vineyards)
• Aging: Aged in French oak barrels
• Alcohol: Typically around 15%
• Pricing: Expect to pay around $40-$50 per bottle.

6 Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot Napa Valley A Napa Valley Merlot Masterpiece

Description: Duckhorn Vineyards is synonymous with Merlot in Napa Valley. They've been crafting exceptional Merlot for decades, and their Napa Valley Merlot is a benchmark for the varietal. Expect aromas of black cherry, plum, and chocolate, along with a smooth, velvety texture and a long, elegant finish. It’s a Merlot that defies expectations and redefines the varietal.

Use Cases: Duckhorn Merlot is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled pork, or lamb. It's also a great wine to enjoy with pasta dishes or with a simple cheese plate.

Product Comparison: Compared to other California Merlots, Duckhorn is known for its structure and complexity. While some producers focus on a softer, fruitier style, Duckhorn's Merlot is more refined and age-worthy. It’s a testament to the potential of Merlot in Napa Valley. Think of it as the "sophisticate" of Napa Valley Merlot.

Detailed Information:

• Varietal: 100% Merlot
• Region: Napa Valley, California
• Aging: Aged in French oak barrels
• Alcohol: Typically around 14%
• Pricing: Expect to pay around $60-$80 per bottle.

7 Tablas Creek Vineyard Esprit de Tablas Paso Robles A Rhone Blend with California Flair

Description: Tablas Creek Vineyard is a pioneer in Paso Robles, bringing Rhône varietals to the Central Coast. Their Esprit de Tablas is a blend of Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Syrah, inspired by the wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Expect aromas of red and black fruit, spice, and garrigue, along with a full-bodied texture and a long, savory finish. It's a Rhône blend with a distinct California character.

Use Cases: Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas is a perfect match for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or hearty stews. It's also a great wine to enjoy with game meats or with a cheese plate featuring aged cheeses.

Product Comparison: Compared to other Rhône blends from California, Tablas Creek is known for its authenticity and elegance. They are committed to sustainable farming practices and traditional winemaking techniques, resulting in wines that are both complex and approachable. Think of it as the "pioneer" of Rhône blends in Paso Robles.

Detailed Information:

• Varietal: Rhône blend (Mourvèdre, Grenache, Syrah)
• Region: Paso Robles, California
• Aging: Aged in French oak foudres
• Alcohol: Typically around 14%
• Pricing: Expect to pay around $50-$60 per bottle.

California Wine Pairing Tips Enhance Your Dining Experience

Choosing the right wine to pair with your meal can elevate your dining experience to a whole new level. Here are a few general guidelines to keep in mind when pairing California wines:

• Cabernet Sauvignon: Pair with rich, savory dishes like grilled steak, roasted lamb, or hearty stews. The tannins in Cabernet Sauvignon help to cut through the fat and richness of these dishes.
• Chardonnay: Pair with seafood, roasted chicken, or creamy pasta dishes. The acidity in Chardonnay helps to balance the richness of these dishes.
• Pinot Noir: Pair with roasted salmon, duck breast, or mushroom-based dishes. The earthy notes in Pinot Noir complement the flavors of these dishes.
• Zinfandel: Pair with barbecue, grilled meats, or spicy dishes. The fruit-forward flavors and spicy notes in Zinfandel complement the flavors of these dishes.
• Merlot: Pair with roasted chicken, grilled pork, or lamb. The smooth tannins and red fruit flavors in Merlot complement the flavors of these dishes.
• Rhône Blends: Pair with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or hearty stews. The complex flavors and savory notes in Rhône blends complement the flavors of these dishes.

California Wine Storage Tips Preserve Your Investment

Proper wine storage is essential for preserving the quality and flavor of your California wines. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Temperature: Store your wines at a consistent temperature between 55-65°F (13-18°C). Fluctuations in temperature can damage the wine.
• Humidity: Maintain a humidity level of around 70%. This will prevent the cork from drying out and shrinking, which can allow air to enter the bottle and oxidize the wine.
• Light: Store your wines in a dark place, away from direct sunlight. Light can damage the wine and cause it to age prematurely.
• Position: Store your wines horizontally. This will keep the cork moist and prevent it from drying out.
• Vibration: Avoid storing your wines in a place that is subject to vibration. Vibration can disrupt the sediment in the wine and affect its flavor.

Investing in California Wine Building Your Collection

Investing in California wine can be a rewarding experience, both financially and personally. Here are a few tips to help you build your collection:

• Do your research: Learn about different wine regions, grape varieties, and producers. Read wine reviews and consult with wine experts.
• Focus on quality: Invest in wines from reputable producers and regions. Look for wines that have received high scores from wine critics.
• Consider aging potential: Choose wines that have the potential to age well. These wines will typically have higher tannins and acidity.
• Diversify your portfolio: Invest in a variety of different wines from different regions and producers. This will help to reduce your risk.
• Store your wines properly: Proper wine storage is essential for preserving the value of your investment.

The Future of California Wine Trends and Innovations

The California wine industry is constantly evolving, with new trends and innovations emerging all the time. Here are a few things to keep an eye on:

• Sustainable farming practices: More and more California wineries are adopting sustainable farming practices, such as organic and biodynamic viticulture.
• Alternative grape varieties: Wineries are experimenting with a wider range of grape varieties, including those from the Rhône Valley, Italy, and Spain.
• Lower alcohol wines: There is a growing demand for lower alcohol wines, as consumers become more health-conscious.
• Canned wine: Canned wine is becoming increasingly popular, especially among younger consumers.
• Wine tourism: Wine tourism is a major industry in California, with millions of visitors flocking to the state's wine regions each year.

California Wine A Journey of Discovery

Exploring the world of California wine is a journey of discovery, with endless opportunities to learn and taste new things. From the iconic Cabernet Sauvignons of Napa Valley to the elegant Pinot Noirs of the Sonoma Coast, there's a California wine out there for everyone. So, grab a glass, pour yourself a taste, and start exploring!