California Wines
Touring California’s Wine Country by Kyle Widner
California’s Central Coast and surrounding wine communities are some of the most legendary in the world, for good reason. With so many distinctive varietals combined with some of the most beautiful scenery in the nation, wine connoisseurs arrive in these areas every season in droves. This article will recommend some of the best wineries to visit while in these areas as well as some additional activities and areas to explore to complement the trips to the various vineyards. Paso Robles Conveniently located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Paso Robles Wine Country is located right in the middle of California’s beautiful Central Coast. With over 170 wineries and 26,000 acres of vineyards, Paso Robles is the state’s third biggest wine region. Common varietals vary from Cabernet Sauvignons, Syrahs, Zinfandels, and classical Rhone Wines, such as Roussannes and Marsannes, as well as sweet White Wines like Viogniers. Other than the wineries, a flourishing community is at hand for tourists to explore, not to mention nearby Nacimiento Lake, ideal for camping, boating, and relaxing. Visitors can explore the downtown City Park, complete with boutique shopping, olive oil tasting, and countless amazing restaurants to pick from. Only thirty minutes away from the glittering Pacific coastline, many tourists spend a day hanging out at one of the beautiful beaches lining the Central Coast. Other notable attractions include the legendary Hearst Castle San Simeon State Historical Monument, which offers five different daily tours, and local towns like Cauycos, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo (home to the Cal Poly Mustangs), Pismo Beach (great for riding the sand dunes and delicious clam chowder), and Avila Beach, a tiny beach town complete with its own oceanfront golf course and pier. Great wineries to visit while in Paso Robles Wine Country include Steinbeck Vinyards, Tobin James, J. Lohr, Meridian, EOS Estate, Eberle, Firestone, Clautiere, and Robert Hall. Santa Cruz County Easily accessible from both the San Francisco and San Jose International Airports, the Santa Cruz Mountain wine tasting rooms in Los Gatos and Saratoga are ideal spots to begin a wine tour. Other notable wineries include the celebrated Cooper-Garrod Vineyards, Savannah Chanelle, and Testarossa. Make sure to stop by Hakone Gardens, an eighteen acre Japanese style garden and koi pond. The Saratoga Inn will provide a comfortable overnight room and is nearby the Montalvo Arts Center as well as several classy dining spots. Just over the Santa Cruz Mountains is Bear Creek Road, where you can find the David Bruce Winery as well as the Chateau at Byington. Off of Highway 17, wine tasters should make sure to do a tasting at Burell School off of Summit Road. Nearby Soquel and Aptos are full of quaint restaurants and inns to end your day. Before leaving Santa Cruz County, plan on a visit to the tasting room and gallery at Bargetto Winery and then enjoy lunch on the Santa Cruz Wharf. End your tasting experience at Storrs, Equinox, and Beauregard vineyards. Don’t forget to check out the playful sea lions on the wharf! Sonoma County The unique and world-famous wines found in Sonoma County would make it an amazing vacation destination by itself, but in combination with the countless activities and experiences available other than wine tasting; Sonoma County is an unbeatable retreat. The Russian River Valley carries some of the areas finest Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, found at wineries such as La Crema, DeLoach, Domaine St. George, Kendall Jackson, and of course, the Russian River Vineyard. Tour the scenic town of Healdsburg where tourists can boutique shop, explore quaint restaurants, and then head out to the coast. Dry Creek Valley will provide wine tasters with a glass of their finest Zinfandel. Whale watch and explore the tide pools at Bodega Bay. Dine at some of the finest seafood restaurants on the coast of California and then head back to Healdsburg for a relaxing stay at any number of bed and breakfasts or luxury hotels. After a comfortable stay in Healdsburg or Bodega Bay, head off on the hiking trails of Jack London State Park and explore the museum that pays homage to the writer. Sonoma Valley is the next wine tasting region to explore, legendary for its delicious Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons. Benzinger Vineyards should be at the top of the list of wineries to visit, boasting beautiful vineyards, brilliant gardens, lively wildlife sanctuaries, and a winegrowing tour on a tractor tram. Downtown Sonoma is full of excitement and culture, with shopping, galleries, great restaurants, and some of Northern California’s most luxurious spas. Other awesome adventures available in Sonoma County include hot-air ballooning, farmer’s markets, picnicking at various wineries, golfing, and biking.
About the Author
This author is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in travel, leisure, home improvement, life insurance, and Fine Wines.
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