California’s coast is well-known for its wineries, but Napa Valley and Sonoma County aren’t the only wine destinations in the state. In fact, wineries run up and down the length of the California coast. Here are three wine destinations for your next trip to California.
Temecula Valley
Just north of San Diego in Southern California, Temecula Valley is home to quiet hills of vineyards and wineries. More than 30 wineries can be found in Temecula Valley, where you can spend a weekend touring the vineyards and tasting wines. One of the most notable wineries is Wilson Creek, well known for their almond sparkling wine. Another winery that warrants a tour is Miramonte Winery, which offers tours and tastings from a hilltop that overlooks Temecula Valley. Ponte Winery is connected to an inn, so you can spend an entire weekend in the middle of Temecula’s wine country.
Monterey County
About an hour south of San Francisco, Monterey County is a low-key version of Napa. In fact, the region was named one of the world’s top wine destinations by Wine Enthusiast Magazine in 2013. More than 45 wineries produce grapes in Monterey County, and the most notable of the 42 wine varietals from this region include pinot noir and Bordeaux. Wine festivals and other events are held year round, so visitors can easily sample a range of Monterey’s best wines.
Santa Barbara
After the 2004 film Sideways was filmed in Santa Barbara, the region and its wines have gained attention as a premiere wine destination. More than a dozen wineries can be found along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, a popular area for wine events, and the Urban Wine Trail is home to 15 tasting rooms in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. The region’s best varietals? Chardonnay and pinot noir. Cheers!
(Main image: tribp)
