A Look into the California Wine Regions

California’s long and colorful history of delicious wine production has made it a favorite destination for many wine enthusiasts. The beautiful fruit-filled vineyards with over 100 wine grape varieties have enabled it to offer standout sips for everyone.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc are some of the most common varietals in California wine regions.

The California Wine Regions

The terroir and geography of the sun-kissed state differ considerably, ranging from cooler coastal areas to warm inland valleys. In California, cool, foggy nights follow hot days. This cycle lengthens the ripening period of grapes and increases the flavor intensity, allowing for the production of a wide range of high-quality wines.

California’s 141 federally approved American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) produce over 81% of the wine in the United States, with 49 of the 58 counties in California growing wine grapes.

The Golden State’s 141 AVAs located in different geographies and climates divide into six wine-producing regions, which include the following:

• North Coast
• Central Coast
• Sierra Foothills
• South Coast
• Far North California
• Inland Valleys

Is There a Difference Between Wine Regions and AVAs?

Wine regions are grape-growing areas within one single administrative boundary, whether it be a county, state, or country. However, AVAs are delimited wine regions that are distinguished by geographical features such as elevation, soil, and climate.

What Makes California Wine Special?

The state’s varied climates allow for the excellent and diverse growing of over 100 wine grape varieties. New-generation California winemakers continually change the norm by experimenting with different wine styles to create an array of bold wines with fruity flavors.

California red wines can age for several years, are medium to full-bodied, often fruit-forward, and can have firm tannins. The famous reds are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. White wines range from crisp, bright, and citrus-forward to rounder-bodied and rich. The favored whites are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio.

The combination of high-quality wine grapes and exceptional winemaking expertise has made California wine the most sought-after in the United States. California’s popularity is further enhanced by its position as the fourth-leading wine producer globally after Spain, France, and Italy.

North Coast

North Coast hosts more than half of the wineries in the entire state, with Napa Valley and Sonoma County being the most prominent regions. The popular AVAs in the North Coast include:

• Napa Valley
• Sonoma County
• Lake County
• Los Carneros
• Mendocino County

The most famous varietals on the North Coast are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.

Central Coast

The Central Coast spans California from Ventura County to the San Francisco Bay Area. The most famous AVA on the Central Coast is Paso Robles, known for its red wines.

The AVAs in the Central Coast include:

• Paso Robles
• Santa Barbara County
• Monterey County
• Santa Maria Valley
• Livermore Valley
• San Luis Obispo County
• Santa Cruz Mountain

The most popular grape varieties on the Central Coast are Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other Rhone-style wines. Other known varieties are Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and many styles of rosé.

AJA Sources From Local, High-Quality Wine Regions

AJA Vineyards prioritizes giving our customers the best wine experience by only sourcing from high-quality wine regions while also producing our own grapes on property. We are grateful for our family-owned, sustainably farmed suppliers who help us produce wines that best showcase the California coast.

Sierra Foothills

The Sierra Foothills, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in northern California, is an incredibly unique and often underrated wine region. The area has more than 100 family-owned wineries that offer wine enthusiasts friendly and personal experiences.

Here, varietals of renowned reputations such as Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, Barbera, Syrah, and Viognier are enjoyed in areas such as:

• Amador County
• Calaveras County
• El Dorado County
• Mariposa County

South Coast

The South Coast region of California is the birth of wine in the USA. In the wake of the great Spanish expedition, along the El Camino Real, the missionaries left beautiful grape vines planted around their mission properties that were used to make ceremonial wine. Though many are uprooted now, the oldest vine in California to this day sits at the San Gabriel Mission and produces fruit. Nearly 50 wineries populate the rolling hills of the region. The climate of Southern California is perfect for most varieties. AJA’s beautiful Malibu-based vineyard is a part of this region. We are proud to represent the South Coast and bring the best wine this region has to offer to our customers!

The award-winning varietals on the South Coast are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Pinot Noir. Some of the places to have the best wine experience in the South Coast include:

• Temecula Valley
• Los Angeles Area
• Malibu
• San Diego County
• Palos Verdes

Find AJA Vineyards

We’re here to remove the hassle for those who can’t make the trip to the South Coast. Visit the AJA Vineyards website and check out the wines in our inventory. Our dedicated team ensures wine enthusiasts can experience what the California South Coast has to offer at their convenience, wherever they are. Contact us today to purchase from our online shop, which has a wide range of wines for everyone’s unique taste.