| Geography : Vineyards located along the Pacific coast, on hillsides and in sunny, inland valleys. The Pacific ocean has a major role to play in the coastal regions: cool air rises from the ocean and forms mist and fog in the morning. This helps the grapes to ripen slowly, developing fruit aromas while retaining acidity. Grape varieties: Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc North Coast Regions: Napa Valley (Stags Leap, Rutherford, Oakville, St Helena), Sonoma (Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley), Mendocino (Anderson Valley) Carneros, Lake Country Central Coast Regions: Santa Cruz Mountains, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbarba Central Valley Regions: Lodi, San Joaquin Valley, Sacramento Valley |
California
