Greatest vineyards: Decanter names 12 'to rule them all'
After much discussion with leading experts, here is Decanter's final dozen...
Parts of California are renowned for the fog that rolls in from the sea.
Credit: Pgiam / Getty Images
According to the California Wine Institute, the California wine region is responsible for producing 81% of all US wine, and is the fourth-largest wine-producing region after France, Italy and Spain.
There are 242,000 hectares of vineyard spread across 139 AVAs (American Viticultural Areas).
The North Coast is home to famed AVAs such as Napa County and Sonoma County, although wineries can be found from north to south, and further inland too.
Quick links California wine reviews | California producer profiles
Chardonnay is California’s most widely planted variety, with approximately 37,800ha planted. Cabernet Sauvignon is not far behind, with approximately 36,700ha planted.
After much discussion with leading experts, here is Decanter's final dozen...
From Siduri to the Santa Lucia Highlands…
The perpetual rise of a Sonoma star...
A Napa wine country version of the board game...
A Chardonnay maestro's latest releases...
Pinault family takes majority stake in merged group housing several wine 'treasures'...
The drive for a greener wine industry…
A round-up of recent developments...
Fine dining at a selection of Napa and Sonoma wineries...
Yountville, Diamond Mountain, Oak Knoll, Mount Veeder, Atlas Peak and Chiles Valley
Expert tips to get the most from your money, and the wines to buy…
Excellent freshness, moderate alcohols and elegant tannins…
Structured, mineral wines from a renowned AVA…
A vintage of fresh aromatics as well as structured tannins…
Cabernet Sauvignon from some of Napa's most well-known wineries…
The best buys from this unique 'dusty' terroir…
The best buys from this northerly mountain AVA…
The wines to buy from Napa's most recognised AVA…
Great buys from this cool Napa sub-AVA…
The top 63 wines from 2019, including five 100-point scores…
The grape on everyone’s lips in California...
A 40-year career and five recent releases…
Picking begins for some sparkling and white wine styles...
Explore Napa and Sonoma with our selection of winery visits to suit every taste...
The six wines and food pairings…
A new acquisition for the luxury goods powerhouse...
A rich history and exciting future…
10 new and mature vintages…
Sam Kaplan co-launches a new philanthropic venture...
Jensen was famed for producing elegant, silky Pinot Noirs at Calera Wine Company on the Central Coast...