Ah, California, America’s Golden State. There really is no place quite like it. The people, the places, and lets not forget the wine, make California any wine lovers premier destination. From the legacy of the Napa Valley, to the seaside villages of the Central Coast, California is a dream come true for any wine lover.
But, there’s one tiny problem: California is a huge state. And when I say huge, I mean huge. Sure, Napa Valley might be California’s most popular wine region, but it isn't California’s ONLY wine region. Oh, no no no, it is far from it. There is excellent wine to be found all over California. From the quiet gold rush towns of the Sierra Foothills, to the rolling hillsides of Paso Robles, California is state rich in wine and I take it upon myself to educate the masses on “California’s 8 Must See Wineries!”
Artesa Vineyards & Winery
Smack dab in the heart of the Napa Valley, Artesa Winery is a serious sight to behold. With a unique hilltop construction, Artesa’s tasting room resembles a 21st century pyramid. A pyramid?! I’m serious! The winery looks just like a grassy, 21st century, alien pyramid. And if that wasn’t enough, Artesa makes some darn good wine. Artesa is a Napa Valley treasure and the first in my must see California wine road trip.
Miraflores
Placerville, the city which Miraflores calls home, boomed in the late 19th century when gold was first discovered. Now, that all the dust has settled and all the gold is gone, Miraflores entices wine lovers with some of the best wine the Sierra Foothills has to offer. With a rich variety of wines being offered, from Barbera to Chardonnay, Miraflores is a must see, must visit, must taste California winery!
Rosenblum Cellars
The next stop on our California wine road trip: the Bay Area! Rosenblum’s unique urban setting on an industrial dock is sure to charm even the most experience winery aficionado. A stellar view of the San Francisco skyline, wine grown from all over Northern California and live music make this Bay Area winery a must see.
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
Located in the heart of Paso Robles wine country, J. Lohr is dedicated to producing excellent California red wines. As if making deliciously good wines wasn’t enough, J. Lohr has the largest three acre “solar tracking system” in America. It powers 85% of the winery’s energy use! The rolling hillsides, clear skies and warm California sun make J. Lohr the perfect winery for those looking to enjoy all the California Central Coast has to offer.
Grassini Family Vineyards
With a tasting room in the center of beautiful downtown Santa Barbara and vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley, Grassini Family Vineyards fully embraces the Central Coast wine community. 10 years since their first harvest, Grassini Family Vineyards has grown into one of Santa Barbara county’s most prestigious wineries. If you are in Santa Barbara, it is time for a visit, trust me.
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Cycles Gladiator
If there ever was a rebellious, Han Solo like winery in California, it would be Cycles Gladiator. With a label that is banned in Alabama for being “pornographic,” Cycles Gladiator has fully embraced it’s controversial style. Good thing the Lodi based winery has the winemaking chops to back up their “rebellious” nature. If you ever find yourself in Lodi, California, Cycles Gladiator definitely deserves your undivided attention.  Â
Nottingham Cellars
The next stop of this California wine road trip takes us back to the Bay Area! I know what you’re thinking, but no, this winery’s name has no relation to Robin Hood’s Nottingham (or was I the only one thinking that?) Run by a father and son team, Nottingham Cellars is dedicated to producing excellent, award winning California wines. This Livermore winery is a must taste for any lover of good, Northern California wine.
Vigilance
Vigilance is one of the most interesting California wineries. Because of their devilishly good wines? No, not exactly, but they do have superb California wines. They are the most interesting because they have a pack of sheep roaming through the vineyards! The sheep, eat the weeds and maintain the vineyards, talk about efficiency! Vigilance Winery is a Lake County sight to behold, so do yourself a favor and go visit!
The following article was provided by our contributing partner – Touring and Tasting Magazine. We are sure you will enjoy their guest posts on both wineries and wine regions. Cheers – Ken