4th

largest wine producer in the world

615K

Acres of vines planted across the country

90

Percent of U.S. wine production coming from CA

6

Major CA wine regions that are represented by VC

The Wineries

Hayfork
Hayfork Haley brings modernity to her family’s historic 1864 Napa Valley vineyard and believes that good farming makes good wine.
Lewelling
Lewelling A historic 19th century family-owned and operated winery in the heart of the Napa Valley that produces elegant and celebrated Cabs.

About California Wine

Elevation

  • California winemaking is most prevalent in near-sea level valleys
  • Geographic diversity across the state allows for some grapes to be grown at higher elevations up to 2,600 feet (Mt. Veeder, Napa).

Climate

  • Sunny weather year-round creates a long grape-growing season.
  • 800 miles of coastline expose vineyards to fog and cool breezes.
  • Dry weather in the late spring and summer allow the vines to ripen fully and avoid grey rot and other diseases often prevalent in wet areas.

Soil

  • Diversity in terroir is obvious in California including soils of sand, clay, loam, granite, volcanic ash, seabed soil, and river-run gravel.
  • Napa and Sonoma Valleys are made up mostly of sandy-loam that keep the soil poor enough to produce high quality wine grapes.

Varietals Planted

*Denotes varieties imported by Vine Connections
  • 18%
    Cabernet Sauvignon*
  • 9%
    Pinot Noir*
  • 9%
    Merlot
  • 9%
    Zinfandel
  • 4%
    Syrah*
  • 2%
    Petit Syrah
  • 1%
    Grenache*
  • 10%
    Other Reds
  • 20%
    Chardonnay
  • 3%
    Pinot Gris
  • 3%
    Sauvignon Blanc
  • 11%
    Other Whites

The Wine Regions

California Wine Regions

North Coast – Napa, Sonoma

x North Coast – Napa, Sonoma

This region put California winemaking on the map and is home to more than half of the state’s wineries. An array of luxury estates, rich history, and redwood forests make up the area.

Central Coast –Santa Barbara County, Santa Rita Hills

x Central Coast –Santa Barbara County, Santa Rita Hills

The southern part of the Central Coast receives cool ocean breezes making it the perfect place to grow Pinot Noir and Syrah.

Central Valley – Lodi

x Central Valley – Lodi

Quaint wine region surrounded by nature preserves that is widely known for big red wines and sustainable winemaking.