About Southern California's Wine Countries

Paso Robles wine country is situated 20 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, literally halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, and, because of this location, is in the center of the Central Coast wine region which spans from Monterey County to the north and to Santa Barbara County to the south.

The climate and diverse soils provide optimal growing conditions for a number of varieties. Hot days are contrasted with coastal breezes that flow over the Santa Lucia Mountain Range to cool the vineyards in the evenings. Many different varieties of winegrapes are grown in Paso Robles, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Zinfandel representing 76% of the planted acreage and some forty-five other varieties making up the remainder.

Edna Valley/SLO's wine country, is located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, has earned worldwide recognition and respect for the exceptional quality of wine grapes produced in this ideal viticultural area. In the San Luis Obispo wine region, the cool climate and marine sediment combine to produce the most highly regarded, rich, buttery Chardonnay grapes in California wine country. San Luis Obispo, California wine country is worth a visit in itself, or you can take it as an added bonus to the beaches, Hearst Castle, the Missions, the beautiful scenery, the wonderful small towns. Relaxed country drives. Friendly people. Great wines.

The wineries are among the major recipients of awards in prominent national wine competitions. Yet fame has not detracted from a friendly and inviting atmosphere where it is not uncommon to meet the families and winemakers who actually own and operate the wineries. Welcome, and enjoy!

Santa Barbara County wine country is located in California's Central Coast. Lush, sun-drenched, relaxed and nestled seductively between Los Angeles and Francisco, Santa Barbara is one of America's best-kept secrets. From State Street and the Santa Ynez Mountains to the rugged Channel Islands and the burgeoning wine country, Santa Barbara basks in sunshine, natural bounty, creativity, cultural sophistication and an appreciation for taking life at your own pace. There is always something going on here in Wine Country - a festival, vineyard tour, winemaker dinner, special tasting, barn dance, grape stomping contest, live theatre...you name it. 

The Oscar® -winning film Sideways was set and filmed in Santa Barbara Wine Country and featured several local wineries and attractions. Santa Barbara County is well-known for fine Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah, as well as Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling and other varietals.

Temecula Valley wine country  is California's only prominent American Viticultural Area south of Los Angeles. For the adventurous wine lover, it's an ideal destination for a short day trip from Los Angeles, Orange County, Palm Springs or San Diego.

Temecula's fine, underrated wines taste especially good when sampled at the winery. The region's tasting rooms and gift shops are open to visitors year-round, and most wineries offer tours and, in some cases, special wine-and-food tastings. Wine lovers can also savor the local nectar at the area's many gourmet delis and upscale restaurants or while enjoying panoramic vineyard views from one of Temecula's many picnic areas. After a day of wine tasting, spend a relaxing night in one of Temecula's excellent B&Bs or inns.

So come visit Temecula Valley and experience for yourself the magical place whose name comes from the Luiseno Indian word meaning the "Land where the sun shines through the mist."

There is always something going on here Wine Country - a festival, vineyard tour, winemaker dinner, special tasting, barn dance, grape stomping contest, live theatre...you name it.

Welcome, and enjoy!