California wines: standout bottles to discover in 2025
California wines have earned global acclaim for their exceptional quality, standing shoulder to shoulder with the great wines of Italy and France. From the hills of Napa Valley to Mendocino’s shores, oenophiles can enjoy bold reds and crisp Chardonnays, perfect for every palate.
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10 best California wines that deserve a spot in your cellar
Two out of every three bottles of wine produced in America come from California, a testament to the Golden State’s status as a winemaking powerhouse. Winemakers in the state have consistently delivered premium wines, efficiently blending traditional techniques with modern innovations.
Above, you will find a curated selection of California wines worth adding to your collection, together with their tasting notes and expert ratings.
Is California a wine country? Explore its most celebrated wine regions and vineyards
The wine country of California covers a mosaic of areas, spanning rugged coastlines, hillsides and valleys. California boasts world-class estates and vineyards that deliver an unmatched diversity of wines, each one shaped by its unique climate and production methods.
Here is a glimpse at the sub-regions of California:
- Napa Valley: home to picturesque vineyards and the big, bold Cabernet Sauvignon.
Reputable Vineyard: Castello di Amorosa - Sonoma County: long, sunny, and warm summers, together with cool nights and ocean breezes, make the ideal climate for growing grapes.
Reputable Vineyard: Buena Vista Winery - Central Coast: northwest of Los Angeles and stretching to the South Francisco Bay area, it is known for its Mediterranean climate and rich wines.
Reputable Vineyard: Adelaida Vineyards and Winery - North Coast – encompassing counties with a wide range of climates such as Lake, Mendocino, Marin and Solano, the North Coast is known for diverse and high quality wines.
Reputable Vineyard: DeLoach Vineyards - Lake County: volcanic, mineral-rich soils that yield concentrated wines.
Reputable Vineyard: Brassfield Estate Winery - Mendocino County: overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this area has cool summers, enough rainfall and mild winters that reflect in its fruit-forward wines.
Reputable Vineyard: Navarro Vineyards - Lodi: home to old-vine Zinfandels, a bold red wine with a diverse array of flavors.
Reputable Vineyard: Oak Ridge Winery - Sierra Foothills: high elevations and a unique terroir with winds that cause warm days and cool nights.
Reputable Vineyard: Sierra Vista - Inland Valley: warm and dry climate, long growing seasons result in robust wines.
Reputable Vineyard: Wente Vineyards - Southern California: hot and dry climate, tempered by the influence of the Pacific Ocean.
Reputable Vineyard: Galleano Winery - Far North California: a vast and sprawling terroir with maritime climates in some areas, while others are warm and dry.
Reputable Vineyard: Nelson Family Vineyards - Paso Robles: grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfande and Syrah thrive here giving ripe and acidic wines.
Reputable Vineyard: Vina Robles Winery
Types of French wine and major grape varieties
California is a force in the global wine industry, renowned for its diverse climates, innovative winemaking techniques, and premium varietals with Chardonnay standing out as the most widely planted and crushed grape in 2024. According to the USDA, Chardonnay stood out at 18%, closely followed by Cabernet Sauvignon at 16%. While these two remain most prominent grapes, California also cultivates other varietals such as Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah, Petit Verdot and even Albarinõ!
These different grapes each thrive in their individual microclimates, from the coastlines to inland regions, allowing for an impressive range of wine styles.
California is also the birthplace of ‘cult’ wines, luxury labels prized for their rarity and excellence. Noteworthy examples include the most desirable Sine Qua Non Queen of Spades Syrah 1994; which only had 100 cases made, and other exceptional wines by Screaming Eagle, Harlan Estate, and Dominus.
Let’s have a look at some of the key grape varieties grown in California.
California red wine grapes
- Cabernet Sauvignon– tannic, high acidity, full-bodied (Napa Valley).
Notable Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon - Pinot Noir – versatile grapes that yield light-bodied reds and sparkling wines (Sonoma County).
Notable Wine: Pinot Noir - Merlot – medium to full-bodied, fruity, moderate acidity (Paso Robles).
Notable Wine: Merlot - Zinfandel – sweet fruitiness, acidic, with hints of spice (Lodi).
Notable Wine: Zinfandel - Barbera – bold, fruit-forward, moderate tannins (Sierra Foothills).
Notable Wine: Barbera - Sangiovese – juicy, powerful and highly acidic (Sonoma County).
Notable Wine: Sangiovese - Cabernet Franc – balanced structure of fruits, acidity and tannins (Monterey County).
Notable Wine: Cabernet Franc, Bordeaux-style blends - Grenache – aromatic, fruity and savory (Sierra Foothills).
Notable Wine: Grenache, rosés and Rhône-style blends - Cinsault – bright and aromatic, floral and strawberry notes (Lodi).
Notable Wine: Cinsault, rosé wines - Carignan – medium-bodied, deep color, a rustic and earthy character (Mendocino County).
Notable Wine: red wine blends
Lesser-known grapes are:
- Dolcetto – vibrant acidity, dark fruit flavors, elegant tannins (Central Coast).
Notable Wine: Dolcetto - Malbec – tannic, spicy, full-bodied (Napa Valley).
Notable Wine: Bordeaux-style blends such as Meritage - Mourvèdre – full-bodied, with intense acidity and fruit notes (Paso Robles).
Notable Wine: Mourvèdre - Petit Sirah – dry, full-bodied and high in tannins (Central Coast).
Notable Wine: Petit Sirah and blends in various styles - Tempranillo – notes of fruit and spice, velvety texture (Napa Valley).
Notable Wine: Tempranillo - Petit Verdot– impressive aging potential, fruity and herbaceous (Central Coast).
Notable Wine: Bordeaux-style blends, Petit Verdot
California white wine grapes
- Chardonnay– full-bodied, creamy, notes of vanilla and baking spices (Sonoma County).
Notable Wine: Chardonnay - Sauvignon Blanc – aromatic and juicy, with tropical fruit flavors (North Coast).
Notable Wine: Sauvignon Blanc - Pinot Gris – light, bright acidity, white fruit flavors (Mendocino).
Notable Wine: Pinot Gris - Chenin Blanc – high acidity, aromas of green apple, pear and honey (Mendocino).
Notable Wine: Chenin Blanc - Viognier – tropical hints of mango and tangerine, floral notes (Napa Valley).
Notable Wine: usually blended to other varietals obtaining Condrieu style wines - Pinot Blanc – high acidity, versatile enough to produce full-bodied or lighter wines (Monterey County).
Notable Wine: Pinot Blanc and other sparkling bruts - Riesling – flowery and complex, notes of honey and spice (Mendocino County).
Notable Wine: Riesling - Semillon – full-bodied, fresh and citrusy while young, older versions develop complex aromas (Napa Valley).
Notable Wine: Semillon, dry white wine blends - Grenache Blanc – rich, bright acidity, aromatic with floral notes (Central Coast).
Notable Wine: Grenache Blanc - Gewüztraminer – distinctive aromas of roses and lychee, hints of spice (Mendocino County).
Notable Wine: Gewüztraminer
Lesser-known white wine grapes include:
- Marsanne – melon and mineral flavor, rich with a nutty aftertaste (Central Coast).
Notable Wine: Marsanne, Rhône-style white wine blends - Roussane – complex flavors of honey, apricot and flowers, oily texture (Paso Robles).
Notable Wine: Rousanne, Rhône-style white wine blends - Vermentino – dry, crisp and aromatic, subtle minerality (Lodi).
Notable Wine: Vermentino - Muscat – sweet, floral and aromatic with citrus notes (Napa Valley).
Notable Wine: Moscato and other dessert wines - Albarinõ – crisp and aromatic, citrus notes, saline (Lodi).
Notable Wine: Albarinõ
California red wine royalty for discerning collectors
California red wines have become some of the most sought-after and collection-worthy wines worldwide, commanding extraordinary prices due to their prime varietals and ingenious winemaking techniques.
A six-liter bottle of Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon 1992, sold at the Napa Valley wine auction for a whooping $500,000; a testament to the rarity and coveted status of French wines.
In the table below, we have curated a selection of the most collectible Californian red wines, along with descriptions of their flavor profile and perfect food pairings.
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
Queen of Spades Syrah 1994 - Sine Qua Non
5.0/5
From: $4999.97
|
ABV: 14,5% Wine/grape: Syrah Origin country: Santa Barbara County Tasting notes: Majestic and lush, featuring elegant and polished tannins and hints of candied orange peel Best for: Pot-au-Feu, roast lamb leg, chicken marbella - |
Dominus Estate 2021 - Dominus Estate
5.0/5
From: $3599.97
|
ABV: 15% Wine/grape: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc Origin country: Napa Valley Tasting notes: Refined and full-bodied, with aromas of blackcurrants, crushed stone and baking spices Best for: Gruyere, filet mignon, dark chocolate - |
Opus One 2021 - Opus One Winery
4.9/5
From: $2729.99
|
ABV: 14% Wine/grape: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, 0.5% Merlot, 0.5% Malbec Origin country: Napa Valley Tasting notes: Seductive, dark fruit aromas with subtle notes of violet, vanilla and rose petals Best for: Wagyu beef with truffle jus, tomahawk steak, duck confit - |
Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 - Silver Oak Napa Valley
4.9/5
|
ABV: 14,8% Wine/grape: 76.61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18.13% Merlot, 2.56% Cabernet Franc, 2.32% Petit Verdot, 0.38% Malbec Origin country: Napa Valley Tasting notes: Expressive and lively on the nose, with complex aromas of cherries, cedarwood and dried sage. Best for: Lamb chops, a gourmet burger, coq au vin - |
Dominus Estate 2015 - Dominus Estate
4.8/5
From: $2499.97
|
ABV: Wine/grape: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc Origin country: Napa Valley Tasting notes: Complex nose of wild blueberries, wild thyme, and iron ore. Best for: Roast chicken with black olives and tomatoes, wild mushroom risotto - |
Affordable California red wines to unwind on Netflix nights
From juicy Zinfandels to smooth Merlots, there is a wide range of high-quality and affordable California red wines that don’t require a collector’s budget.
For the nights when you want to sit back and unwind with casual sips, here are four California red wine recommendations:
- Far Mountain Fission Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 – intense and ripe dark fruit notes, refined tannins
- Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Merlot 2021 – balanced spice and oak notes, aromas of black fruit
- Black Kite Kite’s Rest Pinot Noir 2019 – clean and refreshing, with notes of fruit and toast
- Marietta Cellars Angeli Estate Zinfandel 2022 – notes of graham crackers, briar berries, and violet
3 Unmissable crisp and golden California white wines
California white wines are diverse and vibrant, ranging from oak-aged Chardonnays to fruit-forward Sauvignon Blancs.
A Californian white wine offers both refreshing brightness for warm afternoons and refined elegance for formal dinners. Its versatility shines alongside seafood, delicate white meats and fresh cheeses, making it a graceful and elegant choice.
Here are 3 handpicked Californian whites that impress with their quality and tasting notes.
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
Napa Valley Chardonnay 2016 - Chateau Montelena
5.0/5
From: $219.99
|
ABV: 13,6% Wine/grape: Chardonnay Origin country: Napa Valley Tasting notes: Bright acidity, fresh with lemon peel, chamomile, and floral overtones Best for: Salmon Wellington - |
Georgia Sauvignon Blanc 2022 - Lail Vineyards
4.9/5
From: $174.99
|
ABV: 14,5% Wine/grape: Sauvignon blanc Origin country: Napa Valley Tasting notes: Medium to full-bodied, with vanilla, white flower, and citrus notes. Best for: Sushi - |
Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 - Williams Selyem Winery
4.8/5
From: $99.99
|
ABV: 14,4% Wine/grape: Origin country: Sonoma County Tasting notes: Mineral, notes of fresh pineapple, musk melon, and citrus Best for: Fettuccine Alfredo - |
California’s finest sparkling wines: toast-worthy bubbles
California sparkling wines are very avant-garde: when the region’s spirit of innovation meets the traditional methods of producing bubbly wines, the results are a wide spectrum of distinct, fresh and elegant sparkling wines.
The perfect sips for celebrations and toast-worthy moments, Californian sparkling wines are also ideal pairings for dessert, fruit-based dishes, and even sushi!
Below, you will find a curated list of elegant California sparkling wines, tasting notes, and their ideal food pairings.
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
L’Ermitage 2019 - Roederer Estate
5.0/5
From: $79.99
|
ABV: 13,2% Wine/grape: 52% Chardonnay, 48% Pinot Noir Origin country: Mendocino Tasting notes: Creamy, light, and a lingering salinity Best for: Asparagus salad with quinoa - |
Crémant de Corralitos Sparkling Pinot Noir 2014 - Alfaro Family
4.9/5
From: $52.99
|
ABV: 12,3% Wine/grape: Pinot noir Origin country: Santa Cruz Mountains Tasting notes: Crisp and fizzy, with notes of black plum, red tobacco and cassis Best for: Risotto pasta with Zucchini - |
Brut Blanc de Blancs 2016 - Secret Indulgence
4.8/5
From: $35.99
|
ABV: 12,5% Wine/grape: Chardonnay Origin country: Napa Valley Tasting notes: Medium-bodied and zesty, notes of apple, spice, and toasted brioche Best for: French toast with Brillat-Savarin Truffle D’Été cheese - |
3 California rosé wines you should know: pink, elegant and perfect
California rosé wines have found a permanent place on the state’s wine map, now intentionally crafted with a focus on balance, acidity and freshness rather than just a by-product of repurposed red wine grapes.
Working with varietals like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Grenache, Syrah and Zinfandel, winemakers produce delicate and elegant wines that may be light and dry or full-bodied and sweet.
Rosés are incredibly versatile, suitable for various occasions, and stand as the perfect pairing options for Mediterranean dishes, fresh salads and grilled meats.
Below, you will find our selection of the best California rosé wines to savor with your next meal.
- Roederer Estate L’Ermitage Brut Rosé 2013 – intense fruit notes, full-bodied with a lingering finish
- Realm Cellars La Fe Rosé 2020 – hints of sweetness, vibrant acidity, citrus, floral and red fruit notes
- Chandon Étoile Rosé – elegant and rich aromas, with layers of plum, dark cherry, cocoa and nutmeg
California sweet wine: a closer look at Napa Valley sweet wines and other regions
California sweet wine has been gaining attention beyond the region’s famous reds, with Napa Valley leading the way in crafting luscious dessert wines. Using late-harvest grapes like Port, Riesling and Muscat, winemakers capture rich fruitiness balanced by bright acidity, thanks to Napa’s ideal combination of warm days and cool nights.
Sweet wines from California aren’t limited to the Napa Valley. Sonoma sweet wines also shine, offering a fresher, more delicate style due to their cooler coastal influence. Here are some top Napa Valley sweet wines, together with some bottles from Sonoma, highlighting the best of California’s sweet wine scene.
Origin country: Napa Valley
Wine/grape: Zinfandel
Tasting notes: Fortified, black fruit flavors with a brilliant acidity
Best for: Brisket, chocolate and caramel
Origin country: Sonoma County
Wine/grape: Riesling
Tasting notes: Rich and luscious, with aromas of fresh pear and honeysuckle blossom
Best for: Spicy glazed ham, cheesecake
Origin country: Napa Valley
Wine/grape: Muscat
Tasting notes: Sweet, aromas of honeyed apricots, saffron and ripe peaches
Best for: Fruit tarts, Thai green curry
Understanding the designations and appellations of California wine
The major wine appellation system in the US is known as the American Viticultural Area (AVA), which describes the geographic wine-growing regions recognized by the government. These areas have special qualities like their soil, climate and other characteristics that yield high-quality grapes.
In California, there are 154 established AVAs, more than half of the total number countrywide and prominent areas include the Lodi AVA, the Napa Valley AVA, and the Sonoma County AVA. While these areas are known for growing notch grapes, the ‘AVA’ designation does not regulate the type or quality of the grapes bottled.
What to eat with the best California wines?
What better way to appreciate the beauty of the best California wines than to pair them with excellent dishes? California wines offer a variety of flavors, from robust, rich reds that stand up to savory steaks to fruity rosés perfect for appetizers.
Here are some top food pairing recommendations for the different styles of Californian wine.
| Wine Type | Region | Ideal Food Pairing |
|---|---|---|
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Beef stew, lamb tagine, grilled portobello mushrooms |
| Chardonnay | Sonoma Count | Camembert, roast pork served with apples, fettuccine Alfredo |
| Pinot Noir | Sonoma Count | Pork tenderloin, charcuterie and cheeses, roast salmon |
| Sauvignon Blanc | North Coast | Risotto al funghi porcini, mid aged cheese, roasted vegetables |
| Merlot | Paso Robles | Roasted chicken with a lemon-herb sauce, mozzarella, and humus |
| Zinfandel | Lodi | Cheddar, chocolate cake, spaghetti and meatballs |
| Pinot Grigio | Mendocino | Fresh salads with light vinaigrettes, risotto primavera, and chive gyoza |
| Syrah | Central Coast | Steak with peppercorns, meatloaf, Roquefort |
FAQs Best California wine
The wine country in California generally includes the areas within the North Coast, covering Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and Lake County. These regions are recognized for their premium and elegant wines, each with its unique characteristics. The variety of grapes grown here includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Merlot.
The California wine merchant is a person responsible for buying and selling wines. They source rare, collection-worthy bottles and bring them to wine connoisseurs, bridging the gap between wineries and wine lovers. They may also offer advice on wine storage conditions, accessories, and ideal pairings.
The most famous California wine regions include Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and the Central Coast. Napa Valley is home to numerous vineyards where Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot are grown, while Sonoma County wines prioritize Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. The central coast is made up of regions like Paso Robles and Santa Barbara, known for their highly prized bottles.
The popular grapes grown in the wine areas in California are red wine grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Syrah. The most planted white wine grapes include Chardonnay, which yields the most dazzling sparkling wines, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc.
Patrimony Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 and the Justin Isosceles Reserve 2017 are our top picks of the best wines from Paso Robles, California. These wines have been described as full bodied and rich with a burst of floral and fruity flavors. They are best enjoyed with savory dishes like dark chocolate, aged steaks and roast duck.
Yes, California produces a range of excellent sweet wines in every style imaginable from airy and fruity to richer, more decadent offerings. The grapes used for sweet wines include Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay and Muscat. You may even find fortified port style wines that make great additions to your sauces and glazes.
You can find California wines on a site such as ours, where we provide curated, expert-picked lists of the best wines to savor. Check back in regularly to find regularly updated wine selections in every style, stunning wine accessories and food pairing options.
The types of wine produced in California include red, white, rosé, and sparkling options. The state is especially known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc. You may also find dessert wines, produced from grapes like Zinfandel, Riesling and other blends.
Sine Qua Non Queen of Spades Syrah 1994 and the Dominus Estate 2021 Bordeaux red blend are two of the most expensive wines in California. Produced from high-quality grapes in small quantities, these wines are collectibles, sought after by wine connoisseurs for their unique flavor profile and nuanced tasting notes.