Standout California wine bottles to discover in 2026
California wines have earned global acclaim for their exceptional quality, often comparable with the great wines of Italy and France. From Napa Valley hills to Mendocino’s shores, oenophiles can enjoy bold California red wines and crisp Chardonnays. Our 5/5 top pick: Robert Mondavi To Kalon Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018.
10 Best California wines for the festive season
To Kalon Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – Robert Mondavi Winery 2018
Napa Valley, California , US
Double Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon – Schrader Cellars 2021
Napa Valley, California (US)
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir – Kosta Browne 2021
Anderson Valley, California (US)
One-Sixteen Chardonnay – Kosta Browne 2021
Russian River Valley, California (US)
San Andreas Fault Pinot Noir – Hirsch Vineyards 2020
Sonoma Coast, California (US)
Napa Valley Chardonnay – Robert Mondavi Winery 2021
Napa Valley, California (US)
The Bohan-Dillon – Hirsch Vineyards 2021
Sonoma Coast, California (US)
A26 Chardonnay – Marchesi Antinori
Napa Valley, California (US)
Unshackled Sauvignon Blanc – The Prisoner Wine Company 2021
California (US)
Diamond Collection Red Label – Francis Ford Coppola 2022
California (US)
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. Our top pick is Robert Mondavi’s To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, rated 5/5 by our experts and available to buy for about £190. This is a highly acclaimed wine from the legendary To Kalon Vineyard, rated 97+ points by Jeb Dunnuck and 94 by Wine Spectator.
Golden State’s finest: what are the best California wine brands
Some of the best California wine brands include those from Paso Robles, California, as well as Duckhorn Vineyards and Robert Mondavi Winery, known for their premium cult wines. Beringer Vineyards is also a brand that excels in producing collectable wines. Californian wine brands are notable for their innovation, dedication to quality and commitment to getting the best out of their diverse microclimates. Let’s consider some of the most popular Californian winemakers.
Duckhorn Vineyards – St. Helena, Napa Valley, California, US.
Following a trip to Pomerol, France, Dan and Margaret Duckhorn decided to elevate Merlot to a varietal star in California, thus beginning the story of Duckhorn Vineyards. Established in 1976, this wine estate was one of the first 40 Napa Valley wineries, with a focus on producing luxury American Merlot. They launched with just 800 cases each of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in 1978, expanding to include Sauvignon Blanc and other estate vineyards by 1982. In 2017, Wine Spectator named the 2014 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot from Three Palms Vineyard as their #1 Wine of the Year. This cemented their status as a top tier producer of New World Merlot and today, the Duckhorn Portfolio remains a respected Napa Valley winemaker.
Napa Valley Merlot – Duckhorn 2022 – Napa Valley, California, US
Robert Mondavi Winery – Oakville, Napa Valley, California, US.
Robert Mondavi was born into a family of winemakers, but following a family feud, he left at age 53 to establish his own winery. The Robert Mondavi Winery, founded in 1966, thus became the first major winery built in Napa Valley after the Prohibition. The vision was to create Californian wines that would compete against the best European bottles. To achieve this goal, Robert chose to establish his winery on the historic To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville, combining Old World winemaking techniques with New World technology. Among others, he pioneered the use of stainless steel tanks for cold fermentations in California and created “Fumé Blanc”, a dry and oak aged high quality Sauvignon Blanc wine. Mondavi also partnered with Baron Phillipe de Rothschild in 1979 to create Opus One, one of California’s most prestigious red wines. Robert Mondavi revolutionized American winemaking and placed Napa Valley on the world wine map for quality and prestige.
Cabernet Sauvignon – Robert Mondavi Winery 2021 – Napa Valley, California, US
Beringer Vineyards – St. Helena, Napa Valley, California, US
Beringer Vineyards is the oldest continuously operating winery in California, founded by the German brothers Jacob and Frederick Beringer in 1876. Jacob used his German knowledge to create a gravity fed winery, where grapes were delivered to the top level, fermented in the middle tiers and aged on the bottom. In addition to pioneering gravity fed production, they also used hand chiseled tunnels for wine ageing, which are still in use today. Beringer Vineyards has remained a premium Californian winemaker, with their 1986 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon being named the #1 Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator. Their 1994 Private Reserve Chardonnay also achieved the same honour a few years later, making Beringer the first to have both red and white wines achieve this accolade. The winery is designated a California Historical landmark, continuing its legacy till today.
Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – Beringer 2019 – Sonoma Valley, California, US
Types and styles of California wines
California excels at cultivating grape varieties used in traditional Italian, Bordeaux and Burgundy winemaking. By adding their own twist and employing modern winemaking techniques, producers have achieved remarkable results. The most prominent styles include :
- Californian red blends play a central role in the region’s winemaking identity. Among them, Bordeaux style blends, dominated by the much loved Cabernet Sauvignon, stand out for their depth and quality. Compared with French Bordeaux, these wines are typically fuller, fruit forward and more approachable in youth. Other popular red types include Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Malbec, Merlot, Grenache, Syrah and Petite Sirah.
Unshackled Red Blend – The Prisoner Wine Company 2022 – California, US
- Californian white wines are definitely led by high quality Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. Though not as common as the top three, Riesling is grown throughout the state and used to make both dry and sweet wines. Others include Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Albariño and Vermentino.
Saldo Chenin Blanc – The Prisoner Wine Company 2021 – California, US
- Californian rosé wines may be dry and crisp or sweet and easy drinking, depending on the grape and the winemaking process. Rosés are produced from a singular red grape variety or a mix of different grapes, with Grenache, Pinot Noir and Syrah being the preferred choice. White Zinfandel and Pink Moscato are also two popular productions, while Mourvèdre is chosen for richer and more complex pink wines.
Classic Rosé Zinfandel – Beringer 2024 – Napa Valley, California, US
- Californian dessert wines are blooming, covering late harvest wines made from grapes like Sémillon, Riesling, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as fortified wines like Port and aromatic sweet wines such as Moscato.
- Californian sparkling wines and Champagne can be found in various styles such as “Brut”, “Rosé” and “Blanc de Blanc”, commonly made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Californian sparkling wines are typically described as crisp, lively and fruitier than traditional Champagne. Although some older brands are allowed to use the term “California Champagne”, many notable producers like Schramsberg and Roederer Estate label their products as “sparkling wine”.
California wines for discerning collectors
California wines have become some of the most coveted bottles worldwide, with hefty price tags due to the premium quality of their varietals and ingenious winemaking techniques.
A six litre bottle of Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon 1992 was once sold at the Napa Valley wine auction for an astonishing $500,000 (approximately £300,000 according to 1992 exchange rates), placing California red wines among the most globally treasured bottles. In the table below, we have curated a selection of highly collectable Californian wines, along with descriptions of their flavour profile and perfect food pairings.
Key California wine grapes
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 the most prominent grapes, California also cultivates more than 100 other varietals from which it produces its red and white wines. These include such as Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah, Petit Verdot and even Albarinõ!
These different grapes each thrive in their individual microclimates covering the coastlands and 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.ჸKey California red wine grapes:
- Cabernet Sauvignon is widely planted in Napa Valley, where it is considered the king of red wine grapes. Big, bold and full bodied, Cabernet Sauvignon grapes result in tannic wines that are highly acidic.
- Merlot is mainly grown in Paso Robles due to its smooth and very versatile nature, resulting in wine styles ranging from fruity to ageworthy, full bodied expressions.
- Zinfandel berries are thick skinned and small, resulting in highly acidic, sweet and spicy wines. It has been said to be America’s grape and is the most widely planted varietal in the Lodi valleys.
- Pinot Noir grapes are versatile and they can be crafted into light bodied reds, sparkling rosés and even white wines. Vineyards in Sonoma County are renowned for the quality of their Pinot Noir.
Lesser known grapes include Petit Syrah, Barbera, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan, Dolcetto, Malbec, Mourvèdre, Tempranillo, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Carménère and Syrah.
Main California white wine grapes:
- Chardonnay is popularly grown in Sonoma County. Chardonnay can take many shapes. It could be full bodied and creamy or bubbly and fruity with notes of vanilla and baking spices.
- Sauvignon Blanc is aromatic and juicy, cultivated mainly on the North Coast and lovingly crafted into wines with herbaceous and citrus notes.
- Pinot Gris is big among Mendocino winemakers and it gives a wine that is light, bright and easy to drink.
- Sémillon is planted and made into wines in Napa Valley wineries. Its wines are full bodied, fresh and citrusy while young, with older versions developing more complex aromas.
Minor white wine grape varieties include Gewürztraminer, Grenache Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Muscadelle, Vermentino, Muscat and Albariño.
Leading California wine regions
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.
The North Coast areas, such as Sonoma County and Napa Valley, produce most of California’s wines. However, the Central Coast region has also proved itself to be a major player, with a diverse range of wines from several vineyards.
Let’s have a look at the wine producing regions of California:
- North Coast (Napa Valley and Sonoma): Napa Valley is home to beautiful, picturesque vineyards, one of the most important wine producing regions in California. Winemakers here have perfected the art of crafting the big and bold Cabernet Sauvignon. Sonoma Valley, Dry Creek and Alexander Valley are three notable winemaking areas in Sonoma County, with their long and warm summers working together with the cool ocean breezes to provide the ideal climate for growing grapes.
- Central Coast (Monterey, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara): each of these regions comes with its unique terroir, soil and winemaking conditions that winemakers leverage to produce a wide array of wines. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are popular in the cooler coastal areas, while producers in warmer, inland regions such as Paso Robles focus on bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Syrah.
- Inland Valleys (Lodi, Sierra Foothills, San Joaquin Valley, Sacramento): the Central Valley, including Lodi and San Joaquin Valleys, makes up the largest wine region, being responsible for nearly 40% of California’s wine grapes. A warm and dry region with plenty of sunshine and nutrient rich soils, Inland Valley is known for its signature red blends, made from Petit Syrah, Merlot and other grapes.
- South Coast (Temecula, Leona Valley, Los Angeles County): grapes in this region benefit from the hot and dry climate, as well as the Pacific Ocean’s cooling effects. Notable offerings include the signature Zinfandel and Rhône varietals, as well as crisp Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The area’s focus in recent times has been on producing premium wines, especially in major areas including Temecula Valley and San Diego County.
Best food pairing combos with 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 flavours, including robust, rich reds that stand up to savoury steaks and fruity rosés perfect for appetisers.
Here are some top food pairing recommendations for the different styles of Californian wine.
| Wine Type | Region | Ideal Food Pairings |
|---|---|---|
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Beef stew, lamb tagine, grilled portobello mushrooms |
| Chardonnay | Sonoma County | Seafood, fresh cheese, fettuccine al pomodoro, zucchini tart |
| Pinot Noir | Sonoma County | Pork tenderloin, charcuterie and cheeses, roast salmon |
| Sauvignon Blanc | North Coast | Risotto al funghi porcini, mid aged cheese, roasted vegetables, seared salmon |
| 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, crab legs |
| Syrah | Central Coast | Steak with peppercorns, meatloaf, Roquefort |
| California Sparkling | Sonoma County | Fresh oysters, sushi, fried chicken, creamy cheeses like Brie |
Designations and California wine appellations
The major wine appellation system in the US is known as the American Viticultural Area (AVA), which describes the geographic wine growing regions recognised 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.
FAQs on California wine
What wine is the most famous in California?
Among the most famous wines in California, Opus One and Screaming Eagle undoubtedly stand at the top thanks to their exclusivity and cult status. However, they’re not alone: California is home to many other world class bottles, several of which feature prominently in our Best California Wines ranking at the top of the page, each selected for its craftsmanship, character, and critical acclaim.
What is considered the wine country in California?
The wine country in California generally includes the areas within the North Coast, covering Napa Valley, Sonoma County and Lake County. These regions are recognised 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.
What is the role of a California wine merchant?
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.
What are the most famous California wine regions?
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 prioritise 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.
What are the popular grapes grown in the wine areas in California?
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.
Is California good for sweet wines?
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.
Where can I find California wines?
You can find a wide selection of California wines through our trusted partner sites. Check out this page frequently to discover curated, expert picked lists of the best California wines, carefully selected by store, conveniently delivered to your door in curated packaging.
What type of wine is produced in California?
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.
What is the most expensive wine in California?
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 collectables, sought after by wine connoisseurs for their unique flavour profile and nuanced tasting notes.
