When thinking of wine tasting in California, many people envision Napa Valley, but there are numerous lesser-known wine regions across the state that offer a more personalized experience and a break from the crowds. Here are five noteworthy regions to consider for your next wine adventure.

1. Lodi

Lodi, positioned 90 miles east of San Francisco, is enhanced by cool breezes from the Bay, creating an ideal grape-growing environment. Historically, the region thrived on the Flame Tokay grape until it was replaced by wine varieties in the 1980s. Today, Lodi is responsible for about 20% of California’s wine grapes, surpassing even Napa and Sonoma.

Stroll through downtown Lodi to see the iconic Lodi Arch and noteworthy murals, or join a free walking tour to dive into the town’s history. For wine tasting, opt for a ride on the Lodi Wine Trolley or explore the many local wineries like Calivines Winery & Olive Mill, where you can enjoy olive oil and wine tastings on their lovely patio.

2. Livermore Valley

Just a 45-minute drive from San Francisco, Livermore Valley is one of the oldest wine regions in the U.S., established in 1883. It is recognized for its high number of female winery owners and a tight-knit community that encourages camaraderie and innovation.

Wine prices are more affordable compared to Napa, and tastings are often hosted by winemakers themselves, providing insight into production. The region is committed to sustainability with practices such as using sheep to manage vegetation and minimizing herbicides. Signature varietals of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc are particularly noteworthy here.

3. Temecula Valley

Located between Los Angeles and San Diego, Temecula Valley surprises visitors with its cooler morning and evening temperatures. This region is known for its creativity and willingness to experiment with new wines. Here, you can even create a custom blend at Bottaia Winery’s blending lab.

Temecula wines tend to be produced in small batches, making a visit essential to taste the local offerings. Popular options include Wilson Creek Winery’s award-winning Viognier and their refreshing almond sparkling wine. For a stunning view of the vineyards, consider taking a hot air balloon ride at sunrise.

4. Santa Ynez Valley

Famous for its appearance in the film Sideways, Santa Ynez Valley is situated just inland from Santa Barbara. The geography of the region offers an ideal climate for growing varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Visitors can enjoy a casual vibe while wine tasting at wineries such as Fess Parker, where horseback rides through the vineyards provide breathtaking views. Don’t miss the charming Danish town of Solvang, with its horse-drawn trolley and local delicacies like kringle and butter cookies.

5. Santa Cruz Mountains

The Santa Cruz Mountains AVA features nearly 300 family-owned wineries nestled between the ocean and forests. This area is characterized by its welcoming small tasting rooms.

At Burrell School Vineyards, guests can savor wines on a scenic veranda, while Cooper-Garrod Vineyards offers a chance to relax with resident horses and live music. For an added twist, consider a wine cruise on Monterey Bay with Chardonnay Sailing Charters, which includes wine tasting and pizza against a stunning ocean backdrop.

By exploring these hidden gems of California wine country, you can enjoy unique flavors and experiences away from the bustling crowds of Napa Valley.

Wine samplings, small bites, and vibrant fellowship took over Uptown Park Ridge on April 27, as the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce presented its annual “Wine Walk.” This year, 21 local businesses participated, welcoming over 250 attendees eager to explore the shops while enjoying various wines. Tickets for this lively event were priced at $45, granting participants access to a business passport checklist, goodie bags, souvenirs, and a raffle entry.

Jackie Mathews, executive director of the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce, highlighted that the Wine Walk, which began around 2014, is an opportunity for locals to rediscover the charm of Park Ridge. “This year, we’re only doing one event, but it’s a perfect way to experience our beautiful city and its businesses,” she explained.

The Wine Walk has seen growth over the years, attracting more attendees and encouraging businesses to showcase their offerings. Mathews noted the collaborative efforts of local sponsors and participants to create an inviting atmosphere for guests. The event kicked off at Harp and Fiddle, a rustic-contemporary tavern, and featured pop-up tents along the route from various local establishments including Don Juan’s Cantina and event sponsors like Cooney Funeral Home.

Attendees enjoyed meeting fellow residents and experiencing the community spirit. New residents and returning participants alike expressed their delight in the event. “It’s been wonderful weather, and checking out new businesses is great,” commented Devin Kenny, who celebrated her birthday at the walk. “I love that Park Ridge does so many things like this; it makes me feel part of the community.”

Businesses like 2 Sisters Boutique A+L, which served rosé to visitors, emphasized the positive energy the event has brought. Owner Natalie Amabile appreciated the influx of both new and returning faces, remarking, “The weather has really helped. Everyone is in such a great mood.”

Looking ahead, the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce plans to host “Market After Dark,” featuring food trucks, drinks, music, and special vendors, on May 31, June 21, and August 23 at the Park Ridge farmers market area.

Traverse City is currently hosting the Traverse City Uncorked event, which runs through May 10. This event offers a unique opportunity for wine enthusiasts to explore the region’s wineries and cider spots through a self-guided tour facilitated by a free digital passport. This passport, available via text or email, provides access to exclusive discounts and offers at participating locations, along with chances to win prizes.

Among the activities highlighted during this event are various fun events at local wineries:

• Cellar Tours at Chateau Chantal: Visitors can take a noontime tour, exploring the cellar where steel fermenting tanks, a distillery still, and a wine "library" from previous decades await.

• Happy Hour at Chateau Grand Traverse: This winery boasts stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay and offers a relaxed ambiance with special pricing on wine by the glass and small plates during happy hour.

• Open Mic Night at St. Ambrose Cellars: Every Thursday, this venue hosts an open mic where visitors can enjoy live music along with their mead.

• Happy Hour Hike at Shady Lane Cellars: Participants can experience a leisurely 30-minute hike through the vineyard, learning about grape growing and farm history before indulging in select red wines in the tasting room.

Black Star Farms, a prominent winery with locations in Suttons Bay and Old Mission, is also participating by providing various in-house and online specials, including discounts on wines bought during the Uncorked week.

For those planning to visit Traverse City during this festive period, special lodging arrangements are available, making it easier to enjoy all that the event has to offer.

For more details and to secure your free passport, you can visit the Traverse City Uncorked website. To view a list of all the events, click here. Additionally, for specific offers from Black Star Farms, details can be found here.

In a significant collaboration, Jordan Vineyard & Winery from Sonoma County and Château Guiraud, a prominent estate in Bordeaux, have announced the launch of the 2022 Jordan Sauternes. This marks Jordan’s return to dessert wine production after a 40-year hiatus.

The new release revives a tradition that started in the early 1980s with the late-harvest wine, Rivière Russe. Produce from only three vintages—1982, 1983, and 1985—production ended due to viticultural difficulties in California. John Jordan, the winery’s second-generation owner, expressed pride in this partnership, emphasizing that their collaboration represents a significant resurgence in creating late-harvest wine.

Unlike traditional approaches, Jordan has chosen to work directly with a prestigious French estate rather than attempting to duplicate a Sauternes-style wine in California. Head winemaker Maggie Kruse collaborated with Château Guiraud’s Sandrine Garbay, known for her expertise from Château d’Yquem. The outcome of their teamwork, according to Kruse, is a wine that showcases a perfect balance of ripe fruit, subtle sweetness, and complexity.

The decision to launch dessert wines seems well-timed with market research from Grand View Research predicting that the dessert wine segment could reach $15 billion by 2033. This projection counters previous assumptions about falling interest in sweet wines, particularly among younger consumers showing a preference for unique flavor options.

Sustainability also plays a crucial role in this collaboration, with both wineries emphasizing eco-friendly practices. Château Guiraud achieved organic certification in 2011 and has fostered biodiversity on its estate. Similarly, Jordan’s sustainable farming methods complement this commitment to environmental stewardship.

The 2022 Jordan Sauternes is priced at $49 for a 375ml bottle, offering an accessible alternative to many classified Sauternes that typically range from $75 to $200. Made from a blend of 65% Sémillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc, the wine is hand-harvested and aged for 18 months in oak, following traditions of Premier Grand Cru Sauternes.

This release, available from May 1, 2025, aims to blend the rich heritage and distinct terroir of both estates while catering to a growing market for premium dessert wines.

In early January, Ken Ross found himself engrossed in the pleasures of wine, only to face an unexpected medical emergency that abruptly altered his relationship with it. Following his serious injury and subsequent hospitalization, Ken spent weeks recovering and found that wine became the furthest thing from his mind. Craving comfort foods like chicken noodle soup and Jell-O, he inadvertently entered a period without wine that extended into February and March.

Upon returning home in March, he was eager to reconnect with his favorite beverages. However, when he took his first sip of single malt Scotch, it was shockingly bitter, far from the smoothness he remembered. The same disappointment followed when he tried a beloved red wine, leading him to worry about whether his taste for wine had vanished permanently—something that felt profoundly unsettling for someone so deeply embedded in the wine community.

Time passed without wine, and life continued, yet Ken’s concerns lingered. One hopeful Friday night, he tasted a sip of his wife’s white wine, the 2022 Appassionata Uber Sauvignon Blanc, and was pleased to discover it tasted “normal”—refreshingly delightful after his long hiatus. He hesitated to indulge fully, fearing a repeat of his earlier disappointment.

The following Saturday, deciding to celebrate his return to wine, he opened a bottle of 2018 Tenuta Sant Antonio Castagnedi Amarone Della Valpolicella. The experience was transformative; the wine tasted remarkable after two months without it, offering rich flavors of sandalwood and dark fruit that he had missed.

Encouraged by this success, Ken explored more wines, including a 2020 Famiglia Pasqua Ripasso and other selections that reignited his passion, including favorites from Italy’s renowned regions. He was thrilled to enjoy single malt Scotch once again and discover new wines with excitement.

Through this journey, Ken rediscovered the joys of wine that had once defined a significant part of his identity. Finally, the familiar taste of wine brought him back to himself amidst challenges, and he felt a renewed appreciation for this cherished beverage.