Although wine is made in every one of the fifty states, California represents the cradle of the U.S. wine industry. The diversity of terrain and climate, along with a high level of expertise among winemakers, makes the offerings of the ‘golden state’ quite diverse - there is simply something for every palate here!

The main topographical features of California include the Pacific Ocean, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the Mojave Desert and Death Valley.  Most of the grapes are grown in the Central Valley (near Sacramento), and along its western portion.  The climate here is very amenable to raising grapes, generally defined by ample sunshine, very little frost, low humidity and scarce rainfall during the growing season. Many regions are cooled by their proximity to the Pacific Ocean, or can feel the maritime influence through breaks in the coastal range and river valleys.

The quality regions can be divided loosely into: the North Coast, Central Coast and South Coast, as well as the inland Central Valley. The North Coast region is home to Mendocino, the rolling hills of Sonoma, and the iconic wineries of Napa Valley. Central Coasts boasts the regions of Monterey, Paso Robles and Carmel, where many Rhône-style varieties thrive. South of Santa Barbara and north of San Diego, the Southern Coast region includes Temecula and San Pasqual, which have more recently been challenged by the urban sprawl and pest problems. More inland, the Central Valley is mostly focused on bulk production (for table wines and raisins), but there is a pocket to the north along the Sierra Foothills (former ‘Gold Rush’ territory) that offers the right mix of climate and terrain for high quality reds.

Within this diverse state, Winebow’s goal has always been to painstakingly search out small to medium size, category or appellation leaders. Our core distribution concept is vineyard-based, family-owned properties - and our California portfolio is no exception.

Click here to see our California Distribution Portfolio .