{"id":34127,"date":"2023-05-17T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-17T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=34127"},"modified":"2023-11-29T19:07:50","modified_gmt":"2023-11-29T22:07:50","slug":"best-california-wine-counties","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/studies\/best-california-wine-counties\/","title":{"rendered":"2023\u2019s Best California Wine Counties"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>California is the nation\u2019s wine garden and wine cellar, but which counties produce the most award-winning reds and whites, host the most wine tours, and are most popular and affordable for wine connoisseurs to visit?<\/p>    <p>To mark National Wine Day on May 25, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/\">LawnStarter<\/a> pored over the data to uncork 2023\u2019s Best California Wine Counties.<\/p>    <p>We compared all 58 counties based on five categories broken down into 18 key metrics.<\/p>    <p>See which Golden State counties earned a gold star in our ranking below. You\u2019ll also find highlights, lowlights, and expert insights on what makes California wines stand out.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contents<\/h2>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"#rankings\">County Rankings<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#highlights-lowlights\">Highlights and Lowlights<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#ask-the-experts\">Ask the Experts<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#methodology\">Behind the Ranking<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#final-thoughts\">Local Tips<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>   <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"rankings\"><\/a><\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">County Rankings<\/h2>    <p>See how each county fared in our ranking:<\/p>   \n<table id=\"tablepress-333\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-333\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Overall Rank (1=Best)<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">County<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Overall Score<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">Access Rank<\/th><th class=\"column-5\">Quality Rank<\/th><th class=\"column-6\">Accolades Rank<\/th><th class=\"column-7\">Entertainment Rank<\/th><th class=\"column-8\">Accommodations Rank<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">1<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Napa<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">72.27<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">2<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">2<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">2<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">4<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">20<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">2<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Sonoma<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">65.86<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">1<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">10<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">3<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">1<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">3<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">San Luis Obispo<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">52.37<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">3<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">3<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">4<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">5<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">4<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Santa Barbara<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">42.85<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">4<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">12<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">15<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">6<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">5<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">San Diego<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">41.67<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">6<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">6<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">12<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">2<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">6<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Stanislaus<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">36.86<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">26<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">42<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">1<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">34<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">51<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">7<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Riverside<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">34.07<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">19<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">7<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">9<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">9<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">8<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Mendocino<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">32.22<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">8<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">18<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">6<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">15<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">15<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-10\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">9<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Los Angeles<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">31.39<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">5<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">38<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">11<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">3<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">40<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-11\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">10<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Monterey<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">30.34<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">7<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">33<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">25<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">11<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">7<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-12\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">11<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">San Joaquin<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">27.36<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">11<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">31<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">5<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-13\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">12<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Lake<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">27.07<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">15<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">21<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">18<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">31<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">8<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-14\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">13<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Solano<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">26.45<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">20<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">4<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">19<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">22<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">39<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-15\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">14<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">El Dorado<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">25.49<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">16<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">19<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">22<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">26<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">26<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-16\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">15<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Orange<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">24.84<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">17<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">32<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">8<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">27<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-17\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">16<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Santa Clara<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">24.49<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">10<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">22<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">13<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">10<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">53<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-18\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">17<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Ventura<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">24.47<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">25<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">15<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">25<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">14<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">24<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-19\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">18<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Calaveras<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">24.28<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">31<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">11<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">27<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">22<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-20\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">20<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">San Mateo<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">24.24<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">22<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">14<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">10<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">13<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">47<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-21\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">19<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Sacramento<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">24.26<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">12<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">13<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">12<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">49<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-22\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">21<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Placer<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">24.01<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">29<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">25<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">25<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">12<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-23\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">22<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Alameda<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">23.89<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">14<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">20<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">7<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">21<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">55<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-24\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">23<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Yolo<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">23.89<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">23<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">17<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">8<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">23<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">44<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-25\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">24<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Amador<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">23.67<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">24<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">24<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">14<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">16<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">34<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-26\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">25<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">San Francisco<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">23.02<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">9<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">35<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">23<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">7<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">57<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-27\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">26<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Humboldt<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">22.97<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">33<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">25<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">33<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-28\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">27<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Marin<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">22.47<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">27<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">23<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">20<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">19<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">31<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-29\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">San Benito<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">22.35<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">13<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">39<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">29<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">18<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-30\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">29<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Santa Cruz<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">22.19<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">18<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">17<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">46<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-31\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">30<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Fresno<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">21.17<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">30<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">1<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">16<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">39<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">33<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-32\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">31<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Shasta<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">20.72<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">32<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">5<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">41<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">23<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-33\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">32<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Contra Costa<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">20.02<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">21<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">30<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">18<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">52<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-34\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">33<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">San Bernardino<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">19.56<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">47<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">26<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">17<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">36<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">10<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-35\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">34<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Tehama<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">18.53<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">41<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">8<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">41<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-36\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">35<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Nevada<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">17.74<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">34<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">16<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">37<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">25<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-37\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">36<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Tuolumne<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">16.84<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">37<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">27<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">41<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">21<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-38\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">37<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Mariposa<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">16.29<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">38<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">34<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">40<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">14<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-39\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">38<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Butte<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">15.54<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">42<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">37<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">30<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">37<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-40\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">39<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Madera<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">15.47<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">39<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">36<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">21<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">37<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">17<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-41\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">40<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Kern<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">15.39<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">29<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">44<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">24<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">48<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-42\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">41<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Mono<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">14.92<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">43<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">49<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">20<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">19<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-43\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">42<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Siskiyou<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">14.37<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">40<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">40<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">41<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">13<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-44\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">43<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Yuba<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">12.59<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">35<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">9<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">41<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">41<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-45\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">44<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Trinity<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">11.95<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">36<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">43<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">41<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">28<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-46\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">45<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Tulare<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">11.4<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">44<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">47<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">32<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">36<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-47\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">46<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Del Norte<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">10.79<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">57<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">49<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">41<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">6<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-48\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">47<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Sutter<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">10.27<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">51<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">41<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">35<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">54<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-49\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">48<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Sierra<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">9.97<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">49<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">49<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">41<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">11<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-50\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">49<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Plumas<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">9.13<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">46<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">49<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">24<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">41<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">16<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-51\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">50<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Glenn<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">8.73<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">48<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">46<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">41<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">43<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-52\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">51<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Inyo<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">6.76<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">57<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">49<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">41<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">29<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-53\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">52<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Lassen<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">6.53<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">54<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">49<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">41<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">32<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-54\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">53<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Imperial<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">6.22<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">54<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">49<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">41<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">35<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-55\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">54<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Alpine<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">5.72<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">50<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">49<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">41<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">38<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-56\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">55<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Modoc<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">5.44<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">53<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">45<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">41<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">58<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-57\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">56<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Colusa<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">5.1<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">56<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">49<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">41<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">42<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-58\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">57<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Merced<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">4.54<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">45<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">48<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">41<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">45<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-59\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">58<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Kings<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">2.43<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">51<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">49<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">28<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">41<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">56<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-333 from cache -->    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-style-default\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1732\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/2023s-Best-California-Wine-Counties-Infographic1-1.png\" alt=\"Infographic showing the Best California Wine Counties, a ranking based on access to award-winning California wines, winery tours, visitor accommodations, and more\" class=\"wp-image-83816\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/2023s-Best-California-Wine-Counties-Infographic1-1.png 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/2023s-Best-California-Wine-Counties-Infographic1-1-139x300.png 139w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/2023s-Best-California-Wine-Counties-Infographic1-1-646x1399.png 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/2023s-Best-California-Wine-Counties-Infographic1-1-69x150.png 69w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/2023s-Best-California-Wine-Counties-Infographic1-1-768x1663.png 768w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/2023s-Best-California-Wine-Counties-Infographic1-1-709x1536.png 709w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong><em>Note: <\/em><\/strong><em>For presentation purposes, not all ties may be displayed for some metrics above<\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"39faa803-a9b2-46a5-8539-f47deede522d\" data-type=\"interactive\"><\/div><script>!function(e,t,s,i){var n=\"InfogramEmbeds\",o=e.getElementsByTagName(\"script\"),d=o[0],r=\/^http:\/.test(e.location)?\"http:\":\"https:\";if(\/^\\\/{2}\/.test(i)&&(i=r+i),window[n]&&window[n].initialized)window[n].process&&window[n].process();else if(!e.getElementById(s)){var a=e.createElement(\"script\");a.async=1,a.id=s,a.src=i,d.parentNode.insertBefore(a,d)}}(document,0,\"infogram-async\",\"\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script>   <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"highlights-lowlights\"><\/a><\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Highlights and Lowlights<\/h2>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">On Cloud Wine in the North Coast<\/h3>    <p>Napa is our Best California Wine County again this year, a foregone conclusion considering Napa Valley is the most recognized U.S. wine region both domestically and internationally.<\/p>    <p>You won\u2019t go thirsty at the home of the three-Michelin-starred <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomaskeller.com\/tfl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The French Laundry<\/a>. Napa outnumbers all other California counties in vintners, with nearly 270 more than Sonoma (No. 2) and 840 more than San Luis Obispo (No. 3). What\u2019s more, Napa wines earned the most gold medals over the past four years, and the county\u2019s wineries are the most reviewed (aka the most popular) by consumers.<\/p>    <p>It\u2019s hard to reference Napa without pairing it with Sonoma, the next most recognizable name in California wine and unsurprisingly our silver medalist. Previously in third place, Sonoma overtook Stanislaus County in our ranking this year, thanks to Sonoma\u2019s unmatched access to wine, numerous awards, and the most events celebrating the county\u2019s amore for vino.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u201cDry\u201d Counties<\/h3>    <p>The counties at the bottom of our ranking should come as no surprise \u2014 viticulture isn\u2019t a big industry here. Kings County finished last overall, bested by Merced, Colusa, Modoc, and Alpine counties (in that order).&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>Although these counties ranked poorly across all categories, there are a few bright spots in individual metrics. Modoc\u2019s wineries, for one, earned an above-average consumer rating at No. 22. Merced offers five wine bars for casual sippers not interested in big winery tours. Meanwhile, Alpine County boasts a high number of affordable accommodations for all visitors, oenophiles or otherwise.<\/p>    <p>These counties might lack their own famous wines, but close proximity to California\u2019s top wine regions is a huge advantage. Merced, for example, lies just south of Stanislaus County (No. 6). Kings shares a border with both Central Region counties Monterey (No. 10) and Fresno (No. 30). Colusa is a short drive \u2014 or Uber ride, depending on how much you drink \u2014 to Napa, Sonoma, and Lake (No. 12).<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Grape Escape<\/h3>    <p>One day is not enough to explore all of California\u2019s amazing wines \u2014 let alone a single county saturated with wineries.<\/p>    <p>If you can swing it, plan at least a three-day tour of clustered counties, and make sure your itinerary includes counties that balance both high-quality wine and (inebriated) visitor-friendliness.<\/p>    <p>The most tour-friendly counties include some of our top five, such as Sonoma (No. 2) and San Luis Obispo (No. 3), but don\u2019t overlook counties outside of that elite group.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>Riverside (No. 7), for example, ranks decently in taste and placed first in Accommodations. Mendocino (No. 8) is another excellent choice, with high marks in Access and Accolades, as well as top-15 rankings in both Entertainment and Accommodations. Placer (No. 21) is a third great option, with top-30 rankings across all categories.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In Case You Also Love Queso<\/h3>    <p>Is there a better companion to wine than cheese? If you\u2019re an oenophile <em>and<\/em> a turophile, Sonoma (No. 2) and Los Angeles (No. 9) counties can satisfy both cravings at once.<\/p>    <p>Santa Rosa, in Sonoma County, is our No. 8 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/studies\/best-cities-for-cheese-lovers\/\">Best City for Cheese Lovers<\/a>. Los Angeles ranks No. 4 while its suburbs, such as Long Beach (No. 12) and Pasadena (No. 23), aren\u2019t far behind.<\/p>    <p>Don\u2019t go sniffing out cheese in Salinas, though. Although this city is located in Monterey County, our 10th placer and the birthplace of Monterey Jack, it offers jack to queso aficionados. Salinas came in last among the 200 biggest U.S. cities in cheese lover-friendliness.&nbsp;<\/p>   <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"ask-the-experts\"><\/a><\/p>  <div id=\"experts-block\" class=\"experts\">     <h2 class=\"text-2xl font-bold text-black mb-3\">Ask The Experts<\/h2>    <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Why is California the wine center of the U.S. and renowned around the world? We asked experts and oenophiles what makes California\u2019s reds and whites \u2014 and wineries \u2014 so special.<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Read their comments on the following questions below:<\/span><\/p> <ol> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Why is California such a wine hot spot? What is it about the climate?<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/> <\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">How are California wineries adapting to changing tastes?<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/> <\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Are California wines overrated? Why or why not?<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/> <\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What is your favorite California winery memory? What made it so memorable?<\/span><\/li> <\/ol>    <div id=\"experts-container\" class=\"relative lg:mt-6\" x-data=\"experts()\" x-init=\"init()\">      <style>       .expert-avatars {         scrollbar-width: none;         -ms-overflow-style: none;          \/* momentum scroll on iOS *\/         -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;          \/* disbable vertical scroll for touch *\/         touch-action: pan-x;       }        \/* hide scroll bar *\/       .expert-avatars::-webkit-scrollbar {         display: none;       }        .expert-avatars .item {         width: 125px;         flex-shrink: 0;       }        .expert-avatars .item:not(:last-child) {         margin-right: 10px;       }        \/* hacky fix for padding at the end of the.expert-avatars *\/       .expert-avatars .item:last-child {         position: relative;       }        .expert-avatars .item:last-child::after {         position: absolute;         left: 100%;         height: 1px;         width: 20px;         display: block;         content: \"\";       }        .trim-label {         max-height: 18px;         text-overflow: ellipsis;         overflow: hidden;         display: -webkit-box;         -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        .credentials {         max-height: 18px;         width: 250px;         text-overflow: ellipsis;         overflow: hidden;         display: -webkit-box;         -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        .credentials-small {         max-height: 18px;         width: 110px;         text-overflow: ellipsis;         overflow: hidden;         display: -webkit-box;         -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        [x-cloak] {         display: none;       }     <\/style>      <div class=\"expert-avatars flex overflow-x-scroll overscroll-contain px-2 mb-10 lg:hidden\">                         <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('benoit-lecat-phd', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/benoit_lecat.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Beno\u00eet Lecat\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Beno\u00eet Lecat, Ph.D. <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Wine and Viticulture Department Head, Professor of Wine Business<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('dr-qun-kristy-sun', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Qun-Kristy-Sun.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Qun (Kristy) Sun\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Dr. Qun (Kristy) Sun <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Assistant Professor of Enology, Department of Viticulture and Enology<\/div>           <\/div>                   <\/div>                     <div           id=\"expert-benoit-lecat-phd\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'benoit-lecat-phd', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'benoit-lecat-phd'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('benoit-lecat-phd', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'benoit-lecat-phd', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'benoit-lecat-phd'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('benoit-lecat-phd', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/benoit_lecat.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Beno\u00eet Lecat\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'benoit-lecat-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Beno\u00eet Lecat, Ph.D. <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'benoit-lecat-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Wine and Viticulture Department Head, Professor of Wine Business<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'benoit-lecat-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'benoit-lecat-phd'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('benoit-lecat-phd', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'benoit-lecat-phd'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('benoit-lecat-phd')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/benoit_lecat.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Beno\u00eet Lecat\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Beno\u00eet Lecat, Ph.D. <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Wine and Viticulture Department Head, Professor of Wine Business<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>Why is California such a wine hot spot? What is it about the climate?<\/strong><\/p> <p>California has a fantastic Mediterranean climate for growing vines. Unlike France, where you have only several outstanding vintages per decade (Bordeaux, Burgundy, or Champagne), California has a great vintage nearly every year. It is due to the Mediterranean climate like you have in Southern France, Italy, Greece, etc.<\/p> <p><strong>How are California wineries adapting to changing tastes?<\/strong><\/p> <p>I think you have two kinds of winery groups.<\/p> <p>The first group are the ones that are rather small and selling direct-to-consumer through their tasting rooms.<\/p> <p>In this case, the wineries have a style implemented by the winemaker, and the only way they can adapt to the consumers is to propose different wine categories: ros\u00e9, sparkling, sweet, fortified, red, or white. They can also propose different grape varieties from the local area where they are based, or, alternatively, they can also source grapes from other areas.<\/p> <p>The second group of wineries represents the large corporations who try to target all the generations going from baby boomers to the coming Z Generation.<\/p> <p>They can propose brands with different tastes (buttery chardonnay or stainless-steel tank chardonnay). They can also propose different packaging: wines in bottle, in pet, in cans, in tetra pack, in bag-in box, etc., or even create new categories like hard seltzer, wine with low alcohol, gluten-free\/vegan-friendly wines, etc.<\/p> <p>Those producers are selling their wines through large chains of grocery stores, liquor stores, or restaurants and have a strong sales force and marketing experts to maintain and develop new markets.<\/p> <p><strong>Are California wines overrated? Why or why not?<\/strong><\/p> <p>No, the wines in California are not overrated. Since the Judgement of Paris in 1976, California definitely deserves a spot on the wine world map.<\/p> <p>You can find wines from California in all the price ranges. Let\u2019s take an example with cabernet sauvignon. You can find a broad range price for cabernet sauvignon in a liquor store chain like Total Wine and More from $1.97 to $1,600.<\/p> <p>Of course, depending on your taste, social status, wine exposure, drinking occasion, etc., you will buy more of a good value for money or a very luxurious wine. You can already find a great-value wine for around $13 like J. Lohr Cabernet Seven Oaks in Paso Robles, but if you want a Napa Valley wine from Carol\u2019s Vineyard for the same brand, you will have to pay around $55.<\/p> <p><strong>What is your favorite California winery memory? What made it so memorable?<\/strong><\/p> <p>All of the wineries I visited are unique and give a memorable experience. When you visit their tasting rooms, they are all trying to host their clients and make them feel they are very special. I\u2019ve been visiting more than 300 wineries in California, and all of them have their own identity.<\/p> <p>Some examples:<\/p> <ul> <li>Edna Valley Vineyard in Edna Valley\/San Luis Obispo with a spectacular view while tasting in the bar<\/li> <li>Justin Vineyards and Winery with their great restaurant and special releases only sold on site<\/li> <li>J. Lohr in Paso Robles where the guests can bring their dogs and have them pictured in a frame<\/li> <li>Duckhorn Vineyards in a quiet, friendly patio in the heart of St. Helena<\/li> <li>Trinchero Family Estates in St. Helena with their limited-production, estate-grown wines that honor the legacy of founder Mario Trinchero<\/li> <li>Many others in different regions like Andrew Murray Vineyards in Santa Ynez, Michael David Winery in Lodi, Ancient Peaks in Santa Margarita, Ridge Vineyards in Santa Cruz, Center of Effort in Edna Valley, or the private Abreu Vineyards in St. Helena, etc.<\/li> <\/ul> <p>There are so many of them, and I have probably forgotten some experiences. Being from Europe, what impressed me is that each winery is using its creativity to reflect its brand values and the history of the wine region.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-dr-qun-kristy-sun\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'dr-qun-kristy-sun', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'dr-qun-kristy-sun'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('dr-qun-kristy-sun', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'dr-qun-kristy-sun', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'dr-qun-kristy-sun'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('dr-qun-kristy-sun', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Qun-Kristy-Sun.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Qun (Kristy) Sun\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dr-qun-kristy-sun'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Dr. Qun (Kristy) Sun <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dr-qun-kristy-sun'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Assistant Professor of Enology, Department of Viticulture and Enology<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dr-qun-kristy-sun'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Fresno State University<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'dr-qun-kristy-sun'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('dr-qun-kristy-sun', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'dr-qun-kristy-sun'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('dr-qun-kristy-sun')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Qun-Kristy-Sun.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Qun (Kristy) Sun\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Dr. Qun (Kristy) Sun <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Assistant Professor of Enology, Department of Viticulture and Enology<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Fresno State University<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>Why is California such a wine hot spot? What is it about the climate?<\/strong><\/p> <p>California makes nearly 90% of all U.S. wine and is the world\u2019s fourth leading wine producer. It has over 635,000 acres of wine grapes and 4,200 bonded wineries.<\/p> <p>California has a Mediterranean climate, which is ideal for grape growing. The long growing seasons can make enough sunshine to ripen the grapes. But winters in California are mild with little threat of frost damage though springtime.<\/p> <p>California\u2019s wines usually tend to be fruit-forward and flavorful. They are very different from wines produced in the Old World like France. Since the 1970s, the vineyard management and winemaking innovations, such as using new irrigation systems and new strains of yeast, also vastly improved the California wine quality.<\/p> <p>California is one of the most geologically diverse regions. It varies greatly in the range of climates and soil.<\/p> <p>The California wine region can be divided into the North Coast, Central Coast, South Coast, and Central Valley. Each region has its unique climate. For example, Napa Valley has a temperate climate with a long growing season. It has warm days to accumulate sugar, color, and aroma in grapes and the cool evening to preserve the acidity. The Central Valley is the largest wine region and produces three-quarters of the state\u2019s grapes. It has a very different climate with hot summers and less rainfall. The vineyards are heavily dependent on irrigation techniques.<\/p> <p><strong>How are California wineries adapting to changing tastes?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Many wineries in California have survived by adapting to changing tastes. Understand that the market is very critical for them to increase sales, seek out and expand new markets.<\/p> <p>Based on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.svb.com\/globalassets\/trendsandinsights\/reports\/wine\/sotwi-2021\/svb-state-of-the-us-wine-report-2021.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cState of the US Wine industry 2021\u201d report<\/a>, red blends wine shows growth of 3.9%. The sales growth for specialty wines, in particular agave-based wines, is 11%.<\/p> <p>The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the trend toward health and wellness. Agave wine is much lower in alcohol content and calories. Prosecco, sangria, and sauvignon blanc are other varieties getting popular among consumers.<\/p> <p>Wineries are adjusting their strategies based on market trends to meet consumer needs.<\/p> <p><strong>Are California wines overrated? Why or why not?<\/strong><\/p> <p>There are so many wines in the market nowadays. Not all wines in the world are created equal. Some wines claim too much fame and get more credit than they should. It is also very easy for us to miss some hidden-gem wines. It might happen in California and also happen to other wine regions.<\/p> <p>As a consumer, you should not just rely on price or wine score to determine a wine\u2019s quality. The consumer study found that the correlation between price and overall rating is small, especially for individuals without wine training experience. So, high-price wine does not always mean high-quality wine. The price not only reflects the production cost, but also the rarity and prestige of wine.<\/p> <p><strong>What is your favorite California winery memory? What made it so memorable?<\/strong><\/p> <p>My favorite California winery memory is when I had a Napa Valley winery tour in summer of 2018. I visited several wineries, such as Chateau Montelena, Stag\u2019s Leap Wine Cellars, and Robert Mondavi Winery.<\/p> <p>I like Napa Valley not only because the region has beautiful vineyards, elegant wineries, high-quality wine, but also the history and spirit behind it. The efforts of pioneers during the last 50 years really put California wine on the world wine map and have been inspiring generations of people to work hard and continue to make legends.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>              <\/div> <\/div>  <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"methodology\"><\/a><\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Behind the Ranking<\/h2>    <p>For each of California\u2019s 58 counties, we gathered publicly available data on the factors listed in the table below.<\/p>    <p>We then grouped those factors into five categories: Access, Quality, Accolades, Entertainment, and Accommodations.<\/p>    <p>Next, we calculated weighted scores for each county in each category.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>Finally, we averaged the scores for each county across all categories.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>The county that earned the highest average score ranked \u201cBest\u201d (No. 1), while the county with the lowest ranked \u201cWorst\u201d (No. 58). (Note: The \u201cWorst\u201d among individual factors may not be No. 58 due to ties.)<\/p>   \n<table id=\"tablepress-332\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-332 methodology-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Metric<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Weighting<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Lowest Value<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">Highest Value<\/th><th class=\"column-5\">Best<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Access<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Number of Wine Producers and Blenders<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">3<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">0<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">1,389<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Highest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Number of American Viticultural Areas (AVAs)<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">3<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">0<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">20<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Highest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Number of Wine Tasting Rooms<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">2<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">0<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">122<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Highest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Number of Wine Bars<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">2<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">0<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">141<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Highest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Quality<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Share of Highly Rated (4.5+ out of 5 Stars) Wineries (With 10+ Reviews)<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">3<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">0%<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">65%<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Highest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Average Consumer Rating of Wineries<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">2<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">3.1<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">5.0<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Highest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-10\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Average Number of Reviews per Winery<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">0<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">580<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Highest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-11\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Accolades<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-12\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Total Points for Gold Medals Won in Wine Competitions (2019-2022)<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">4<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">0<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">117<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Highest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-13\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Total Points for Silver Medals Won in Wine Competitions (2019-2022)<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">3<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">0<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">346<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Highest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-14\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Total Points for Bronze Medals Won in Wine Competitions (2019-2022)<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">2<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">0<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">78<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Highest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-15\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Total Award Score (2019-2022)<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">2<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">0<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">463<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Highest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-16\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Entertainment<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-17\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Number of Wine Tours<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">0<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">104<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Highest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-18\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Average Consumer Rating of Wine Tours<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">2<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1.0<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">5.0<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Highest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-19\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Number of Wine Festivals<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">0<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">31<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Highest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-20\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Accommodations<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-21\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Number of Accommodations<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">33<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">10,000<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Highest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-22\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Share of Highly-Rated (4.5+ Out of 5 Stars) Accommodations<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">2<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">21%<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">63%<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Highest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-23\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Average Consumer Rating of Accommodations<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">4.0<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">4.7<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Highest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-24\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Average Nightly Rate for Accommodations<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$115.90<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">$461.23<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Lowest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-332 from cache -->    <p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><strong><em>Sources:<\/em><\/strong><em> Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, California Wine Festival, Expedia, Halleck Vineyard, LocalWineEvents.com, SeeCalifornia, USA Wine Ratings, and Yelp<\/em><\/p>   <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"final-thoughts\"><\/a><\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Local Tips<\/h2>    <p>From Northern to Southern California, there are wineries where you can sip back and taste the fruits of all that sun, rich soil, and long growing season.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>Take a tour of wines, vineyards, and experiences in each of our top five California wine counties in the slideshow below. <\/p>   <div style=\"min-height: 535px;; \" class=\"ub_image_slider swiper-container wp-block-ub-image-slider\" id=\"ub_image_slider_89bfa0ef-df12-4bba-a746-68615b2a91b6\" data-swiper-data='{\"speed\":300,\"spaceBetween\":20,\"slidesPerView\":1,\"loop\":true,\"pagination\":{\"el\": \".swiper-pagination\" , \"type\": \"bullets\", \"clickable\":true},\"navigation\": {\"nextEl\": \".swiper-button-next\", \"prevEl\": \".swiper-button-prev\"}, \"keyboard\": { \"enabled\": true }, \"effect\": \"slide\",\"simulateTouch\":false}'>             <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Napa111.jpg\" alt=\"A long line of cyclists cross under a bridge through the Napa Valley Vine Trail\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>Napa County:<\/strong> In St. Helena, enjoy a glass of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goldmedalwineclub.com\/winery\/hibou-wine-cellars-russian-river-valley-ava\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hibou Pinot Noir<\/a>, the highest-scoring 2022 USA Wine Ratings gold medalist from Napa Valley. Stay at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitcalifornia.com\/experience\/4-awesome-wine-country-resorts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Auberge du Soleil<\/a>, the ultimate wine lover\u2019s retreat featuring vineyard vistas and a spa that treats you to a Cabernet mud body masque. When you\u2019re not sipping on award-winning wine, cycle through the 12.5-mile <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vinetrail.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vine Trail<\/a> offering scenic views of wine country.<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/greenbeltalliance\/14512498214\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Greenbelt Alliance<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nd\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-ND 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Sonoma111.jpg\" alt=\"Two hot-air balloons float over Sonoma County vineyards with fall colors\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>Sonoma County: <\/strong>Napa might have struck gold for its pinot noir in 2022, but Sonoma County is best known for this style of red \u2014 the county is the Golden State\u2019s largest grower of pinot noir. Reds won\u2019t be hard to find here, but if your palate prefers white, try Rodney Strong\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.upshotwines.com\/wines\/white-wine-blend\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Upshot White Blend<\/a>. This refreshing 2022 gold medal winner features notes of white peach, apricot, and jasmine. You can check out Sonoma\u2019s many outstanding wineries <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonomacounty.com\/articles\/wineries-fun-sports-activities\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">by bike, by foot, or on horseback<\/a> \u2014 or even via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/santa-rosa-l1140\/santa-rosa-hot-air-balloon-flight-above-sonoma-county-t400053\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">hot-air balloon<\/a>.<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/mark-gunn\/52544455192\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mark Gunn<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/San-Luis-Obispo111.jpg\" alt=\"The front of Hearst Castle and its landscaped grounds on a clear, sunny day in San Simeon, California\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>San Luis Obispo County:<\/strong> The wine region colloquially known as \u201cSLO\u201d is as popular for its laid-back Pacific Coast <a href=\"https:\/\/www.decanter.com\/wine-travel\/north-america\/californias-san-luis-obispo-coast-423368\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">lifestyle<\/a> as it is for its Rh\u00f4ne blends. In Paso Robles, sip on not one but two of the highest-ranking California gold medalists in 2022 \u2014 the Red Cuvee and the Majesty \u2014 both from the same producer, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.silverhawkvineyards.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Silver Hawk Vineyards<\/a>. There\u2019s plenty to see and do throughout the county, but <a href=\"https:\/\/hearstcastle.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hearst Castle<\/a> is perhaps the area\u2019s most famous landmark.<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/averain\/8297435663\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Justin Ennis<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Santa-Barbara111.jpg\" alt=\"A candlelit dinner table is set up by a large, paned window overlooking the Sanford and Benedict Vineyards, one of the shooting sites in the cult film \u201cSideways\u201d\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>Santa Barbara County: <\/strong>A <a href=\"https:\/\/santabarbaraca.com\/itinerary\/montecito-fit-for-royalty\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">magnet<\/a> for celebrities like Oprah, Jeff Bridges, and, more recently, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Santa Barbara County was named 2021 Wine Region of the Year by \u201cWine Enthusiast.\u201d The region is also famous for its pinot noir, featured in the cult film \u201cSideways.\u201d Take a \u201cSideways\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/santabarbaraca.com\/itinerary\/sideways-santa-barbara\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">tour<\/a> of the region\u2019s wineries highlighted in the movie, starting with Sanford and ending with Firestone.<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/docsearls\/51080564602\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Doc Searls<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/San-Diego111.jpg\" alt=\"A long, candlelit table in the middle of the Bernardo Winery barrel room is decorated with a white tablecloth and surrounded by white-fabric-covered chairs and awaits guests\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>San Diego County: <\/strong>Step back in time at the <a href=\"https:\/\/sandiegowineries.org\/sd-wine-country\/sdcva-history\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">oldest<\/a> wine region in California. San Diego\u2019s viticultural history stretches all the way back to the 1700s. A stop at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bernardowinery.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bernardo Winery<\/a>, the oldest winery in the region established in 1889, is a must. For a more modern setting, check out <a href=\"https:\/\/carruthcellars.com\/visit-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Carruth Cellars Wine Garden<\/a>, where locals can join a <a href=\"https:\/\/carruthcellars.com\/club\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">wine club<\/a> while first-time visitors enjoy a flight of five 1-ounce pours to taste for only $20.<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/woodyp\/3235522200\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Woody Pewitt<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><\/div>             <div class=\"swiper-pagination\"><\/div>             <div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div> <div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div>         <\/div>   <p><em>Hosting a wine-fueled garden party in your backyard? <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/\"><em>Hire a LawnStarter pro<\/em><\/a><em> to help get your lawn looking as picturesque as a California vineyard.<\/em><\/p>    <p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><strong>Main Photo Credit: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.istockphoto.com\/photo\/diversity-friendship-dining-hanging-out-luncheon-concept-gm493599336-76982277\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">iStock<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>California is the nation\u2019s wine garden and wine cellar, but which counties produce the most award-winning reds and whites, host [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":83815,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[853],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-34127","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-studies"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/iStock-493599336new-1.jpg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Richie Bernardo","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/staff-writer\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>2023\u2019s Best California Wine Counties<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"California is the nation\u2019s wine garden, but which counties are its best wine regions? 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