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California holds a reputation as a world-class wine region, standing firm against more notable European countries such as France and Italy. Discovering and learning about wine is an adventure of its own, and what better place to start than California.
Chris Christensen is a podcaster, blogger, and world traveler hosting the long-time running, award-winning Amateur Traveler Podcast. With millions of downloads and thousands of loyal fans, Chris interviews guests about travel destinations all around the world, putting together itineraries for the enthused American tourist.
In today’s episode, we discuss California wine country. For many Americans, visiting the notable wine country seems like an afterthought with wanderlust pointing them towards Tuscany or Burgundy. Chris, however, shows how beautiful and delicious California wine country can be, discussing his favorite regions, restaurants, and wineries.
California wine is special because of its climate and geographical location. With its proximity to the ocean and the generally dry weather, wine country here produces world-class grapes that have their own notable characteristics. The wine receives its unique flavors from the terroir, the growing condition and soil that help impart each wine’s tasting notes.
Starting off your wine adventure can be daunting, with hundreds of wineries with thousands of bottles to choose. Chris points out that visiting a winery and participate in a tasting is the best place to start. With tastings starting with lighter wines, each person will taste the differences between each variety as they move through the spectrum of wines the tasting offers. Ask questions and get involved with the tasting to see what you like and dislike and why to develop a palette for the certain wines that make you happy.
When planning your trip, Chris recommends Napa and Sonoma for a more luxurious trip as it holds the most famous wineries and Michelin starred restaurants. For more of a budget contentious traveler (like myself), he recommends the Livermore Valley which has a fantastic reputation, with plenty of great wine and food to satisfy any foodist.
For those living in the United States, put California wine country at the top of your list. Those looking to visit the US, you will be wonderfully thrilled at the wine varieties and food available to you. For anyone who loves food, this trip will be one of your favorites.
Visit Chris Christensen’s Websites at
https://amateurtraveler.com/
https://californiatravelmedia.com/
Here are links to the resources to help plan your next trip to California Wine Country:
De Tierra in Carmel https://californiatravelmedia.com/a-weekend-in-carmel-by-the-sea-california/
Sonoma including Paradise Ridge, and Region at the Barlow https://californiatravelmedia.com/fun-things-to-do-in-sonoma-county/
Anderson Valley / Mendocino https://californiatravelmedia.com/things-to-do-in-mendocino-california-and-on-the-mendocino-coast/
Livermore https://californiatravelmedia.com/livermore-wine-tasting/
Santa Ynez Valley https://californiatravelmedia.com/things-to-do-in-solvang-and-the-santa-ynez-valley/
Chris Kretzer has traveled the world visiting over 35 countries and eating his way through every city. With his wife Tiarra, they explore different food cultures and create food guides, podcasts, and travel articles helping everyone experience the world through food.