A taste of California: What you need to know about this iconic wine region

California makes more than 80% of all U.S. wine, and for good reason — the climate, the diverse regional differences, and the sheer creativity of its winemakers all come together to produce bottles that are full of character.

There are over 4,000 wineries spread across famous areas like Napa Valley and Sonoma, all the way down to Santa Barbara and even parts of LA. And it’s not just big names and expensive bottles. Sure, you can splurge on a Dominus 2018, but you can also find fantastic, easy-drinking wines at friendly prices, like Toast & Honey Cabernet Sauvignon.

Napa Valley is known for its bold, full-bodied Cabernets and buttery Chardonnays. At the same time, Sonoma’s cooler climate, due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, is perfect for producing bright Pinot Noirs and crisp Sauvignon Blancs. The Central Valley and Central Coast makes up the largest winemaking region in California, where you’ll find everything from Zinfandel to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Further south is Santa Barbara, another cooler-climate location, where you can find some of the most elegant Pinot Noir and fresh, zesty whites.

With such drastic landscapes, California offers true diversity when it comes to wine and is certainly a region to be explored.

To help you begin your journey, here are some of our top Californian wines!

Toast & Honey Cabernet Sauvignon, California

Toast & Honey Cabernet Sauvignon embodies everything there is to love about ripe and full-bodied New World wines. It’s produced by fourth-generation winemakers with links to some of the best grapes in Lodi, California. And although it’s best known for its Zinfandel, Lodi’s Mediterranean climate produces Cabernet Sauvignon with the perfect balance of freshness and juicy, expressive flavours. Expect notes of blackberry, black cherry, vanilla spice and chocolate. Its smooth tannins make it a great pairing with rich red meats.

Bread & Butter 'Winemaker's Selection' Chardonnay, California

This really does what it says on the tin. It’s a lush Chardonnay which tastes of – you guessed it – bread and butter. The winemaking team combines grapes from two very different regions to create something full but fresh. Monterey is known for its big Chardonnays, but Carneros is far cooler, so flavours are more understated. And you'll taste the benefits in this bold and buttery wine. It’s silky smooth with fresh notes of citrus and vanilla. It’s incredibly versatile, but we like it best with creamy tarragon chicken or soft, creamy cheese.

Ravenswood Zinfandel, Lodi

Surviving prohibition by a legal loophole, Lodi boasts some of America's most ancient Zinfandel vines. Old vines craft the juiciest grapes. So it's no surprise that this pumps with black-fruit flavour. If you like a full-bodied red with gallons of taste, you'll love this.

Edna Valley Pinot Noir, Central Coast

This is made from several lesser-known spots in California's Central Coast. The nearby Pacific Ocean provides an almost constant breeze through the vineyards. This keeps fussy Pinot Noir grapes happy through a long growing season. And slow ripening grapes make complex and elegant wines. Central Coast may not grab the headlines like other nearby regions, but this means you get both great value and exceptional flavour. It's light and silky, with flavours of blackberry compote, black cherry, cranberry and a long, smooth finish. Try it with roast lamb or a roast mushroom dish.

Bread & Butter 'Winemaker's Selection' Sauvignon Blanc, California

This Sauvignon Blanc is the latest member of the family and it’s already proving to be a hit. The region may be more associated with Chardonnay, but in the right setting, Sauvignon also thrives in California. This is produced from grapes grown in the north, where the climate remains sunny but is much cooler than further south. If you love a tropical style of Sauvignon like many New Zealand bottlings, this will be right up your street. Discover refreshing notes of citrus and exotic fruits, plus a touch of minerality. Its zesty fruit flavours make it a wonderful match for fish and shellfish dishes.

Nettie Viognier, California

If you love floral, fragrant, full-bodied whites, then this delicious Viognier is an absolute must-try. California’s Viogniers fly a bit under the radar, so it’s a real bargain. It’s named ‘Nettie’ after Miss Nettie Valear, who planted an acorn on the site of the now-vineyard in memory of Abraham Lincoln. It’s big. It’s lush. It’s fruity. Full of peach and apricot flavours, with a really rich, round texture. Excellent with Thai-spiced chicken or shellfish.

Definition by Majestic Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

This is masterful Pinot Noir, perfected by the Sonoma Coast's cooling climate. The region is influenced by cool marine air from the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy intense aromas of strawberry and cherry with wet rock characteristics. Medium-bodied, followed by a lively finish. Its fruit-forward nature pairs well with lightly spiced dishes such as Asian cuisine, crispy duck, grilled poultry or braised lamb.

Duckhorn 'Decoy' Zinfandel, North Coast

Over the past 34 years, Duckhorn has become one of the greatest wineries in America. They made their name in Napa County and have ventured out to Sonoma. The best part? What they make there is still at a low price. Their expertise shines in this Zinfandel. It has aromas of ripe blackberry, wild blueberry, plum and blackcurrant, along with hints of cedar and spice. Pair this with lamb stew.