Home to some of the most famous winemaking regions in the entire world, California contains nearly 200 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). Many of these sub-AVAs are located within primary AVAs and investigators are continuing to sub-divide regions as more and more distinguishing terroir features come to light. Some of California's most celebrated AVAs include the Central Coast, Calistoga, Mendocino, Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley, to name just a few.

Given the state's diverse climate, vineyards are scattered throughout the breadth and width of the California territory. Along the coastline cool climate varieties – such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay – thrive, while further inland, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot achieve excellent expressions as well.

With excellent weather year round, California is a veritable hot spot for wine travelers and tourists looking to get a first-hand taste of world class winemaking. Though wineries can be found throughout the Golden State, much of wine tourism activities centralize around the Napa and Sonoma wine regions. Tasting rooms, restaurants, hotels, and tour guides abound in wine country, making the region an excellent attraction for newcomers and wine buffs alike.