California covers an enormous range of climates and soils, from the warm, prestigious Cabernet Sauvignon country of Napa Valley to the fog-cooled coastal strips of Sonoma Coast and Santa Maria Valley that favour Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. What unites most of it is a reliably sunny, dry growing season, giving winemakers a level of consistency that's helped build California's reputation for polished, fruit-forward wine, even as more producers now chase cooler sites and fresher styles.

Key grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel