Discover California Wines

Everything you need to know about California Wines by The Wine Institute

Wine Institute is an association of 1,000 California wineries and wine-related businesses that initiate and advocate public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine.

The organization contributes to the economic and environmental vitality of California and the U.S. through leadership in sustainable winegrowing, an international marketing program that promotes awareness of and appreciation for California wines throughout the world, and a partnership with California Travel and Tourism to showcase the state’s diverse and abundant wine and food offerings.

Golden State of Mind | California Wines: As Alive As The Place They’re Grown
Take a cultural and historical journey through the spirit, innovation and principles of California’s winemakers in their quest to deliver wines of distinctive character and quality.
Runtime : 2,47 mins
Released : 2021

 

What makes Paso Robles so special?
Well, for starters, it’s home to a staggering two hundred plus wineries and 11 sub-appellations. Tucked away in the Central Coast, Paso Robles might still be considered a hidden gem…but there are big things happening in the region. Hear what a few of our favorite local winemakers had to say about what makes Paso Robles so special.
Runtime : 1,54 mins
Released : 2022

The Lodi Wine Region: Old Vines, Farming Heritage, New Wineries + Sustainable Agriculture
Lodi is home to some of California’s oldest winegrape plantings, from gnarly Zinfandel vines to the world’s oldest Cinsault. While the Central California region has long provided grapes for some of California’s best wines, the region is just becoming known for its growing number of small, independent winemakers. Joseph Lange of LangeTwins, Susan Tipton of Acquiesce Winery and Stuart Spencer, the Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission share more about the Lodi region and what makes it a great place to make wine – and to visit.
Runtime : 3,28 mins
Released : 2021

Livermore Valley Wine Region: Home to California Winemaking History + Current Wine Innovators
One of California’s oldest wine regions, the Livermore Valley played a pivotal role in shaping California’s wine industry. Spanish missionaries planted the first winegrapes in the Livermore Valley in the 1760s. In the 1840s, California pioneers began planting grapes in the region with Robert Livermore planting the first commercial vines. Pioneer winemakers C. H. Wente, James Concannon and Charles Wetmore recognized the area’s winegrowing potential and founded their wineries in the early 1880s.

Livermore Valley captured America’s first international gold medal for wine in 1889 at the Paris Exposition, putting California on the world wine map.  The region now has over 40 wineries, with more to come. Aly Wente and Niki Wente of Wente Vineyards share what makes the Livermore wine region special now.
Runtime : 1,54 mins
Released : 2021

Sonoma County Wine Region: Home to Mountains, Forests, Riverbeds, Ocean Views and 60+ Wine Varietals
Sonoma County has many distinctions, but here’s one to note: it grows more Pinot Noir than any other county in California – and is home to 60+ types of winegrapes. There are 19 diverse wine growing regions in Sonoma County, each with a unique climate and geography. From warm, sunny days to cooler, fog covered valley floors, the variations in the geography and climate influence each individual region in many ways. Megan and Hilary Cline of Cline Family Cellars and Amelia Morán Ceja of Ceja Vineyards share the beauty of Sonoma County.
Runtime : 1,58 mins
Released : 2021

The San Joaquin Valley Wine Region: California’s Largest Winegrowing Region + Sustainable Farming
Located in the heart of the Golden State, California’s San Joaquin Valley is the most productive agricultural region in the world, cultivating more than 250 crops. In addition to almonds, citrus, peaches, garlic, pistachios, tomatoes, kiwis, raisins, olives, melons, lettuce, figs and more, winegrapes thrive in the valley’s fertile fields. In fact, with over 151,000 acres of winegrape vineyards in production, the San Joaquin Valley is by far the largest wine region in the state.  

Winegrowers in the region have long been committed to sustainable methods of crop management. Modern technologies like drip irrigation, green building and solar energy are used along with time-tested methods such as cover cropping, night harvesting – even falconry.
Runtime : 1,29 mins
Released : 2021