Articles avec #tourisme & vineyards tag

Vineyards of Lake County in California

Lake County.

Is a county located in the north-central US state of California portion, north of San Francisco Bay.

The county derives its name from Clear Lake, the largest natural lake entirely in California, the major rivers that flow into Clear Lake is Forbes Creek, Scotts Creek, Middle Creek and Kelsey Creek. Lake Tahoe is partly in Nevada and Salton Sea, was accidentally flooded. The two main rivers are: Cache Creek and Putah Creek, flowing into the Sacramento River.

Lake County was formed in 1861 from parts of Napa and Mendocino counties, but the Euro-American settlers were installed in 1840s. Lake County has long been known as a farming community.

The first vineyards were planted in 1870 by the European Americans, early in 20th century, the area gained a reputation, but in 1920, a national ban ended the wine production in Lake County.*

The re-emergence of the wine industry began in 1960s, with some producers who have rediscovered the vineyard potential in the region, today more than 8,800 hectares (36 km2) of vineyards are cultivated. Many producers in the region are farmers whose families have planted pear and hazelnut before vine.

The first internationally renowned wines were produced in1900. Today more and more, Lake County is gaining notoriety for the quality of its wines.

Now there are some 167 producers and 32 wineries in the region of Lakes.

The region is known for its: Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. But many other varieties are grown as: Petite Sirah, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Gamay, Red, Sagrantino, Dolcetto, Primitivo, Barbera, Montepulciano, Nebbiolo-Red, Malbec, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Ports and blend wine for red wine

*

In the white varieties have found: Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Grigio Muscat, Chenin Blanc, Aglianico, Moscato, Muscat Canelli, Viognier, Roussanne, Riesling, Orange Muscat. And wines Traditional Method.

The majority of vineyards are planted above 1,500 feet. This allows a higher growth, and has one of the best qualities of the area, which reduces the threat of mold and pest pressure and reduces the use of pesticides

Lake County has five American viticultural areas

Benmore Valley

The valley is a high vacuum in the mountains of southwestern Lake County, and is much cooler than the surrounding areas.

Clear Lake

Half of the area is within the limits of Clear Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the State of California, moderating influence on the area surrounding the lake allows the climate to have less diurnal variation than the surrounding areas. that led to success with grapes

Guenoc Valley

Founded in 1981, Guenoc Valley is a small inland valley has an alluvial fan of Arroyo Seco and Conejo Loam, soil series, isolated from surrounding areas by rocky ridges.

Upper Valley

Upper Valley is located in the eastern part of the county; the valley is located at altitudes between (490 m) (910 m), with red volcanic soils, found on the adjacent hills while the alluvial beds provide good drainage for the vines beds.

Red Hills Lake

Red Hills Lake is located along the southwestern shores of Clear Lake, at an altitude between (430 m) and (910 m) above the sea level Separates Excelsior Valley at east of Big Valleyto in the west. located at the foot of Mount Konocti, volcano mount whose last eruption occurred 11,000 years ago, still considered active.

Vineyards in Central Coast of California

Central Coast of California that stretches from Santa Cruz in the north to Santa Barbara in the south, is centered mainly on the counties of Monterey and San Luis Obispo. Are known for agriculture, (artichokes, lettuce, strawberries) with the Salinas Valley, one of the most fertile regions of the United States.

Monterey was the capital of California between 1777 and 1849 July 7, 1846, was the theater of a battle of the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), which brought her into the territory of the United States.

Tourists are especially attracted to Monterey Aquarium and the Monterey Peninsula, the coast of Big Sur and Hearst Castle in San Simeon.

Vineyards are located mostly in Monterey County, with areas like Carmel Valley or near Soledad.

The Monterey Wine Trolley also offers a tour of a former San Francisco trolley makes stops at several vineyards in the Monterey Peninsula and Carmel Valley Village.

Carmel Valley

Carmel Valley, is located in Monterey County, with a total area of ​​50 km2 with 98.98% of land and 1.02% water. The valley is crossed by the Carmel River.

The valley is about 120 miles south of San Francisco, about 20 minutes from Monterey Peninsula Airport and half an hour from the San Jose airport.

Ecosystems are includes oak forests of California, riparian, chaparral, grasslands and savannas.

The climate of Carmel Valley enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate, with dry summer, and average monthly temperatures.

This nestled in the Santa Lucia, sublime pastoral valley, is one of the finest wine regions of California.

The main artery is Carmel Valley Road, which starts at Scenic Highway and meanders eastward along Carmel River, offering countless opportunities for recreation and entertainment. This is where the folk singer Joan Baez led the cultural revolution of the 1960s and 1970s, where his ranch is near Miramonte, you will also find golf courses, world class and quaint country inns, or tasting premier wine you will also be offered.

Most tasting rooms wines are just a few minutes walk from one another, allowing the visitors to gain the Carmel Valley Wine Route on foot. Often animated rooms are not crowded and provide a warm personal interaction.

To visit the vineyards, the Grapevine Express, stops at all the vineyards are on route. It starts from the Monterey Transit Plaza, located in Old Monterey.

Carmel Valley Village

Carmel Valley is one of seven designations that are in Monterey County; and these, Carmel Valley is perhaps the most distinct. Nestled in the Santa Lucia Range imposing,

Carmel Valley geographically challenging breezes and daytime fog, giving the afternoon scorching summer that are particularly favorable to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and other red varietals such as Zinfandel. Sauvignon Blanc also enjoys good climate of Carmel Valley.

Other varieties have found them: Tannat, Tinto-Red, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Malbec, Grenache, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Concord-Red, and Meritage, and blended wines for red wines

For white wines have found the Chardonnay, Verdelho, Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Muscat, Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer, Vermentino, Roussanne, and wines from the traditional method.

Les vignobles de la côte centrale de Californie

La Côte Centrale de Californie qui s'étend de Santa Cruz au nord jusqu'à Santa Barbara au sud, est centrée principalement sur les comtés de Monterey et de San Luis Obispo. Connue pour sont agriculture (artichauts, salades , fraises) Avec La vallée de Salinas, l'une des régions les plus fertiles des États-Unis.

Monterey a été la capitale de la Californie entre 1777 et 1849. Le 7 juillet 1846, elle fut le théâtre des opérations d'une bataille de la guerre américano-mexicaine (1846-1848) qui la fit entrer dans le territoire des États-Unis.

Les touristes sont surtout attirés par Monterey et son aquarium, la Péninsule de Monterey, la côte de Big Sur et Hearst Castle à San Simeon.

Les vignobles sont situés surtout dans le conté de Monterey, avec des régions comme la Carmel Valley ou la région de Soledad.

Le Monterey Wine Trolley, propose également une visite sur un ancien chariot de San Francisco qui fait des arrêts à plusieurs vignobles de la péninsule de Monterey et de Carmel Valley Village.

Carmel Valley Village

Carmel-Valley, est situé dans le comté de Monterey, pour une superficie totale de 50 km2 avec 98,98% de terres et 1,02% d'eau. La vallée est traversée par la rivière Carmel

La vallée est à environ 120 miles au sud de San Francisco et, à environ 20 minutes de l'aéroport Monterey Peninsula et une demi heure de l'aéroport de San Jose.

Sont Écosystèmes comprend les forêts de chênes de Californie, ripisylves, chaparral, des prairies et des savanes.

Le climat de Carmel Valley, bénéficie d'un climat méditerranéen chaud et sec l'été, avec des températures mensuelles moyennes

Cette vallée pastorale sublime niché dans la région de Santa Lucia, est une des plus belles régions viticoles de Californie.

L'artère principale est Carmel Valley Road, qui commence à Scenic Highway et serpente vers l'est, le long de Carmel River, en proposant d'innombrables possibilités de loisirs, et de divertissement. C'est là que la chanteuse folk Joan Baez a conduit la révolution culturelle des années 1960 et 1970 de son ranch à proximité Miramonte, vous trouverez également des parcours de golf, de classe mondiale ainsi que des auberges de campagne pittoresques, ou des dégustations de vin de premier ordre vous seront également proposé.

La plupart des salles de dégustation de vins sont situés à seulement à quelques minutes de marche les une des autres, ce qui permet aux visiteurs de prendre la route des vins Carmel Valley à pied. Souvent animé, les salles n’ont pas trop de monde et fournissent une interaction personnelle et chaleureuse.

Pour visiter les vignobles, le Grapevine Express, s'arrête à tous les vignobles, sur sont itinéraire. Il part de la Monterey Transit Plaza, situé dans le Vieux Monterey.

Carmel Valley est l'une des sept appellations qui ce trouvent dans le comté de Monterey; et de ceux-ci, Carmel Valley est peut-être le plus distinct. Niché dans l'imposant Range Santa Lucia, Carmel Valley défie géographiquement zéphyrs et les brouillards diurnes, ce qui donne des après-midi d'été torride qui sont particulièrement favorables au Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot et autres cépages rouges comme le Zinfandel. le Sauvignon Blanc apprécie également bien le climat de Carmel Valley.

Parmi les autres cépages ont retrouve les : Tannat, Tinto-Red, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Malbec, Grenache, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovèse, Concord-Red, et du Meritage,ainsi que des vins d’assemblages pour les vins rouges

Pour les vins blanc ont retrouve les : Chardonnay, Verdelho, Riesling, Chenin-Blanc, Viognier, Muscat, Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer, Vermentino, Roussanne, et des vins de méthode traditionnel

The Central Valley of California

The Central Valley is about 600 km from north to south and 80 km from east to west.

It is a set of flat topography and low altitude, which is at the center of the state of American Californie. they land is enhanced by intensive agriculture, and is crossed by two rivers, the Sacramento (north) and San Joaquin (south). It is a major traffic artery linking Northern California to Southern California.

The floors are tectonic origin and covered by molasses resulting from the erosion of the mountains. Bounded on the west by the Pacific Coast Ranges, in the east by the Sierra Nevada, on the north by the waterfall Mountains and south by the Tehachapi Mountains.

The climate of the Central Valley is influenced by the coastal mountain chains that impede ocean winds bring rain and freshness.

Away to inland rainfall decreases; Central Valley receives little water: in Fresno, total annual precipitation is 260 mm with an average temperature of 16.8 ° C. The southern region is the driest. These climatic differences partly determine the choice of farmers.

The vineyards in this valley that lies mainly in the surrounding cities: Lodi, Madera, Fresno, Clarksburg Acampo.

Lodi

Is located in San Joaquin County are sols is flat and lies at an altitude of about 15 m. the area is covered pasture but also grain fields.

Well-known center of wine production, Lodi is sometimes called the world capital of Zinfandel, but less prestigious than they valleys of Sonoma and Napa.

The Mediterranean climate is classic, with warm days and cool nights. Located east of San Francisco Bay on the banks of the Sacramento River, the climate allows producers to produce, delicious full-bodied wines, that contain a refreshing natural acidity.

In recent years Lodi has been recognized through its Zinfandels and a few other varieties. Among the cultivated varieties have found them: Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Petite Verdot, Barbera Petite Syrah, Carignan, Lemberger, for red wines, and: Verdelho, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio Riesling Kerner Albariño Viognier Sauvignon Blanc for white wines, as well as blended wines.

The precise control, of the vine growth due to irrigation management. Bring a unique combination that allows the grapes to mature, with minimal impact on the earth, and rivers with rich soil minerals granite base, lend complex flavors to the wines of Lodi.

The discovery of Madera

Just in south of Yosemite National Park. Madera area has a long tradition of wine production and is one of the oldest grape growing regions in America. The Madera Vintners Association, is dedicated to promoting the potential of rich wine growing in the region.

In the late 1800s, settlers arrived from Italy, Armenia, France. Few of the original cellars have survived near Madera, long been known for the production of dessert wines and ports.

Since few small wineries have joined the flagship wineries. This current revival is driven by the recognition of Madera County as a wine growing region.

There are now numerous small family wineries along the Madera Wine Trail. Many of these vineyards are located among the vineyards from which they harvest their grapes.

Generational roots wineries are found in their attentive care and expertise which ensures production of high quality fruit.

This microclimate is cooled by the San Joaquin River to the southwest and the mountains of the Sierra Nevada to the east. Warm summer temperatures and different soil types in Madera County provide a basis for the development of the grapes Grown in the region or have found for the red grapes: Palomino, Syrah, Merlot, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Primitivo, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and blended wines.

For white grapes: Muscat, Albariño, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Muscat Canelli, Moscato, Sauvignon Blanc, as well as wines from traditional method and white wine blends.

Tourists come enjoy the Madera Wine Trail and the rich history of the region have the opportunity to find bed and breakfasts, or winemakers themselves can you offer wine tastings.

Vineyards in Sierra foothills

Sierra Foothills

Viticulture is introduced in the region in the nineteenth century during the gold rush in California

Sierra Foothills wine industry is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in the State of California. Today more than a hundred vineyards are located in the Sierra Foothills, with many small wineries often familial.

Sierra Foothills extends into the Yuba County north of Mariposa County, along the western side of the Sierra Nevada, Amador, El Dorado and Calaveras counties in the center, the Shenandoah Valley, with Fair Play and Fiddletown .

The total area of ​​vineyards in the Sierra Foothills is 10 522 km2, one of the largest wine-growing regions of the state of California.

The first vines were planted in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada during the gold rush in the late 1840s and early 1850s in California.

The wineries of the Sierra Foothills, are known to these wines. produces

Is mountainous land with austere soils, is ideal for the Zinfandel production; representing 2,300 hectares (9 km2) but the other varieties are not forgotten as :Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Barbera, Nebbiolo Petite Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Tuscan, Grenache, Tempranillo, Malbec, Torrontes, Pinot Black, Primitivo, Tinto, Aglianico, Cinsault, and Meritage (Bordeaux blend of grapes) for red wines.

And: Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Roussanne, Marsanne, Pinot Grigio, Chenin Blanc, Viognier. And wines of traditional method.

The vines are usually planted at altitudes between 1,500 ft (457 m) and 3,000 feet (914 m) above the sea level .

Sierra Nevada

Is a string of high snow in eastern California Mountains. Including its main peak is Mount Whitney (4,421 meters).

It stretches for about 700 km, from Fredonyer pass, in north to Tehachapi Pass in the south, bordered, with to the west by the Central Valley of California and on the east by the Great Basin.

The altitude increases steadily to a ridge, then down the other side, on the eastern slopes overlooking the fault (active) Owens Valley. Similarly, the altitude increases as one moves south: the culmination of the chain, Mount Whitney, is in south-east.

Sierra Nevada has a wide variety of landscapes. The variety of wildlife, vegetation and terrain are dependent on altitude and slope.

The chain offers several parks including Yosemite, famous for its forests, waterfalls and granite cliffs .

Sierra Nevada has a mountain climate. Beyond 2500 meters, in summer, dry heat is moderated by thundershowers. The combination of dry vegetation and low humidity causes storms and forest fires.

It blocks rain from the west on its crest. Temperatures decrease with altitude regions of the Great Basin to the east, where deserts are hot and dry with wind blows.

The rivers majority from the chain will go to west and flow into rivers San Joaquin or Sacramento. Some rivers flow east and end up in the depressions of the Great Basin: the case of the Walker River (Nevada) or the Carson River.

Southern California

(Southern California) is the name given to the metropolis and surrounding area, which occupies the southern part of the State California.

With the borders to the west, the Pacific Ocean to the south, the international border between the United States and Mexico, east and Mojave deserts and Sonora desert, and northern chain of Tehachapi, located to 110 miles north of Los Angeles, define the region, with the other by large arid undeveloped.

Including the counties of: San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Imperial and Los Angeles.

Viticulture in this region it is mainly in the valleys of Temecula and Ramona.

Ramona Valley is located in San Diego County, in the extreme southern California, Just to the Mexican border, the second county in the state by population.

Bordered by the Pacific Ocean, about one hundred kilometers northeast amounted Snow-capped mountains and east lies the Sonora Desert, with the south is the Cleveland National Forest.

Ramona Valley

This valley is described as a broad flat valley surrounded by hills and mountains that isolate it from surrounding areas.

Located 28 miles (45 kilometers) northeast of the city of San Diego, in California, around the city of Ramona, near beaches, at the foot of the mountains of the Pacific coast of Southern California, the valley Ramona has a rich history of the vine with vineyards dating back to the early missions.

Surrounded by hills and mountains that isolate the surrounding areas, the days are warm and nights are cool, influenced by the sea fog, and contribute to the production of some grapes quality with an average annual rainfall. The vineyards altitude is at 450 meters, covering an area of ​​89,000 hectares (360 km2) around the town of Ramona.

The exceptional viticulture characteristics of the region allow the production of varieties such as: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, Tempranillo, Petite Syrah, Mourvedre, Chianti, Sangiovese for reds, and Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Viognier, Muscat Alexendria for White grapes and Blends wines

Temecula Valley

Temecula Valley is an American wine region in the town of Temecula, in Riverside County this is in Southern California.

The city of Temecula is located in the extreme southeast of Greater Los Angeles., Spread over an area of ​​78 km, close to the town of Murrieta (California) north and the Pechanga Indian Reservation south.

Temecula has a total area de78,13 km², and 0,042 km² of ground water

In 1882 the government established the Pechanga Indian Reservation a few miles south of Temecula.

Viticulture in Temecula Valley is relatively recent.

Thus in the early nineteenth century as the population was concentrated on the north central California, viticulture predominant in the south. After the Mexican-American War of 1847 viticulture is virtually abandoned.

Today most of the wine has shifted north central California.

Temecula Valley is so exceptional. Galloping urbanization, pushed winemakers isolated Anaheim and Rancho Cucamonga south of Temecula Valley midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, which offers the best conditions for vine.

Together in an association: (the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association) in order to quality assurance and promotion of wines for Temecula Valley.

Located southeast of Los Angeles 35km from the Pacific Ocean and covers an area of ​​133,5km² east of the city of Temecula. The vineyards are located on a high plateau arid at an altitude between 426 and 488 meters

Jewel "of Riverside County, the valley is separated from the Pacific Ocean by a mountain range, allowing the sea breeze to moderate desert climate with cool nights and sunny days rather hot, accompanied by morning mist, with a floor granite base for creating quality wines recognized by wine lovers abroad.

Lush plants, friendly, relaxed and unpretentious with fabulous wines, you will find restaurants amazing vineyards, with intimate hotels for guest rooms, beautiful souvenir shops and beautiful picnic areas.

Most wineries are open daily to visitors, inviting them to sample the product mostly varietal wines, with a predilection for white wines: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Canelli, Chenin blanc , Riesling and Viognier for white wines and Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Mourvedre, Zinfandel, Meritage, Nebbiolo, Syrah, Petite Syrah, Pinot Noir Grenache, Dolcetto, Barbera, and blended wines.

Temecula is just a short drive, less than 60 miles north of San Diego.

South coast California Vineyards.

South Coast California, in the north of the Mexican border, is not only fertile valleys, arid deserts and coastline of breathtaking and unspoiled beauty, with in the interior of the region's, mountains are a incredible beauty. And wine country little known in France by the public.

For many people the viticulture of California, is Napa Valley , it is a shame not to see the other vineyards like those of the South Coast, mainly located in the vicinity of the Santa Barbara and Paso Robles.

Paso Robles

Known for its hot springs, mud baths and vineyards, is a former on a Mexican ranch bought in 1857.

It is located halfway between Los Angeles and Sans Francisco, near the coast of the Pacific Ocean. is the third main production region for the wine, behind the Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley, and begins to have some recognition.

The contrast between the cool Pacific Ocean and warm air masses create cool mist, which allow the grapes do not suffer from hot summers region.

The altitude of the vineyards located between the 200 and 400 meters, also provides cool nights, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly.

This wine region, is the highest growth in California, covering more than 26,000 acres of vineyards and over 170 wineries, with conditions for a production of good quality wines.

The climatic conditions of the region, allowing for a large cultivated grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Viognier, Roussanne, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo, Grenache, Pinot Grigio, Dolcetto, Riesling, Petite Syrah, Tempranillo , Mourvedre, Pinot Blanc, Malbec and Zinfandel, the grape of the region

The single growing season in this region can develop mature fruit.

Paso Robles Wine Country is home to a host of events throughout the year, where producers and wine lovers find themselves in the historic downtown Paso Robles for shopping in the stores, tasting rooms and taste the local cuisine.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a municipality located on the California coast at the foot of the Santa Ynez Mountains overlooking the Pacific Ocean , at 145 miles northwest of Los Angeles. Its climate, its beaches and houses covered with roofs curved tiles earned him the nickname "America's Riviera"

This is also a favorable whale watching location, with more than thirty species of whales, dolphins and seals frequenting its waters

Santa Barbara County, have found five wine regions: the Ballard Canyon, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara, Santa Maria Valley, Santa. Rita Hills, and Santa Ynez Valley.

In the Los Alamos, this valley between Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley is also home to several wineries.

Are Vineyard, is one of the finest and most exciting California, just 90 minutes north of Los Angeles, and is the most attractive American wines in this region.

If a wine region can have it all, it's Santa Barbara with a mosaic of microclimates and soils, growing some varieties of grapes.

The valleys of the Pacific coast, range east to west, rather than north to south, with the chain of coastal Santa Ynez Mountains, the ocean breezes sweep eastward, are channeled through the hills and mountains surrounding region.

The climate vineyards, near the Pacific Ocean is mild and moderate. with soils of schist and limestone, with the foothills, warm temperatures during the day and very cold at night.

Santa Maria Valley

East region, further north of Santa Barbara, has a microclimate and various soil, often foggy and windswept. Here Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the two most commonly grown varieties.

Santa Ynez Valley

Is a long east-west corridor with very cold temperatures on the coast that benefits of fresh grape region like the Pinot Noir, Cabernet and Merlot.

Sta. Rita Hills is located on the western border Ynez Valley, a few miles from the Pacific Ocean, well suited for Pinot Noir, Syrah and Chardonnay.

Happy Canyon, near the mountains of San Rafael, northwest of Lake Cachuma. Its inner position means a much warmer climate, the hilly terrain and steep slopes of the region that are more suitable for growing Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Sauvignon Blanc, but also found other native of the Rhone Valley varieties like Syrah, Viognier, Pinot Noir.

Ballard Canyon.

Located, in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, where soil and unique climate of the canyon, creating an ideal environment for the wine production with some red grapes, such as distinctive: Syrah, Grenache, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc and white grapes such as Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Roussanne.

Los Alamos Valley.

Located between Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley, also produced thousands of acres of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and Italian grape varieties are temperate climate of its own, is ten degrees cooler than the Santa Ynez Valley south and ten hotter than Santa Maria Valley degrees.

The Vineyard of California

Located on the West Coast, and bordered to the south by the Sonoran Desert to the east by the great basin of the United States and to the north by the Klamath Mountains. Ocean frontage fully follows the relief of California, beyond which lies the Central Valley in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The capital of California is Sacramento, but the most populous city is Los Angeles, followed by the region of the Bay "in San Francisco, home to Silicon Valley, followed by San Diego

Great wine state, California is divided into 11 wine regions, which are: the Central Valley, the Lake County, Mendocino Valley, Napa Valley, the region of the North Coast, the San Francisco Bay Area, the Sierra Foothills region, Sonoma Valley, the region of the South Coast, Southern California, and the region of the central California coast.

Franciscan monks from Spain were the first to plant vines in this part of the world in the 18th century, wine was produced for personal use

A French native of Bordeaux, named Jean Louis vines, discovered the potential California in 1830 and brought many European varieties.

After the gold rush winemakers concentrated their efforts on the northern, central California and the San Francisco Bay.

This region offered their vast opportunities, and allowed the American wine industry born.

Initially, California gave heavy wines and spirits, may be had only after 1970 that the California viticulture, became know in Europe, wine producers going to study in European, with the results that have known today.

The area of ​​California brings very different climates, the climate of the east coast,is a Mediterranean type, with mild winters and hot summer, in the Central Valley, it was very hot and dry, or we find highest temperatures, or have found the largest number of precipitation, on the north coast of California.

This diversity also found in soil, due to its size and the fact that it is also a seismic area, with soils of volcanic origin, alluvial and sedimentary.

Today the California produce wines with growing quality from year to year. In small, and on large farms.

The number of small farms has continued to grow, especially in the Sonoma Valley.

Today, the wines of California look more and more to European wines, with varieties that are selected based on climate and soil, which will display a wide variety of wines and grape varieties.

The varieties that are most commonly found are: Chardonnay, Colombard, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Viognier for whites

For Red wine varietals selected are: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Pinot Black, Syrah, Barbera, Merlot, Barbera, Sangiovese, and Zinfandel.

California

First, was occupied by Native Americans organized in many tribes: Yuman, Chumash, Maidu, Miwok, Modoc, Mohave, Salinan, Ohlone and Tongva.

Then gradually incorporated in New Spain and then attached to independent Mexico in 1821, then the Republic of California declared independence June 14, 1846, prohibits slavery and adopts a constitution in 1849 and joins the Union September 9, 1850 .

Today, California is the most populous state in the United States with over 38 million inhabitants, the first state in the United States in terms of gross domestic product, innovation is the main benefit of California. It is bordered to the west by the Pacific Ocean, the north by Oregon, on the east by Nevada and Arizona, and south has a common border with Mexico. With a width that varies between 240 and 400 km, with a north-south length of about 1 300 km.

Peru and Vine

Peru, officially, is a country located west of South America.

Surrounded by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile and the Pacific Ocean, it is the third largest country in South America by land area: 1,285,220 km2 and has 2414 miles coasts.

The climate is tropical in the east, dry desert to the west. Its coastal deserts are caused by the presence of an ocean current north-south, so cold that goes up the Pacific coast by blocking evaporation and the formation of rain disturbances.

In the Andes, the climate is temperate to cold depending on the altitude. Important volcanoes, El Misti and found Ubinas. The Huascaran, which stands at 6768 meters, is the highest peak in the Western Cordillera.

If there was a country where the wine was to be unlikely, it's Peru. Located, between the Pacific and the Andes, it rains only 0.2 mm per year.

However, snowmelt brings water in abundance, from the Andes and feeds groundwater

Desert, created by the decomposition of the Andes with sandy soils, poor but well suited to growing grapes.

As in all of South America, Spanish Conquistadors introduced the vine.

The main area is located in the Ica region, 300km south of Lima that is since colonial times the wine capital of Peru Spaniards implanted varietals from the Canaries and there cultivated the vine.

Production was embedded in the port of Pisco, which gave its name to the alcohol, contrary to what think is not Chilean but Peruvian.

Today, Ica worth a stop for its Harvest Festival, held the second week of March, it is known as the city of eternal spring.

Red wines are not left with mainly French varietals such as Tannat and Malbec, the grape varieties that are the most successful .

Other grape varieties have found them: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Muscat-Alejandria, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Ugni Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Tinto-White for white wines.

And: Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Merlot, Red-Tinto, Grenache, Barbera, Syrah, Pinot Noir, for red wines as well as wines from the traditional method and Blanc de Blanc

Peru is divided into 58 oasis some of which cultivate the vine.

Peru

The Peruvian economy is among the best in Latin America. This dynamism is mainly based on the export sector.

Among the natural resources include copper, silver, gold, oil, iron ore, coal and phosphates. Fishing is also an important natural and fruit trees resource.

Prone to earthquakes. Floods and landslides caused by El Niño.

The three large natural areas sonts: the "costa" (side) bordered by the Pacific Ocean, "sierra" (mountain), and the "jungle" (forest of the Peruvian Amazon)

South, have found Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable lake in the world, perched between 3600 and 4500 meters above sea level.

The country is also endowed with exceptional natural resources, it is one of the seventeen countries with a mega biodiversity. It has 84 of the 117 existing natural areas in the world.

Region of Coquimbo and vines

Coquimbo Region in Chile is located between the Atacama region in northern Argentina to the east and the south with the region of Valparaíso. with 40,580 square kilometers; and 603,210 population in 2003.

Coquimbo, it is the heart of the Chilean wine industry.

Chilean wine region of Coquimbo, has three sub-areas: the Elqui Valley, Limatí Valley, and Choapa Valley.

Most grapes grown in the wine region of Coquimbo are :Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. As the Atacama region, Coquimbo is known for its production of Pisco and table grapes.

Located at the South , of the Atacama Desert The Elqui Valley has in common with astronomers and winemakers, skies Clear and pure. the sun heating the grapes on the day and Stars dazzle at night.

The region has long been famous for its table grapes, papaya and its other cultivated fruits, and alcohol are for Chilean Pisco,

Today new vineyards cultivated land from the coast up high in the Andes at 2000 m above sea level, with amazing results, especially for syrah, a grape adapted to cold climate.

Limari Valley is an ancient wine region. The first vines were planted in the sixteenth century.

Today, new technologies allow winemakers to take a fresh look at this region.

The fog from the Pacific Ocean, covering the valley every morning and dissipates as the sun rises above the vineyards. Here drip irrigation allows vines to grow, their roots plunging deep into mineral-rich soil. All these factors give a new fresh wines.

Located at the narrowest point of Chile, Valley Choapa it in the location of the coastal and the Andes are tightening.

Composed of two sectors, Illapel and Salamanca, this valley products syrah and cabernet sauvignon, planted on rocky soils with less than 10 cm of rainfall per year.

For over 10 years, the Department of Herault ( France ) and the Chilean region cooperate, including viticulture and oneotourisme. With a capacity, of 46,000 tourist reception rooms.

The little rain, are compensated by an integrated three irrigation dams and canals enter them connected system, La Paloma, Recoleta and Cogoti. The excellent climate, fertile soil and good irrigation allow excellent grape production for wines of good quality. Among the varieties of grapes produced, have found the: Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

For the production of Pisco liquor Chilean grapes are selected Moscatel Rose, the Alejandria Moscatel , and Moscatel Australia. The process includes the fermentation and distillation, followed by a rest period in fine wooden vats.

Region of Coquimbo

Populated by diaguitas Indians, it became part of the Inca Empire until the Spanish arrived in the sixteenth century. Chilean province and became independent in 1810.

This mountainous Region, is semi-deserted climate, rich in minerals, with iron 40% of national output in 2002, manganese represents 41,000 tons of Chilean production.

We found El Cerro Tololo also, home to Cerro Tololo Interamerican Astronomical Observatory, with a climate that allows it to have more than 300 nights a year without cloud.