Top 5 Wineries in California

Kim Blakesley
Picking the top 5 wineries in California is a difficult decision. California is home to a plethora of wineries. The composition of the soil, the climate, and the topography provide the perfect location for wineries to produce quality grapes. While visiting each California winery, sit back and enjoy the sniff, swirl and savor process of tasting the wines that may be purchased.

The Bianchi Winery and Tasting Room was established in 1974 by Glenn Bianchi. The vineyard and winery sits on 40 premium acres in Paso Robles and produces Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Petit Sirah, Refosco, Barbera and Zinfandel wines. The winemaker uses the best fruit available to produce prize winning wines.

The Raymond Vineyards has a long history of involvement in wine making. Five generations of Raymond's have been involved in making wine in some capacity. Prior to 1971, the Raymond family worked and became part of the Beringer Brother's Winery in St. Helena. When it was sold in 1971, the brother's broke away from Beringer's and purchased 90 acres in the Napa Valley south of St. Helena. In 1974 there first crop of grapes were harvested and their wine making began. Since that time, prize winning wine has been produced and sold to the public.

Baily Vineyard and Winery, a family owned vineyard and winery, was established in 1986 by the Baily family. Located in Temecula Valley, this winery specializes in Bordeaux varieties. The winery was finished in 2001 and since that time, quality wine has been produced. A synthetic closure is used to help prevent the tainting of the wine by natural cork. All wines produced have a wonderful nose and are pleasing on the palate

Kendall-Jackson Winery began nearly three decades ago and produced his first bottle of wine to sell in 1982. This family owned and operated winery produces exquisite wines with a pleasant nose. The wines leave a wonderful taste on the palate. Kendall-Jackson Winery offers a monthly wine club that ships featured wines to the participants. The wine club is an excellent opportunity to receive featured wines at discount prices.

Gloria Ferrer Winery and Vineyard is located in the Sonoma, just 40 miles northwest of San Francisco. The winery specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The location of Gloria Ferrer vineyard provides grapes that leave no bitterness in the production of their wine. This family owned winery was the first house of sparkling wine in the Sonoma Carneros region. The family's background in winemaking began in Spain during the 19th century. Family secrets are still being used today in the production of their wine.

The top 5 wineries in California may be different for you. The best way to discover your top 5 wineries in California is to visit each one and taste their wines. Each winery provides a tasting room that allows you to sniff, swirl and savor their exquisite wine labels. Purchase those that provide you with the most satisfaction.

Published by Kim Blakesley - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle

The passions in my life include education, the arts, home remodeling, woodworking and travel. Due to my eclectic plethora of interests, writing and photography have become two extraordinary outlets of expres...   View profile

  • The Bianchi Winery and Tasting Room was established in 1974 by Glenn Bianchi.
  • A synthetic closure is used to help prevent the tainting of the wine by natural cork.
  • This family owned and operated winery produces exquisite wines with a pleasant nose.
The best way to discover your top 5 wineries in California is to visit each one and taste their wines. Each winery provides a tasting room that allows you to sniff, swirl and savor their exquisite wine labels.

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