Stand at the edge of a valley in California wine country, and you’ll be welcomed by a variety of surprises for the senses. Sun-drenched grapes shimmering on the vine, hinting at the flavor that’s to come. Impressive century-old estates. A lush and pastoral landscape that invites you to explore the history and vibrancy of the region. And that’s just what you’ll do each time you open the pages of California Wine Country. From Opus One to Close Pegase, Stag’s Leap to the Rhone Rangers, trademark Zinfandels to world-class Chardonnays, California producers consistently produce some of the world’s most renowned wines. As The Wine Advocate’s Robert M. Parker Jr. states, "California is on a roll." California Wine Country opens with the history of winemaking in the state and how and why Californian wines have become famous around the world. Randy Leffingwell then guides you through the winemaking cycle and takes you on a personal tour of the state’s most breathtaking and popular wine making regions, including Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, San Francisco Bay, the Central Valley, Gold Country, Monterey Peninsula, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and more. He also provides details about the most beautiful and interesting times to visit vineyards and wineries. With his inviting lens and prose, Leffingwell captures the unique characteristics of each locale, making California Wine Country the perfect tribute to the timeless beauty of these wineries, vineyards, and destinations.