California

California grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and varieties from Bordeaux, Rhône, Spanish, Portuguese, German and Italian traditions. Lodi vines over 100 years old define its Zinfandel heritage; Paso Robles leads in Cabernet Sauvignon plantings at 39 per cent. Coastal regions produce premium sparkling wines from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. What sets California apart from its neighbours is the sheer range of producers and price points competing for your attention.

Why choose California wine?

California delivers quality wines at prices that won't empty your wallet. E & J Gallo, founded in Modesto in 1933, built the world's largest wine company on the principle that good wine shouldn't cost a fortune — and the Central Valley producers like Bronco Wine Company continue that tradition with inexpensive table wines stocked in supermarkets across the US. But California isn't a budget-only story. Paso Robles showcases an emerging group of producers making wines ranging from very good to outstanding at mid- and premium price levels, while also producing accessible bottlings with solid quality at moderate price points. Napa and Sonoma represent only 10 per cent of state output, yet Napa Valley fruit can cost around ten times the price of Lodi fruit, giving you real choice. Pair a Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon with beef stew or grilled lamb, then step up to a premium bottling from the same region without financial shock. Whether you're a weeknight drinker or a collector, California has wines spanning from very inexpensive bottlings to ultra-premium selections commanding exceptional prices and scarcity in the market. If you want quality at prices that make sense, our California selection starts here →

What makes Lodi Zinfandel special?

Lodi vines exceed 100 years old, producing concentrated fruit from mature root systems. Few regions worldwide have such ancient ungrafted vineyards still producing.

Does California make wines beyond red wine?

Yes. California now produces natural wine, pet-nat, skin-contact whites, piquette, vermouth and angelica — an impressively wide array of types and styles.

Why is Paso Robles worth exploring?

Paso Robles combines inexpensive, good-quality everyday wines with a growing tier of very good to outstanding mid-premium producers — unusual value density.