V ENI, VIDI, VINO !
Goodbye orange groves, hello grape vines California’s vineyards shoot out in all directions.
By Samantha Metzger
58 Coronado Lifestyle • Spring 2010
California: Home to Steinbeck, the “Governator,” lots of sunshine, and the crown jewel city itself. Add on to the Golden State’s myriad of unique qualities the fact that it accounts for 90% of the country’s wine production. And, if California was its own separate country (many would argue we may as well be!), it would be the world’s fourth largest wine producer. California first started producing wines in the 18th century when the Spanish missionaries began planting vineyards to make wine for religious Mass. When, a century later, the California Gold Rush brought waves of new settlers, the demand for wine increased. Chinese immigrants were largely responsible for the development of these regions, planting and harvesting vineyards and digging the underground cellars, until the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1890, which encouraged “white labor” instead. The budding industry took root in the northern California region, including Napa and Sonoma counties. Some of the country’s oldest vineyards reside in these areas. By the early 1900s, California boasted nearly 800 wineries and was growing almost 300 grape varieties. However, with the passing of the 18th amendment (a dark day for wine lovers) and Prohibition, the majority of the wineries were forced to uproot their vines and destroy their cellars. Some wineries were able to stay in business by switching production to grape juice, while others avoided the Prohibition laws by providing sacramental wines to churches. By the time 1933 rolled around (after suffering through the Great Depression sans wine…) and Prohibition was repealed, only about 140 wineries remained. Over time, however, the California wine industry bounced back stronger than ever. In 1976 California landed itself on the map for wine internationally. After being invited by the British, we entered the Judgment of Paris Wine Competition and, much to their shock and chagrin, beat out the French wines in both the white and red categories. Tres Magnifique! Today, our special state has become one of the premier wine regions in the world. Besides the rich history of California’s wine production, the weather we brag about to all those out-of-staters is responsible for making the state a perfect place to grow wine.
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Above: Napa Valley — the state’s most famous wine producer left: Ripe clusters of Chardonnay grapes on a mature vine. Climate conditions in Sonoma and Carneros counties are ideal for creating superb Chardonnays. Spring 2010 • Coronado Lifestyle 59