Top California Wines to Enjoy Year-Round

California is all about great wine. Rolling vineyards, world-class wineries, and bottles that make you want to savor every sip. Some regions steal the spotlight, while others quietly produce incredible wines just waiting to be discovered.

Mendocino County, Napa Valley, Alexander Valley, Carneros, and Russian River Valley—five places, each with its own personality, flavor, and story. Let’s take a closer look at what makes them must-visit destinations for wine lovers.

1. Mendocino County: The Hidden Gem of California Wine

Mendocino County is one of top California wines wine regions. Tucked away in the northernmost part of the state’s wine country, it’s known for its rugged coastline, rolling hills, and commitment to organic and sustainable winemaking.

While it doesn’t have the same fame as Napa or Sonoma, Mendocino is a treasure trove for wine lovers who enjoy boutique wineries, unique varietals, and a laid-back atmosphere. Thanks to the cool ocean breezes and varied microclimates, Mendocino county produces the top California wines- everything from crisp whites to bold reds.

Explore Mendocino’s Finest Bottles

Angeline Reserve Pinot Noir

This Pinot Noir bursts with ripe strawberries, cherries, and raspberries, layered with creamy vanilla, a whisper of smoke, and a touch of spiced oak. Silky tannins and a smooth, lingering finish make every sip effortlessly elegant.

Bonterra Chardonnay

Rich and creamy with notes of honey, toasted almonds, and ripe pineapple, balanced by zesty lemon and refreshing acidity. A perfect harmony of warmth and brightness in every glass.

Toad Hollow Francine's Selection Chardonnay

Crisp and vibrant, brimming with juicy peach and lively citrus that dance on the palate. A pure, refreshing expression of Chardonnay, bursting with energy and charm.

View More

2. Napa Valley: The Icon of American Wine

When people think of California wine, Napa Valley is usually the first place that comes to mind. With over 400 wineries, breathtaking vineyard landscapes, and some of the most prestigious wines in the world, Napa is a must-visit for any wine enthusiast.

Napa’s Mediterranean climate—with warm days and cool nights—creates the perfect conditions for growing high-quality grapes, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, which has become the region’s signature varietal. This Napa Chardonnay is a standout among top California wines, showcasing a perfect blend of vibrant fruit flavors and elegant oak nuances.

Explore Napa’s Finest bottles

Bon Anno Cabernet Sauvignon

A bold Napa Cab with luscious black cherry, ripe plum, and blackberry wrapped in hints of cedar and vanilla. Smooth yet structured, with firm tannins and a touch of cinnamon spice on a long, elegant finish.

Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay

This Napa Chardonnay is a standout among top California wines, showcasing a perfect blend of vibrant fruit flavors and elegant oak nuances. It bursts with green apple, ripe melon, and pear, balanced by a touch of oak spice. Its creamy richness is complemented by flavors of yellow apple, nectarine, and honeydew, finishing with a refreshing, mineral edge.

Charles Krun Merlot

Layers of ripe cherry, blackberries, and red currant, enhanced by hints of mocha and vanilla. The medium-bodied structure is smooth and elegant, with silky tannins that lead into a long, lingering finish, highlighting the depth of Napa's winemaking expertise.

View More

3. Alexander Valley: A Hidden Cabernet Haven

Located in Sonoma County, Alexander Valley is often overshadowed by its neighbor, Napa, but it produces some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in California. With slightly warmer temperatures than other parts of Sonoma, this region allows grapes to ripen fully, leading to lush, fruit-forward and top California Wines.

Alexander Valley wines are known for their approachability—big, bold flavors with softer tannins compared to Napa’s structured Cabernets. If you’re looking for a high-quality red wine without the Napa price tag, this is the place to explore.

Explore Top Alexander Valley Wines

Frei Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon

Frei Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve offers bold blackberry and cherry flavors with a smooth, tart finish. This Sonoma wine showcases rich color and complexity, thanks to extended skin contact and malolactic fermentation.

Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Cab Sauv

Rodney Strong’s Cabernet Sauvignon delivers ripe red plum, dark berries, and a touch of milk chocolate. The rich, creamy texture blends cooked blueberries, blackberry jam, and espresso, finishing with dried fig and oak spice. A perfect match for cheese, steak, or dark chocolate mousse.

View More

4. Carneros: The Cool-Climate Specialist

Straddling the southern parts of both Napa and Sonoma, Carneros is a standout among California’s top wine regions, shaped by the cooling breezes from the San Pablo Bay. This unique climatic influence creates the perfect environment for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, allowing the grapes to retain their natural acidity while developing rich, complex flavors.

Carneros is also renowned for its exceptional sparkling wines, with some of the state’s best producers crafting traditional-method bubbly that rivals the finest in the world.

Explore Our Top picks

Cuvaison Sauvignon Blanc

The Cuvaison Sauvignon Blanc offers tropical aromas and fresh citrus flavors, balanced with melon and lime zest. Fermented in stainless steel and aged on lees, it delivers a crisp, aromatic, and refreshing finish.

Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay

Rombauer Chardonnay is a true Carneros classic, bursting with rich aromas of ripe apple, zesty citrus, and sweet melon, all wrapped in the indulgent notes of crème brûlée, warm baking spices, and a whisper of butter.

View More

5. Russian River Valley: The Heart of California Pinot Noir

Located in Sonoma County, the Russian River Valley stands out as one of the top California wine regions, particularly for its world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The region’s unique climate, with cool, foggy mornings and warm afternoons, allows the grapes to ripen slowly, resulting in wines with exceptional balance and depth of flavor. Russian River Pinot Noirs, in particular, are celebrated globally for their silky texture, complexity, and layers of red fruit and spice notes.

For those who appreciate elegant, nuanced wines, this region is a must-visit, offering a true taste of California’s winemaking excellence.

Explore Top Russian River Valley Wines

Davis Bynum Chardonnay

A rich, full-bodied Chardonnay from Russian River Valley, with flavors of brioche, caramelized crème brûlée, and a bright citrus touch. A standout among top California wines, its creamy texture and long finish offer bold elegance.

Deloach Russian River Chardonnay

This top California wine boasts aromas of key lime, white peach, and apple pie, with a flinty brightness and soft oak notes. The creamy apple notes and elegant finish reflect the craftsmanship of Russian River Valley winemaking.

Foppiano Zinfandel

A bold, dark Zinfandel from the Russian River Valley, rich with ripe blackberries, red plums, and subtle herbaceous notes. This exceptional wine exemplifies the classic character of top California wines with firm tannins and complex fruit layers.

Bring California to Your Glass

Craving the bold beauty of California in a glass? From the sun-kissed elegance of Napa Valley Cabernet to the silky finesse of Sonoma Pinot Noir, these standout selections are timeless crowd-pleasers. But why stop at just one bottle?

Arlington Wine & Liquor offers a handpicked collection of California’s finest—perfect for dinner parties, celebrations, or a quiet night in.

Explore our selection and sip the best of the Golden State. Cheers!