California’s Best Wine Regions—and How to Explore Them

When planning a trip to California wine country, Napa and Sonoma are typically at the top of travelers’ minds. While these NorCal destinations are widely considered the crème de la crème of California’s vino scene, there are several wine regions scattered all across the Golden State, each possessing its own “je ne sais quoi.”

Napa Valley is notorious for producing big, bold cabernets, while nearby Sonoma boasts a diverse portfolio, with a particular focus on pinot noir and chardonnay. Just...