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While visiting friends a few years back, I was introduced to the joys of the Carneros wine region. The appellation spans the southern portions of both Sonoma and Napa Valley. Los Carneros - "The Ram" produces some of the world's most extraordinary Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sparkling wines due in part to the cool climate produced by the proximity of the Pacific Ocean.
The summer fog, long growing season, and rich soil gives this region the perfect terroir. I'll never forget my first stop at the Cuvaison winery. I walked right up to the counter and said "I'd like something with a buttery finish" and a buttery finish it had with hints of vanilla and pineapple!
With the incredible beauty of the vineyards, the cool breeze (it was May), the fantastic Chardonnay, and being with great friends this place can only be described as heaven on earth. I love Chardonnay so I didn't sample any other varieties but a few of my favorites are Rombauer, Buena Vista, Beaulieu, Cuvaison, Acacia, and MacRostie. I didn't sample all of these while there because I'm not very good at tastings. All the wines we tried were so delicious I couldn't stop at a few sips instead I opted for a glass. However, I have continued to sample wines from this wonderful region since returning. Besides the incredible wines this area is close to many fantastic sites. While there, we ate fresh steamed crabs at a campground overlooking beautiful Bodega Bay, marvelled at the giant Redwood Forest at Muir Woods National Monument, and ate the most delicious Thai food at Thep Phanom while in San Francisco. When I long to return, I just uncork a bottle, sip the fine wine, and let my mind and soul drift back to that remarkable trip where superior wines flowed freely, the food was splendid, and the beauty was abundant.
 Terminology
A.V.A. - American Viticulture Area
Appellation - the place where grapes are grown. An appellation may be as large as an entire region or as small as a single vineyard. Many have official status, with either a government or trade bureau responsible for regulating usage and authenticity.
Terroir - a regions combination of sun, shade, topography, soil, and rain which give a wine unique flavor. First noted by the Ancient Egyptians, who began buying wine from specific regions along the Nile.
Find out more-
www.carneroswineries.org
www.carneros.com
Factoid
Did you know that sparkling wine and Champagne are the same thing? However, sparkling wine made in the Champagne region of France is the only one which can legally be called Champagne.
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