California Wine Country and National Parks Centennial: The Perfect Summer Travel Pairing
DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE
SAN FRANCISCO, June 2, 2016 ; For California wine lovers, one of the most enjoyable experiences is the chance to sip while overlooking spectacular scenery—from hillside vineyards and snow-capped mountains to redwood forests and rugged beaches. With the National Park Service hosting Centennial events this year, it's a great time to pair park scenery with a nearby wine country experience.
Many travelers to California's 27 national parks pass through or near wine regions. To help these visitors with their journey, Wine Institute has put together a list of great wine regions near national parks. With 138 AVA's (American Viticultural Areas) and 100-plus winegrape varieties across the Golden State, wine consumers can find their favorite wines and discover new ones on their way to great parks from Yosemite in the High Sierra to Joshua Tree in the desert. Like the stewards of California's national parks, winemakers and growers also feel a deep connection to the land, making California a world leader in sustainable winegrowing, providing an outdoor experience that eco-travelers can appreciate.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Redwood National and State Parks and Mendocino County Wine Country
If going in June, visit the Mendocino County wine region
on the way to or from Redwood National and State Parks, home to the
world's tallest trees. The parks are hosting the Centennial Festival
(June 26), featuring talks and activities
celebrating the parks' heritage and contribution to the region. The parks
border Mendocino's wine region, which has
a high percentage of vineyards farmed with sustainable, organic or
biodynamic practices. The region produces a wide variety of wines,
including Pinot Noir and Alsatian varietals. After wine tasting, enjoy an
overnight stay in the picturesque Mendocino village, listed on the National
Register of Historic Places. A great time to visit is during the
Anderson Valley/Yorkville Highlands Barrel Tasting Weekend (July 23-24), where visitors have unprecedented
access to winery cellars, including tastings of yet-to-be-released wines
and the chance to purchase futures of barrel tastings at a discount.
Click here for more in Northern California, such as Muir Woods and Napa Valley.
CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon
National Parks and Madera County/Fresno
Rock-climbing mecca Yosemite National Park is world renowned for
its soaring granite walls and cascading waterfalls. The park will host
special events for the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service
(Aug. 25) with educational talks and
recreational activities, such as a "Yosemite Anniversaries" symphony
performance. Madera County vineyards are on the way to Yosemite.
Visit the Madera Wine Trail, featuring local wineries serving their
acclaimed dessert, port-style and late-harvest wines, among others. The
region's Wine Trail Weekend (Nov. 12-13) will
kick off the holiday season for wine lovers. Those going to Sequoia &
Kings Canyon National Parks can visit Fresno State
Winery, the first university in the U.S. to have a fully
licensed winery. Taste or buy the wine at Fresno State Gibson Farmers
Market where offerings are all harvested, created and grown by Fresno State students, or check out Grape Stomping
Good Times (Aug. 27).
Click here for more in Central California, such as Channel Islands National Park and Santa Barbara wine country.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Joshua Tree National Park and Temecula Wine Country
This
desert park has beautiful Joshua trees and a variety of plants and animals
in this land shaped by strong winds, rains and climatic extremes. Adding to
the attraction of this place are dark night skies for astronomy buffs and
surreal geologic features. A visit to Joshua
Tree could include a tour of Temecula wine country, about
2.5 hours southwest. Tempered by coastal fog, this region is known for its
Italian and Rhône varieties. A great way to sample wines is with the Sip
Temecula Wine Tasting Passport during weekdays where guests can choose
experiences at five of 17 participating wineries.
Click here for more in Southern California, such as the Mojave National Preserve and Cucamonga Valley.
About Wine Institute
Visit
discovercaliforniawines.com for information on wine regions, wines and
wineries throughout California. The Golden State is first in the U.S. for
wine and food tourism with dozens of distinct wine regions, 138 American
Viticultural Areas and 4,400 wineries that produce 85 percent of U.S. wine.
Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy association of
nearly 1,000 California wineries. See:
wineinstitute.org.