Saturday, September 18, 2010

September is California Wine Month


Pop a few corks this month in celebration of California Wine Month. For the sixth September in a row, the Golden State raises its collective glass to recognize the people and businesses behind the California wine industry, which accounts for 90% of all U.S. wine production and 330,000 jobs in California alone. Nationwide, the Wine Institute estimates that California wine supports 820,000 jobs.

That's a lot of people – and a lot of wine. California is the fourth-leading producer of wine worldwide, home to 3,000 bonded wineries and 4,600 grape growers. Led by quality, innovation and more than 110 different varieties of winegrapes grown around the state, California wines attract legions of wine and culinary tourists. Each year, California wine regions host an estimated 21 million visitors. What makes these numbers even more amazing is that vineyards cover less than 1% of California terrain yet ring up $17.9 billion in retail wine sales.

Events are planned all around our beautiful state – tastings, festivals, in-store specials, wine-themed restaurant events, classes, lectures, wine camps and much more. Find an event that suits your schedule and interests here and more happenings here.

We'll be celebrating two California wines at our Saturday, September 25 Hat's Off Luncheon and membership drive at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar in support of Angel Light Academy. Make your reservation by this Wednesday, September 22 to join us from 11:30 AM to 2 PM. See full event details, menu and wines here. Call Kathleen at 760.799.7076 to prepay and reserve your spots. Wine pairings will include two winners from Paso Robles: An intriguing blend of Chenin Blanc and Riesling from Gravity Hills and the highly acclaimed Four Vines "The Biker" Zinfandel.

Start making your plans by visiting these sites for more information about travel to nearby California wine regions – salute!

Temecula
Ventura
Santa Barbara

No comments: