Central Coast
Central Coast
The vast Central Coast region, running about 450 kilometres from the San Francisco Bay to Santa Barbara and inland as far as the Central Valley is one of the United States greatest wine growing regions, with a history dating back nearly 200 years. Like much of California, the topography is diverse, with inland vineyards exposed to extreme temperatures, while those near the sea benefit from the cooling Pacific breezes and sea-fog synonymous with the San Francisco Bay area. These climatic conditions dictate the grape varieties cultivated in the region, with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc favouring the cooler sites near the ocean while the thicker skinned Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon enjoy the warmer inland conditions. There are many prestigious growing zones or AVAs, found along the Central Coast, including Santa Maria, Santa Ynez and Paso Robles.