For much of California’s modern grapegrowing history, Napa and Sonoma counties have gotten the lion share of attention, but there are diverse realms of wine production to explore in other parts of the state. Senior editor Kim Marcus believes that California’s Central Coast is the most important of the emerging regions, and that Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Monterey counties are, without a doubt, the most powerful drivers of innovation and quality, particularly for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rhône varieties.
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