California Wine Weeks - Discover California Wines

During the spring 2023 we are promoting California Wines across 13 countries in 300 restaurants

May-June 2023

Enjoy a glass of California Wines at your favorite restaurant and book online.

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Where to join the event

The event takes place in thirteen different countries.

Austria

Austria

Belgium

Belgium

Bulgaria

Bulgaria

Czech Republic

Czech Republic

Denmark

Denmark

Finland

Finland

France

France

Germany

Germany

Netherlands

Netherlands

Norway

Norway

Poland

Poland

Sweden

Sweden

Switzerland

Switzerland

Where to find restaurants

Find your favorite restaurant and book online.

Restaurants

Sunshine & Smiles

About California Wines

Did you know that California is the 4th largest wine producer in the world. We have such a diversity of wine styles to offer, from crisp whites to full bodied reds and everything in between. Our natural wonder and constant sunshine makes it easy to smile and it shows in our wines. With California Wine Weeks we support the restaurants to share a special California Wine menu, so enjoy a glass of California Wines in a restaurant near you.

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Questions or comments, send us an email

europe@discovercaliforniawines.com

@californiawineseurope

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“Many vintners predict that the 2023 vintage wil

“Many vintners predict that the 2023 vintage will be one of the finest in years, producing wines with beautiful flavours, vibrant acidity and remarkable balance.” The just-released 2023 California Harvest Report shares the inside story on a vintage tipped to be one for the books...

“California vintners are celebrating the 2023 vintage as exceptional, following a late start to harvest. Plentiful winter rains revitalised the soils and encouraged healthy canopies while cooler temperatures across California in spring and summer allowed grapes to develop gradually, enjoying extra ripening time."

Here’s a taste of what the vintners are saying: “The flavours are just off the charts,” says Steve Lohr, president and CEO at @jlohrwines, which owns vineyards spanning Napa Valley to Paso Robles. "It’s been a nicely balanced year, and the quality has been so high. It has been really wonderful to see."

“We have seen elegance and boldness, but there is something beyond that this year,” says Lisa Amaroli, director of winemaking at @benzigerwinery in Sonoma. “I’d call it grace.”

Read more at our link in bio.

📷 @napavintners • @opusonewinery

Stomping Pinot Noir at @calerawine! 🍇 Since 197

"The leaves are falling, and the wine is calling"

"The leaves are falling, and the wine is calling" 🍷🍁 A fitting choice for crisp autumnal afternoons, ‘Quest’ is a Californian twist on the classic French grape, Cabernet Franc, made by @hopefamilywines.

Bearing in mind the particular climate and soil conditions for this noble Bordeaux varietal, the Hope Family Wines team embarked on a quest to find its ideal terroir, and discovered it in Paso Robles, where mountains and maritime influences meet. Blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, grown in Paso’s slightly warmer AVAs, the finished wine is aged in luxury American oak barrels, crafted by the Hope family’s coopers.

Winemaker’s Notes 🍷 "This blend displays a beautiful herbaceous nose of anise seed, warm chocolate and fresh mint. On the palate, flavours of black fruit, dark chocolate, and slightly earthy nuance of leather are present."

Available in Europe 🇪🇺 at @californianwines_eu and @8wines.

📷 @hopefamilywines • #CaliforniaWines

‘Cool Clean California’ 🌱 In its latest iss

‘Cool Clean California’ 🌱 In its latest issue, @meiningersweinwelt has published a feature on the cooler climes and green initiatives of California wine country, where 60% of the area under vine is certified sustainable and organic.

Written by Cristoph Nicklas, the feature spotlights Chardonnay specialists and fifth-generation winegrowers @wente in Livermore Valley, organic viticulture pioneers @spottswoodeswinery in Napa Valley, the influential “”diversified wine farm”” of @littorai on the Sonoma Coast, and more.

German-speaking wine lovers can read the full article in the latest issue of @meiningersweinwelt. 🗞

📷 @wente @spottswoodewinery • #CaliforniaWines

Looking for the perfect wine to pair with your fes

Looking for the perfect wine to pair with your festive feast? 🍴🍷 Few wines are better-suited to a holiday extravaganza than Sonoma Zinfandel, such as this fine example from Scatena Bros by @seghesio Family Vineyards, rooted in over 125 years of history.

A bold yet fresh expression of Zinfandel, it marries juicy forest berries with wood smoke and spice. Its firm body, tannins and acidity build great structure to complement full-flavoured festive dishes, such as grilled meats or hearty roasts.

@pralinsystrarna enjoyed this delicious match at @liberdadestockholm, one of the partners for our #CaliforniaWineWeeks campaign, celebrating the best bottles of the Golden State at 300 wine bars and restaurants across 13 countries in Europe.

📷 @pralinsystrarna • #CaliforniaWines #FoodAndWine

“Here’s to harvest and everything to come” 🍇 Every harvest, Napa’s historic @chmontelena embraces its timeless tradition of blessing the grapes, readying them for their journey to become world-class Californian wines.

Found in the heart of Calistoga, this stone ivy-covered “château” dates back to 1880. It rose to international stardom at the 1976 ‘Judgment of Paris’ blind tasting, where it shocked the world by beating some of France’s finest wines to take first place for its Chardonnay.

🎥 @chmontelena • #CaliforniaWines #NapaValley

Planted in 1903! 🍇 Aaron Lange, Head of Vineyar

Planted in 1903! 🍇 Aaron Lange, Head of Vineyard Operations at LangeTwins in Lodi, shows us the gnarly old vines of the Lewis Vineyard, with a legacy that spans 120 years.

Here, these extremely old Zinfandel vines produce the grapes used for the LangeTwins’ Centennial Zinfandel. Thriving in sandy soils, they have weathered over a century of challenges, from droughts to wet years, and resisted disease. Low yields from these ancient vines lead to concentrated flavours and natural acidity that balances the tannins.

🎥 @langetwins • #CaliforniaWines #OldVines

Wine of the week! 🍷 Time for a modern Californi

Wine of the week! 🍷 Time for a modern California classic: @duckhornwine Three Palms Vineyard Merlot. Colder weather and cosy nights in call for smooth Merlot, and few have mastered the art better than Duckhorn in Napa Valley…

One of the first single-vineyard Merlots of the Golden State, this red hails from the iconic Three Palms Vineyard in Calistoga, Napa Valley, known for its iconic trio of palm trees and top quality grapes. Here, low-nutrient volcanic soils yield ageworthy, multi-layered wines, while a lengthy growing season translates into perfect ripeness and concentration.

📷 Captured by wine enthusiast @carpe_vinho, read their review: "Plum, dark cherries, dark chocolate, coffee, cedar, and licorice on the nose. Full-bodied wine with firm, silky tannins, medium acidity, and a long satisfying finish. Dark berries, herbs, spice, woody flavors on the tongue. Wonderful wine. Will age gracefully.”

Available in Europe:

🇨🇿 @californianwines_eu
🇨🇿 @8wines
🇩🇪 Weingarten Eden
🇫🇷 @vintageandcie

#CaliforniaWines #Merlot

Good things come in small batches! 🍇 @grothwine

Good things come in small batches! 🍇 @grothwines in Napa Valley masters the art of the small-batch winemaking, bringing in just under one tonne of Petit Verdot from its Oakville Estate vines.

“This season, our winemaking team decided to embark on an exciting experiment by utilizing barrel fermentation,” says Groth. “The destemmed berries were gently pumped directly into four French oak barrels, this unique approach allows for early oak integration, and it also provided us with a rare opportunity to perform punch-downs.”

Known as the “winemaker’s workout”, punchdown involves pushing the grape solids down into the must to create a gentle extraction of the vibrant colours and flavours. Demonstrated beautifully here by Groth’s Production Technician, Gabriela Polanco.

🎥 @grothwines • #CaliforniaWines #Winemaking

Fall favourite 🍁 Our pick of the week is a coas

Fall favourite 🍁 Our pick of the week is a coastal gem, @talbottvineyards ‘Kali Hart’ Chardonnay, made from the famous Sleepy Hollow Vineyard on the scenic slopes of Santa Lucia Highlands. 📷 Captured here by South Korean food and wine reviewer @sweetylife_lim.

Acknowledged as one of 'California’s Grand Cru Chardonnay Vineyards' by @wineenthusiast, Sleepy Hollow enjoys constant ocean influencers from the nearby Pacific, enhanced by the deep, underwater 'Grand Canyon' beneath Monterey Bay. Following their morning spell of sunshine, the vines spend much of the day shrouded in the slowly dissipating fog. The result? Crisp cool-climate Chardonnay full of freshness and concentration.

Available in Europe:
🇵🇱 Poland @domwhiskyonline
🇩🇪 Germany @perbaccowein @weinexoten
🇳🇱 Netherlands @budgetwijnen.n @bovino_wines

Chinese fine dining meets California's finest 🍷

Chinese fine dining meets California's finest 🍷 @pmmounier, the Austrian distributor for premium still and sparkling wines, curated an evening of Chinese culinary delights in Vienna, showcasing two of California’s top estates: @louismmartiniwinery and @talbottvineyards.

Hosted at Austria's second-oldest Chinese restaurant, @shanghai.vienna, regional delicacies met contemporary California classics. Headliners included Louis M. Martini’s luxurious Lot No. 1 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons, plus its Gnarly Vine Zinfandel from the Monte Rosso vineyard in Sonoma, originally planted in 1880. Followed by Talbott’s Pinot Noir from Sleepy Hollow Vineyard, an unofficial grand cru of Santa Lucia Highlands.

🎥 @pmmounier • #CaliforniaWines #WineDinner

Live from the vineyards 🍇 Harvest season contin

Live from the vineyards 🍇 Harvest season continues across California wine country, including in the beautiful uplifted valley of Paso Robles on the Central Coast.

“The fruit we've picked so far looks amazing. We can't wait to see what comes in next.” In the rolling hills of its Adelaida District, Rhône specialists @tablascreek have brought in a kaleidoscope of grape varieties for their upcoming white, rosé, and red blends. From Grenache Blanc to Syrah, and Cinsault to Mourvèdre, it’s a celebration of Paso Robles’ potential for Rhône favourites.

Towards the east, in the Estrella District AVA, @levignewinery team has harvested the grapes for its Single Clone Syrah, which will undergo fermentation in barrels for better oak integration. Meanwhile, out on the historic Kentucky Ranch's grassy slopes in the west, the family-owned @thacherwinery is allowing the grapes to follow their own path, crafting minimal intervention wines that faithfully reflect the Paso Robles terroir.

📷 @tablascreek @levignewinery @thacherwinery
#CaliforniaWines #WineHarvest

“The perfect wine for these cooler autumn evenin

“The perfect wine for these cooler autumn evenings.” • Meet your go-to wine for fall 🍁 @jlorhwines Pure Paso, Proprietary Red Wine. @sierrainthecity pairs this smooth Paso Robles Cabernet-led blend with the grazing board that dreams are made of…

Pure Paso in a bottle 🍷 A blend of heritage Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah, with touches of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec, selected from specific blocks. It combines the finesse of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from Paso’s slightly cooler El Pomar District, perfectly complemented by the robust character of Petite Sirah sourced from the warmer Estrella and San Miguel Districts. A true expression of the region!

Winemaker’s Notes 🍇 “Savory varietal notes of Cabernet Sauvignon are layered with the dark fruit character of Petite Sirah. The bouquet of cocoa powder, caramel, and anise works in harmony with the black cherry fruit signature of this wine. Bright and focused on the palate, with a firm and appetizing finish."

🎥 @sierrainthecity • #CaliforniaWines #PasoRobles

"Stag's Leap Wine Cellars put this AVA on the map

"Stag's Leap Wine Cellars put this AVA on the map at the 1976 Paris Tasting. For 2020 it was one of Napa Valley's top appellations.” • California correspondent for @decanter, @jcristaldi reviews some of the most memorable releases from this star Napa AVA, including its famed “first-growth” @stagsleapwinecellars.

A valley within a valley, this AVA is marked by the imposing Stags Leap Palisades and the refreshing breezes from the San Pablo Bay. These unique elements work their magic, significantly extending the growing season in this Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated wine country.

"They are wonderful wines with depth and complexity and are among the stand-outs of the vintage," writes Cristaldi. "Although the Stags Leap District experienced plenty of hazy days, the fires of 2020 did not directly approach the area, and the wines tend to show their signature personalities, with perhaps riper fruit character and more robust structures as a result of the hot season."

@stagsleapwinecellars are available in Europe:

🇨🇭@moevenpick_weinkeller_bern
🇩🇪@moevenpickwein_deutschland
🇪🇺 @californianwines.eu and @8wines.

📷 @stagsleapwinecellars • #CaliforniaWines #Decanter #NapaCabernet

High atop the Monte Bello ridge in Santa Cruz Moun

High atop the Monte Bello ridge in Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, @ridgevineyards is preparing for the 2023 harvest at this 'California First Growth’. 🍇

Trester Goetting, winemaker at Monte Bello, shares his take on this year’s vintage so far: “A wet winter and a cool spring delayed ripening but brought an abundance of fruit. Large clusters with big berries are yielding high quantities of juice with beautiful flavors.”

Monte Bello is the source of Ridge’s most iconic wine, a fine Cabernet-led Bordeaux blend. The grapes are sourced from the higher-elevation parts of the estate, such as the historic Torre Ranch vineyard captured here.

🎥 @ridgevineyards • #CaliforniaWines #WineHarvest

It's a lovely day today, for a taste of a cool-cli

It's a lovely day today, for a taste of a cool-climate California Chardonnay! 🌬🥂 Master Sommelier Hendrik Thoma (@wein.am.limit) shares one of Napa’s top new-wave producers, @matthiasson_wine, tasting the Linda Vista Chardonnay 2021…

“This will put a big smile on your face…Green and red apples, sweet and sour Meyer Lemon, peach, and honeydew melon take center stage in this heavenly journey through Californian cool-climate Chardonnays. The fine line of acidity makes you think of Chablis for a moment. Predicate: top choice!"

In Napa Valley, Steve and Jill Matthiasson are among the key figures in the California’s contemporary "new wave" movement, making organic, terroir-driven wines that are all about pure fruit flavours, fresh acidity, and balance.

🎥 @wein.am.limit • #CaliforniaWines

Skål , Denmark! 🍷🇩🇰 Over 900 guests gath

Skål , Denmark! 🍷🇩🇰 Over 900 guests gathered at Rydhave, Copenhagen, the official residence of the U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Denmark, Alan Leventhal, to belatedly celebrate Independence Day on 31 August.

Classic American foods, from pulled pork sliders to spicy chicken wings and cheesecake, were paired with a fine selection of wines from @lifeatgallo, featuring this super-smooth Merlot from @barefootwine!

#CaliforniaWines #VinElsker #BarefootWine

"Every moment was special.” 💎🍷 The charism

"Every moment was special.” 💎🍷 The charismatic glassmaker of the Riedel family, @maxiriedel, recently visited Napa Valley wine country, where he enjoyed some of California's finest, including this large format CASK 23 from @stagsleapwinecellars.

Made only in select vintages, this pure Cabernet Sauvignon hails from the prized Napa's Stag's Leap District AVA, and only the finest fruit is deemed worthy. Its roots trace back to the 1970s when grapes from this star vineyard block were aged in a Cask numbered 23, christening this California icon.

Aged in French oak barrels, it reveals enticing aromas of red and black currant with hints of black tea, anise, and nutmeg from maturation. Its lively mouthfeel and velvety tannins make it a great match for dishes like red wine and porcini-braised short ribs or honey and chili pork chops with roasted apples, as recommended by the team behind this legendary winery.

📷 @maxiriedel • #NapaWine #CaliforniaWines

Tusen takk, Norge! 🥂🇳🇴 California Wine In

Tusen takk, Norge! 🥂🇳🇴 California Wine Institute had the pleasure of partnering with the Norwegian Sommelier Association to celebrate #SommelierDay on 24 September.

One of the highlights was our Central Coast Masterclass, held at @hotelbristoloslo in the heart of the Norwegian capital. Led by Master of Wine @heidi.iren, attendees explored this long and diverse stretch of California coastline, extending from San Francisco Bay to Santa Barbara County.

Here's a sneak peak at the wine list…🍷

• @daouvineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2020
• @birichino_official Chenin Blanc Jurassic Park Vineyard 2021
• @baileyanawines Edna Valley Chardonnay 2021
• @paullatowines Ma Jolie Peake Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay 2020
• @talbottvineayrds Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018
• @rhys_vineyards Alesia Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir 2018
• @stolpmanvineyards Estate Grown Syrah 2021
• @laventurewine Estate Cuvée 2019

📷 @cfwesenberg • @norskvinkelnerforening

Embrace the first crisp days of fall with Californ

Embrace the first crisp days of fall with California sparkling! 🍂🍾 @domainecarneros in Napa Valley, Champagne Taittinger’s California outpost, delivers world-class traditional method sparkling wines with flair.

"Timeless. Elegant. Classic. Imagine Audrey Hepburn in her iconic little black dress." 🥂Founding Winemaker Eileen Crane perfectly defines the style of this singular grower-producer in the cool climes of Los Carneros.

From the elegant Brut Rosé to the classic vintage Brut cuvée, all @domainecarneros wines proudly hail from their six estate vineyards in Los Carneros, also home to the stunning Domaine Carneros Château, a true landmark of the area.

Available in Europe at 🇪🇺 @8wines, @californianwines_eu and other select retailers.

🎥 @domainecarneros • #californiawines