Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
White Wine
As with red, California's white
wines are classified by grape
variety, with Chardonnay by
far the most popular of
recent years. Grown
throughout the West Coast
region, this prestige grape
produces wines varying in
character from dry, light,
lemon and vanilla-scented
to the more headstrong
and oaky. You can also
find over 13 other white
wine varieties and
blends to try, as well
as organically
grown wines.
Sauvignon Blanc
wines range from
clean and zingy to
soft and buttery.
Chardonnay
is often
fermented or aged in
French oak barrels, lending
it smooth vanilla tones.
Chardonnay
Organic
Chardonnay
White Zinfandel
wines,
often blushed pink, are
light, sweetish and easy
to drink.
Chenin Blanc
, also
used in blends, makes
typically dry, quiet
wines on its own.
The 1976 Blind Tasting
On May 24, 1976, at a blind tasting organized by
the English wine consultant Steven Spurrier,
French judges awarded California red (Stag's Leap
Cabernet Sauvignon 1973, Napa Valley) and white
(Chateau Montelana 1973 Chardonnay, Napa
Valley) wines the top prizes in their
respective categories. Six of
the top ten in each category
were also California wines, a
result that sent shock waves
through the wine world.
Within a decade, a number of
illustrious French producers
such as Baron de Rothschild
had invested in California
wineries of their own.
Sparkling Wine
If proof were needed that California is a
prime spot for making sparkling wine,
then look no farther than the fact that
the finest French wine producers have
huge investments in California. Moet &
Chandon and Mumm, among others,
have set up wineries in the Napa
Valley and elsewhere. These
companies, along with local producers
Schramsberg and Korbel, have helped
the West Coast establish an
international reputation for excellent
“Champagne” at the right price.
Sparkling wine
Beer
The resurgence in small breweries across the US
can fairly be credited to the success of San
Francisco's Anchor brewery, whose Steam Beer,
Liberty Ale and other products show that
American beer need not be bland and tasteless.
Other tasty local brews include Mendocino
County's rich Boont Amber and Red Tail Ale.
Other Drinks
Coffee drinks of all kinds are available
from kiosks, cafés and restaurants
across the city; you can also find a
great variety of herbal teas.
Espresso
Cappuccino
Latte
Water
Health-conscious San
Franciscans avail themselves of
locally produced mineral water,
the best of which comes from
Calistoga in Napa Valley. Many
mineral waters come flavored
with fresh fruit, and most are
carbonated. The tap water is
fresh and clean.
Liberty Ale
Anchor Steam
Beer
Red Tail Ale
Calistoga bottled
water
