Itself divided up into (famous) sub-regions including Napa, Sonoma, Santa Barbara, Monterey, San Luis Obispo and Mendocino, California is generally known for big, fruity wines which can offer excellent value for money – or can trade in fine-wine circles at very high prices. Cabernet Sauvignon (alone or in a blend) and Chardonnay are still the most popular, though Zinfandel has been thoroughly embraced and, though it is the same as the Italian Primitovo, is widely considered a uniquely Californian grape.
