Winter 2007 | Ted Allen's Top Five California Wineries

1. Robert Mondavi Winery, Napa Valley
"Robert Mondavi has been a cornerstone in Napa Valley since 1966. A visit here will include tours of two distinct areas of the vineyard, To Kalon and Wappo Hill. Architecture in the Mission style creates a beautiful landscape, and the property also boasts a summer concert series and beautiful art gallery."

2. Chappellet Winery, Napa Valley
"Likely one of the most beautiful wineries I've visited boasting stunning views, Chappellet is known for Cabernet and has land that ranges from 800 to 1,200 feet above sea level. It plays host to a series of special events throughout the year, including November's San Diego Food and Wine Festival."

3. Tolosa Winery, San Luis Obispo
"Like many wineries in San Luis Obispo's Edna Valley, Tolosa is known for its Pinot Noir. The Edna Valley is known as the Burgundy of the Pacific, boasting similar climate and soil conditions to those in its French counterpart."

4. Tablas Creek, Paso Robles
"Named for a small creek that runs through the 120-acre property, Tablas Creek is located 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The owners selected it in 1989 due to the high pH level of the soil, which matched that of another family winery, Château de Beaucastel in France."

5. Gloria Ferrer, Sonoma
"Forty miles northwest of San Francisco in Sonoma is Gloria Ferrer, a winery devoted to the production of sparkling wines using Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with small amounts of Syrah and Merlot. The vineyard's soil is rich with clay and releases water slowly, leading to wines with no bitterness."