Long after the Prohibition years, California's wine scene is flourishing far beyond the well-known regions of Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Many vintners with a spirit of adventure have set their sights on other lesser-known Californian regions, transforming them into flourishing sources of impressive wines. These regions, such as Paso Robles, Santa Barbara County, Lake County and the newly recognized San Luis Obispo Coast, are emerging with a unique wine identity.

Paso Robles, a name now commonplace in wine circles, witnessed a rebirth in the 1960s, revitalized by Dr. Stanley Hoffman. Hoffman, with the guidance of legendary Napa Valley winemaker André Tchelistcheff, breathed new life into the region by planting a variety of grape species, including the unusual choice of Pinot Noir at the time. These days, Adelaida Winery, which owns the lion's share of the former Hoffman Mountain Ranch land, continues to showcase Paso Robles' winegrowing capabilities with its robust and fruity 2022 Adelaida Michael’s Estate Vineyard Zinfandel.

The rise of Santa Barbara County as a wine region to watch began in the early 1960s with its initial commercial vineyard. Miller brothers, Stephen and Bob, were crucial in putting Santa Barbara County on the wine map with the creation of the Bien Nacido vineyard in 1973. Today, the 2021 Optik Bien Nacido Vineyard Chardonnay, a product of a vineyard jointly owned by the Miller family, is a fine introduction to the region’s style.

Hitting the wine scene in the early 1970s, Mendocino's Anderson Valley radiates a nostalgic charm that is hard to resist. Husch winery began operations here in 1971, and despite the region's modest number of wineries compared to Napa or Sonoma, the Anderson Valley offers a rich, retro wine tasting experience. The 2022 Husch Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, with its cool-climate qualities, perfectly represents this captivating region.

Lake County, quieter in the wine chats and located northwest of Napa Valley, started to catch the public's attention only many years after the Prohibition. A trivia for wine enthusiasts: esteemed wine company, Kendall-Jackson, was originated in Lake County as Chateau du Lac in 1982. Not until the late 1990s did the region bloom, particularly showcasing its potential for Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2021 Shannon Ridge High Elevation Collection Cabernet Sauvignon, crafted from sustainable viticulture, underscores the distinct characteristics of the Lake County Cabernet.

In the southern stretch of the state lies one of California's newest recognized wine regions - San Luis Obispo Coast. The unique climatic conditions here gift the vineyards with plenty of sunshine, yet consistent ocean breezes, making this region exceptional for growing varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, along with less commonly-found Albariño and Grüner Veltliner. Try the complex 2022 Aequorea Seafarer Pinot Noir or the refreshing 2022 Tangent Edna Valley Albariño to savor a taste of this exciting region.

By exploring these under-the-radar regions, wine connoisseurs can journey beyond the common terrains of Napa and Sonoma and celebrate the diversity and dynamism that distinguish California's expansive winemaking landscape.