Best California Pinot Noir Wineries, Regions & Must-Try Tastings At All Budgets

As a WSET 2 certified wine expert and California travel aficionado, I know the endless quest for the best California Pinot Noir can be daunting. For me, it starts with the magic of Russian River Valley wines: bursting with fruit, earthy notes, hints of mushroom, and a captivating minerality.

But California Pinot Noir offers so much more than this beloved region, with a spectrum of styles waiting to be discovered at wallet-friendly prices!

This guide will unveil hidden gem wineries across California, showcasing the unique characteristics of each region – from the vibrant acidity of Sonoma Coast to the richness of Santa Lucia Highlands. Whether you’re a seasoned Pinot Noir enthusiast or just starting your journey, we’ll navigate affordable tastings and experiences that will tantalize your taste buds!

As you probably know, Pinot Noir is a finicky grape. It has thinner skins and can’t handle too much new oak contact otherwise flavors get overwhelmed. The grapes are also prone to rot and diseases in the vineyard, so they can be hard to grow in most regions around the world that get too hot. 

But California has some perfect climates to grow pinot, especially near the coasts. The only other place in the United States that grows award-winning pinot is Oregon and Washington State (but that’s another post for another day). 

When it’s grown and made right, you can be rewarded with cherry, raspberry, spice, vanilla, earthy and mushroom flavors. *chef kiss* my favorite. 

Where To Find The Best California Pinot Noir Wineries

 Let’s delve into some Pinot Noir wines key regions and my favorite stops for each one. 

1. Sonoma County

Undoubtedly a Dry Creek Valley and Russian River Valley Pinot Noir command some of the best and most popular wines in the state. Heck, it was a Pinot from VML in Dry Creek Valley outside Healdsburg that made me fall in love with the vartial the first place. 

While Sonoma County has extreme microclimates, it still produces vibrant, exciting pinot noirs throughout the region. Unlike Napa, which is too hot, Sonoma’s morning fog and cooling ocean breezes keep the vineyards at the right conditions for Pinot growing. 

You can expect wines from closer to the ocean, such as the Russian River, to be a little more acid and showcase minerality, while those in Alexander Valley or even the Chalk Hill AVA to be slightly more fruity and spice-forward. Either are fantastic to shop bottles from or wine taste at!

A Sonoma Wine Country trip is one of my favorite weekend getaways from San Francisco with the girls. 

I think some of the best California Pinot Noir brands and wineries in the region are:

• VML
• Banshee
• Siduri
• Kosta Browne
• Three Sticks Wines

2. Santa Lucia Highlands

If you’re on the hunt for smooth Pinot with spice, vanilla, smoky flavors and approachable price points, then you’ll love the Santa Lucia Highlands region. SLH is outside Carmel by the Sea and Monterey near Salinas. 

They deeply benefit form the cooling breezes and morning fog that comes off the Monterey Bay and gets pulled into the valley. In fact, during a wine tour I had at Morgan on River Road’s famous wine trail, they told us the wine would pick up around 2pm and right on cue, the wine started cooling us down at 2pm.

This helps them produce some dang good Pinot Noirs (and other French styles like Gamay, if that’s your thing).  A very cool perk for wine tasting in Santa Lucia Highlands is the fact almost every winery in the AVA has a tasting room in downtown Carmel by the Sea, which means while sipping on some of the best Pinot Noir in California, you can explore the cutest coastal town in this state. 

Best Santa Lucia Highlands Wineries for Pinot are:

• Wrath
• Morgan 
• Kori
• Caraccioli Cellars
• Talbott Vineyards

3. Santa Rita Hills

 This region in Santa Barbara County is quickly gaining recognition for its bold and structured Pinot Noirs. Expect notes of dark fruit like plum, dark cherry, cocoa, and earthy tones.

This region is oriented east-west, allowing cooling Pacific Ocean breezes to flow freely through the valleys to create that cooling weather Pinot grapes need. You can take a self guided wine tour but you can also hop on a Cloud Climbers’ Back-Country Wine Tour which is a fun and unique way to explore the AVA. 

There are over 59 wineries in this AVA, and almost every single one makes a Pinot Noir, though the best ones are:

• Sanford Winery
• Melville Winery
• Babcock Winery & Vineyards
• Dierberg-StarLane Winery
• La Piane Estate Vineyard

4. Anderson Valley 

Nestled amidst cool fog and rolling hills, Anderson Valley produces Pinot Noirs that dance with floral notes and bright acidity. Think raspberry, violets, and a hint of baking spice. The cooler climate here allows grapes to ripen slowly, resulting in wines with refreshing acidity and a balanced structure.

A lot of people don’t know where Anderson Valley is, but then realize they’ve driven through it on their way to Mendocino (Boonville ring a bell?) This area of the state id rustic and laid back. In fact, it’s so laid back tastings can be found for under $10 here and some of them are even still free. When is the last time you found a free wine tasting in Napa Valley?!

Whenever we spend a weekend in Mendocino, we always swing by a tasting room in Anderson Valley to sip their floral, fruit forward pinots. The best tasting rooms are:

1. Phillips Hill Winery
2. Baxter Winery
3. Handley Cellars
4. Goldeneye Winery
5. Toulouse Vineyards 

The focus on sustainable practices in many of these wineries makes them a delightful choice for eco-conscious wine lovers. Look for certifications or ask about their environmental initiatives during your visit.

Best year for California Pinot Noir

There’s no single “best year” for California Pinot Noir. It depends on several factors:

• Your preference: Do you enjoy younger Pinot Noirs with bright fruit flavors or more mature ones with developed characteristics?
• The specific wine: Different vineyards and wineries have varying styles and release schedules.
• Storage conditions: How the wine was stored can significantly impact its quality and drinking window.

Here are some resources to help you choose the “best year” for your taste:

• Vintage Charts: Websites like Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast publish vintage charts that assess the quality of specific years for various regions.
• Professional Reviews: Reading reviews from trusted wine publications or critics can provide insights into the quality of specific vintages for wines you’re interested in.
• Wineries & Retailers: Consulting directly with wineries or reputable wine retailers can offer valuable advice on choosing the best vintage for your preferences.

Can You Age California Pinot Noir?

Yes, some California Pinot Noirs can benefit from aging, but it depends on the specific wine. Generally, Pinot Noirs from cooler climates and with more structure tend to age better than lighter-bodied, fruit-forward styles. But you shouldn’t age them the same way you would age a Cabernet Sauvignon. Pinot shouldn’t be aged more than about 10-15 years, and its usually best between 5-7 years. 

Here are some things to consider for aging California Pinot Noir:

• Winemaker’s Intention: Some wines are intended to be enjoyed young, while others are crafted for cellaring. Look for information on the wine label or consult the winery directly.
• Storage Conditions: Proper storage is crucial for successful aging. Ideally, you’ll need a cool, dark, and stable environment with minimal vibration and humidity control.
• Your Preference: Ultimately, the best way to determine if a California Pinot Noir has aged well is to taste it!

What Does Pinot Noir From California Taste Like?

California Pinot Noir offers a spectrum of flavors depending on the region and winemaking style. Here’s a general overview:

• Fruit Profile: California Pinot Noir is typically known for its bold fruit flavors compared to its French counterpart, Burgundy. Expect notes of black cherry, plum, and raspberry.
• Acidity: The acidity can range from vibrant and refreshing to more balanced, depending on the specific region and winemaking choices.
• Other Characteristics: Depending on the region and winemaker, California Pinot Noir can also have hints of earth, spice, cocoa, or even floral characteristics.

What Is The Best Pinot Noir In Napa?

There’s no single “best” Pinot Noir in Napa, as preferences are subjective and many exceptional producers exist. Here are some tips for finding top Napa Pinot Noirs:

• Focus on Smaller Producers: Napa is primarily known for Cabernet Sauvignon, so some of the hidden gems for Pinot Noir might be smaller wineries.
• Research & Reviews: Read reviews from wine publications or critics to identify highly-rated Napa Pinot Noirs.
• Explore Different Styles: Napa’s diverse microclimates can influence Pinot Noir styles. Explore offerings from various appellations within Napa Valley.
• Visit Tasting Rooms: Visiting Napa wineries allows you to taste their Pinot Noirs firsthand and discover what resonates with your palate.

What Is The Best California Pinot Noir Under $30?

Finding a great California Pinot Noir under $30 is definitely possible! Here are some tips:

• Look for Lesser-Known Regions: While prestigious regions might command higher prices, explore areas like Anderson Valley, Santa Lucia Highlands, or Mendocino for good value Pinot Noirs.
• Consider Wineries with Tasting Rooms: Wineries with on-site tasting rooms often offer bottles for purchase at a slight discount compared to retail stores.
• Look for “Second Labels”: Many wineries produce “second labels” using grapes from younger vines or different vineyard blocks. These can offer good value and showcase the winery’s style at a lower price point.
• Shop at Wine Stores with Knowledgeable Staff: Ask for recommendations based on your budget and flavor preferences.

Are Pinot Noirs Better In Oregon Or California?

Both California and Oregon excel at Pinot Noir, but they offer distinct styles.

• California Pinot Noir: Generally bolder and fruitier with a wider range of styles depending on the region.
• Oregon Pinot Noir: Often known for their elegance, restraint, and prominent earthy notes.

Ultimately, the “better” region depends on your personal preference. If you enjoy bolder fruit flavors, California might be your favorite. If you prefer a more nuanced and earthy style, Oregon could be a better fit.

I hope this helps you find an amazing California Pinot Noir wine to try, or a fun region to visit on a wine tasting trip! If you have a favorite winery that didn’t make the list, please drop a comment below so everyone can see!