Are You Missing Out on California Wines?
In a hurry? California produces around 81% of American wine, spanning far more than big Napa Cabs. At Humble Grape, you can explore the Golden State through our monthly California Wine Flight, two special events with Starmont & Merryvale, and our Wine Discovery Experience across London.
There's something you sense the moment you meet a Californian: carefree, easy-going and full of spirit. When they make wine, you can taste it.
The trouble is that Californian bottles can be tricky to get right on a wine list because the price-to-quality ratio takes some hunting. Our Humble Grape wine team has done the hunting for you, tasting hundreds of wines (dream job, we know) to find producers and bottles that go well beyond the big, jammy Cabs of Napa.
Californian wines aren't always the cheapest pours on the list, but more often than not, they're worth the steeper price. If you're ready to discover what California wine can really do, we've got a few delicious ways to get started.
Why California Wines Are Worth Exploring
Californian wine has a reputation, but it only tells half the story.
Yes, you'll find powerful Cabernets and rich Chardonnays. But California is also home to cool-climate vineyards, coastal freshness, elegant Pinot Noir, vibrant Sauvignon Blanc and an adventurous winemaking spirit that keeps things interesting.
If you've written the Golden State off as one-note, consider this your invitation to look again.
Beyond the Big Napa Cabs
Napa Valley may get much of the spotlight, but it accounts for only around 4% of California's annual wine grape harvest.
What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in reputation. Napa is celebrated for Cabernet Sauvignon alongside Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and other varieties.
But focus only on Napa and you'll miss a much bigger California wine story: coastal vineyards cooled by Pacific influence, sustainably grown grapes, distinctive microclimates and regions producing remarkably different styles.
A Wine Region Full of Surprises
California produces an average of around 81% of all wine made in the United States. If it were its own country, it would rank among the world's largest wine producers.
California wine country is far from uniform. Vineyards stretch across a remarkable variety of climates, elevations and soils, allowing producers to work with an equally impressive range of grape varieties.
In many coastal regions, fog and cool Pacific air help moderate temperatures and extend the growing season, allowing grapes to ripen gradually while retaining freshness and acidity.
Then there is the moment that helped change the world's perception of American wine.
In 1976, the famous Judgment of Paris blind tasting put Californian wines up against prestigious French bottles. California came out on top in both the red and white categories, helping establish the state as a serious force on the global wine stage.
Explore California at Humble Grape
This season, we're giving you a few different ways to discover the Golden State, whether you'd rather compare a few glasses with friends, join an expert-guided tasting or settle in for a full five-course dinner.
We're particularly excited to welcome Kevin Travis from Starmont & Merryvale for two special September events.
The Schlatter family became the sole owners of Merryvale in 1996. In 2001, they planted the Stanly Ranch Estate vineyard in Carneros, adding another chapter to the family's California wine story.
Here's how you can join us.
Monthly California Wine Flight
Fancy dipping your toe into Californian wine without committing to a full tasting event?
Our Monthly California Wine Flight lets you taste four wines for £17, available across our London locations.
It's an easy, low-commitment way to taste different styles side by side, compare what you enjoy and perhaps discover a new favourite.
No encyclopaedic wine knowledge required. Just bring your curiosity.
California Winemaker Dinner
1 September 2026 | Humble Grape Fleet Street | £125pp
This is where things get serious(ly delicious).
Join Kevin Travis for a full-blown flavour journey through California, featuring a welcome drink and a five-course pairing menu built around wines from Starmont & Merryvale.
It's a chance to explore the icons, rebels and hidden gems of California wine while discovering how each glass comes alive alongside food.
California Winemaker Tasting
2 September 2026 | Humble Grape Islington | £64pp
Prefer something a little more laid-back?
Join Kevin at Humble Grape Islington for a relaxed, high-flavour guided tasting of six wines, including a welcome drink.
You'll explore wines from Starmont & Merryvale while discovering more about the grapes, regions and winemaking stories behind each glass.
Whether you're already devoted to California or simply curious to discover something new, this is a brilliant place to start.
Wine Discovery Experience
Want to explore California on your own terms?
Our Wine Discovery Experience is a personalised guided wine tasting designed around what you want to discover.
The experience is £45 per person, and you can ask our team to include a Californian wine in your line-up. It's a relaxed way to explore new regions, grapes and styles while getting personalised recommendations from people who really know their wine.
Ready to Discover California Wine?
From cool-climate Chardonnay and elegant Pinot Noir to the Cabernet Sauvignon that made Napa famous, there's far more to California than one style of wine.
Whether you start with a flight, join us for one of our September events or make California part of your Wine Discovery Experience, there's always something new to uncover in the Golden State.
See all Humble Grape events or shop our California wine collection and discover your next favourite bottle.
People Also Ask
Where can I try California wines in London?
You can explore Californian wines at Humble Grape's London wine bars through our monthly California Wine Flight, special wine tasting events, winemaker dinners and personalised Wine Discovery Experience.
What makes Napa Valley wine special?
Napa Valley is one of California's most celebrated wine regions. Although it represents only around 4% of California's annual wine grape harvest, it has built a global reputation for premium wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon.
Are California wines expensive?
California produces wines at a wide range of price points. Premium Californian wines can sit higher on a restaurant wine list, particularly those from sought-after regions and smaller producers, but exploring different regions, grapes and producers can reveal plenty of variety.
How much is the California Wine Flight at Humble Grape?
Our Monthly California Wine Flight is £17 for four wines, available across Humble Grape's London locations.
What is the Judgment of Paris?
The Judgment of Paris was a famous blind wine tasting held in 1976 that compared Californian wines with prestigious French wines. California took first place in both the red and white categories, helping transform international perceptions of American wine.
