Where to Sip for National California Wine Month

September is National California Wine Month and with over 4,400 wineries dispersed all over the golden state, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the many flavors harvested and bottled in California. The geologically diverse regions throughout the state create ideal growing climates for all types of grapes, which yield nearly 90 percent of all American wine production. To appropriately celebrate California Wine Month by trying a variety of different wines, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to sip and enjoy. Bellamy’s, a hidden gem just two blocks from downtown Escondido, not only has a sizable wine list but an in-house, award-winning sommelier to help you select your glass or bottle. Ricardo Zarate Jr., the General Manager and Sommelier, was chosen as a Young Leaders in Wine recipient in 2015 and has also written for the magazine publication the SommJournal. One recommendation is the 2014 Orfila Syrah San Pasqual Valley, from Orfila Winery which is less than seven miles from the restaurant. With a huge assortment of wines local to the region, a lovely shaded patio and the option of ordering a glass or full bottle, Bellamy’s is the perfect spot for some wine tasting.  When most San Diegians hear the name Barrel Republic, they think beer. But the three locations, in Pacific Beach, Oceanside and Carlsbad also serve wine! Each location has a variety of five to ten wines, like the Robert Mondavi Sauvignon Blanc Fumé Blanc, a dry white table wine from Napa Valley.   The elegant and sophisticated Osetra Seafood & Steakhouse, in San Diego’s bustling Gaslamp District, is a restaurant and bar built around the love of wine. The focal point of the restaurant is a three-story tower which houses an ample collection of award-winning wine, listed on an eight-page menu. For a glass of red with dinner, try the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Liberty School, from the Hope Family Vineyards in Paso Robles, California. If you’re ordering seafood, you might prefer a bottle of the Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay from Russian River Ranches, located in Sonoma County.  Recently opened in Rancho Santa Fe, Nick & G’s serves family-style meals such as flatbreads and pastas, along with salads and other dishes, along with an extensive wine menu. Order a pour of Chanin 2013 Pinot Noir from Zotovich Vineyards in Santa Rita Hills, within Santa Barbara County. Sharing with friends? Get a Sonoma County, bottle of 2015 Newton “Skyside” red for the table! Fig Tree Café’s three locations are all equipped with perfect patios for enjoying a refreshing glass of wine. At their Pacific Beach location, which also features a wine of the day, try La Folette North Coast Pinot Noir. On Wednesdays at the Liberty Station spot, just off Historic Decatur Road, all bottles of wine are half-price, so get fancy and order the Dry Creek “Limited Production” Meritage. This red and white Bordeaux-style wine comes from Sonoma County.  Be sure to visit each of these spots throughout the month and don’t forget to toast your glass to September being National California Wine Month!