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California Riesling
Details: Riesling is an aromatic white grape variety known for its high acidity and flowery aromas that tend to thrive in cooler wine growing regions. It is the main winegrape of Germany but has significant plantings throughout the new and old world wine regions. Riesling is used to make a wide range of wines from dry to sweet and is sometimes used in sparkling wines. The grape is known to greatly express the terroir of where it is grown, but will still maintain the characteristics which identify it. Riesling has been described as flowery, honey-like, and complex, as well as spicy and long lasting or lingering on the palate. Try Riesling with Thai spring rolls, spicy stir-fried chicken, or a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich on crusty country bread.
In California, Riesling is also known by its botanical name or synonym White Riesling. The ice wine, late harvest, and botrytized Rieslings are among the most prized and age-worthy wines in the world.
The acreage of Riesling has grown over the last decade in California to 4,009 acres. Monterey County is by far the leader with 1,651 acres.
Top 10 California Counties for Riesling Acreage, 2016
| County |
2016 Total Acres |
| Monterey | 1,651 |
| Merced | 846 |
| Yolo | 282 |
| San Joaquin | 231 |
| Santa Barbara | 228 |
| San Luis Obispo | 113 |
| San Benito | 105 |
| Sacramento | 94 |
| Napa | 87 |
| Madera | 69 |
| Other | 303 |
| STATE TOTAL | 4,009 |
Source: California Agricultural Statistics Service
California Riesling Grape Crush Tonnage
| Year |
Tons Crushed |
| 2016 | 41,275 |
| 2015 | 35,879 |
| 2014 |
36,517 |
| 2013 |
37,833 |
| 2012 |
36,925 |
| 2011 |
27,756 |
| 2010 |
25,751 |
| 2009 |
22,101 |
| 2008 |
15,397 |
| 2007 |
13,880 |
| 2006 |
11,135 |
| 2005 |
12,895 |
| 2004 |
9,224 |
| 2003 |
8,466 |
| 2002 |
7,659 |
| 2001 |
9,074 |
| 2000 |
9,531 |
| 1999 |
7,759 |
| 1998 |
9,946 |
| 1997 |
11,929 |
| 1996 |
13,141 |
| 1995 |
14,484 |
| 1994 |
13,427 |
| 1993 |
17,451 |
| 1992 |
21,221 |
| 1991 |
18,350 |
| 1990 |
20,092 |
Source: California Agricultural Statistics Service
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