• Grape vinesVine - Field grape-vine image by Sebastien Icard from Fotolia.com
  
  California is a rich agricultural mecca for grape growers. Drive through one of the wine valleys of California in the summer and you'll see acres and acres of lush grapevines. Every year the state's wine country is visited by tourists to sample the area's wine, food, and to enjoy the beauty of the vineyards. Some of the counties where a wide variety of grapevines are grown include Monterey County, Napa Valley, and Sonoma County. Gardeners who want to plant their own dormant cuttings of grapevines should keep in mind that some grapevine varieties take years to mature.
  
  

Zinfandel

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  Zinfandel is one of the premier grapevines of the California wine country. The vine has a rich history that dates back to before prohibition. Some of the old, twisting vines growing in the wine region were planted 100 years ago. Zinfandel vines are widely grown in the Sonoma Valley area and are considered survivors. The Zinfandel vine variety produces a black-skinned grape and is productive in a variety of climates and different soils.
  
  

Pinot Noir

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  Pinot Noir is most notably grown in California's Sonoma and Napa Valleys. Pinot noir grapes produce a wine that is described with an array of bouquets and flavors including cherry tomato, green tea, and cinnamon to name a few. Pinot noir vines produce a very thin-skinned grape that is fragile. The vine is very sensitive to environmental changes and is one of the most difficult grapevines to grow.
  
  

Chardonnay

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  Chardonnay is a good grape for home gardeners to attempt growing on their own. Chardonnay grapevines can be grown in an array of different climates. The vine is prevalent in both the Sonoma and Napa Valleys of California and is considered to be one of the simplest grapevines for gardeners and farmers to grow. The grapes of the Chardonnay produce a white grape that results in a white wine that is full-bodied and dry.