Napa and Sonoma are two of the most famous wine producing regions in California, both of which are very different. If you know the differences between the two regions and consider yourself a California wine expert, then it’s time to test your knowledge with our short quiz!
1. Which region is known as “Wine Disneyland?”
Napa
Napa Valley is all about wine all the time. With a wide array of wineries, fine dining establishments, hotels and wine related activities Napa Valley has earned the nickname “Wine Disneyland.”
2. Napa Valley is the only Northern California wine region to host a culinary academy and Michelin-starred restaurants – true or false?
False
Sonoma County is the home of the Ramekins Culinary School and three Michelin-starred restaurants (Farmhouse Inn, Madrona Manor and Terrapin Creek). In addition, Sonoma is home to 12 Michelin Bib Gourmand Restaurants.
3. Which area was first planted with wine grapes in 1824?
Sonoma
George Yount planted the first grapes in Napa Valley in the 1830s using cutting from Sonoma.
4. Founded in 1857, Buena Vista Winery is California’s oldest commercial winery. In which region is the winery located?
Sonoma
Buena Vista Winery was founded in 1857 by Agoston Haraszthy in Sonoma.
5. Which of the two wine regions is larger?
Sonoma
Despite the fame of Napa Valley, Sonoma County is actually three times larger.
6. The first biodynamic certified vineyard in the United States is where?
Sonoma
Benziger Family Winery in Sonoma County was the first biodynamic vineyard in the United States, receiving certification from the Demeter Association in 2000.
7. In the 1976 Judgement of Paris organised by Steven Spurrier, wines from Chateau Montelena and Stag’s Leap took first place in the white and red categories. In which region were these wines produced?
Napa
The 1973 Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay won first place for the white wines and the 1973 Stag’s Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon took first place for the whites.
8. What is the name of the thoroughfare that traverses Napa Valley from north to south?
California Route 29
The two lane California Route 29 bisects the Napa Valley and runs from the city of Napa in the south through the town of Calistoga in the north.
9. What is the name of the main thoroughfare that traverses Sonoma County from north to south?
Highway 101
One of the longest routes in California, Highway 101 bisects Sonoma County and runs north to south.
10. Which wine-producing region hosts a famous annual charity auction?
Napa
Over the years the Auction Napa Valley has raised $145 million dollars to support Napa Valley non-profit organisations.
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Written by Aliye Melton – “A Californian living in Bordeaux and working in the wine industry, I am a traveller, a wine lover and a foodie. Follow my adventures here and at Cuvee Appeal. Cheers and may your glass always be filled with something interesting!”
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Photo Credits: Title Photo – Flickr.com/Malcolm Carlaw. Question 1 – Flickr.com/ Aurimas. Question 2 – Traveloscopy.com. Question 3 – Flickr.com/Frank Schulenburg. Question 4 – Wikipedia. Question 5 – Flickr.com/Frank Schulenburg. Question 6 – Flickr.com/Maureen Didde. Question 7 – Alexanderverhave.com. Question 8 – Flickr.com/Chuck Coker. Question 9 – Seattlepi.com. Question 10 – Greatnewswine.com.