<span>Weather variations from year to year are far less dramatic in California than they are in most European wine regions. One major reason is that rain doesn't fall during the growing season in much of California. Napa Valley: The southern part of the valley is the coolest area, thanks to ocean breezes and mists from the San Pablo Bay. Northwards--away from the bay influence--the climate can get quite hot (but always with cool nights). Sonoma: Its climate is similar to Napa's, except that some areas near the coast are definitely cooler. Mendocino and Lake Counties: Cool climate. The San Francisco Bay: Cool breezes from the Bay. The Santa Cruz Mountains: Cool climate on the ocean side. Gold Country/The Sierra Foothills: Summers can be very hot, but many vineyards are situated as high as 1,500 feet and evenings are very cool. San Luis Obispo: Include the warm and hilly Paso Robles region and the cool and coastal Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande. Santa Barbara: The Santa Maria, Santa Ynez, and Los Alamos Valleys are cool climates that open toward the Pacific Ocean and channel in the ocean air. The southernmost Santa Ynez Valley boasts a cool climate on its western end, while the eastern end of the valley is warm enough to grow red grapes. In the cool western end is the Sta. Rita AVA.</span>
