The Great Wine Regions Series – Part 10: California

Part Ten of our 12-part masterclass: The Great Wine Regions Series, California – Innovation, Influence, and the New World Benchmark

California is one of the most influential wine regions in the modern world. From the iconic Cabernet Sauvignon of Napa Valley to the cool-climate elegance of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, California helped redefine what New World wine could achieve. But beyond the famous names lies a huge diversity of climates, landscapes, and winemaking philosophies that continue to push quality and innovation forward.

Led by Radu Vasile, our in-house wine educator, this masterclass explores the regions, grapes, and styles that shaped California’s global reputation. Expect clear explanations, practical comparisons, and plenty of “aha” moments as we uncover how sunshine, Pacific influence, and modern winemaking techniques combine to create some of the world’s most recognisable wines.

About the Masterclass

This structured three-hour session blends guided tasting with deep-dive learning into California’s key wine regions and styles. You’ll explore how coastal fog, mountain ranges, and diurnal temperature shifts influence ripeness and balance, while comparing the differences between regions such as Napa Valley, Sonoma, Central Coast, and beyond.

With Radu’s guidance, you’ll refine your tasting technique, learning how to assess fruit ripeness, oak integration, alcohol balance, texture, and freshness in a New World context. To bring the regions to life, we’ll enjoy Californian-inspired nibbles alongside the wines.

What to Expect

• Taste 8 wines showcasing California’s most important styles and regions
• Understand the role of climate, Pacific cooling, and topography in shaping Californian wine
• Compare Napa Valley power vs Sonoma and coastal elegance
• Explore California’s benchmark grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel
• Learn how oak, ripeness, and winemaking choices influence texture, concentration, and ageing potential
• Discover how California evolved from the “Judgement of Paris” to today’s more balanced and site-driven styles
• Develop tasting skills focusing on fruit profile, structure, oak integration, and freshness
• Enjoy regional nibbles designed to complement the wines
• End with a fun, informal quiz – the winner takes home a bottle of wine!

Who Is This For?

Series Loyalty Bonus

Attending more than one event? Get 10% off your next tasting in the series. Learn more, taste more – spend less.

Event Details

When: Saturday 29th August 2026, 12:30 pm
Where: Loki Wine, Edgbaston
Duration: 3 hours
Tickets: £60 per person
Capacity: Limited to 20 guests

Next Session

The Great Wine Regions Series – Part 11: Oregon, Washington & Canada – Loki Wine Bar & Tasting House

Refunds available up to 30 days before the event. Tickets are transferable up to 14 days before the event. Due to limited capacity, no refunds or transfers within 14 days of the event.