5 up-and-coming California wine regions on our radar

(USAToday) - When we think of American wine, we think of the state of California. After all, over 90% of wine produced in this country comes from the Golden State. Famous wine regions like Napa Valley, Sonoma and Santa Barbara County are wildly popular for travelers, but a number of up-and-coming California wine regions are producing stellar grapes – and wines worth seeking out. Below are some of the up and comers that should be on your California wine radar.

Lake County

Bordered by the famous wine regions of Napa (and Mt. St. Helena) directly south, Sonoma to the southwest and Mendocino to the west, Lake County today produces quite a few fine wines in its own right. Carved out of Napa County in 1861, the area combines a few small towns, a hardy landscape, relatively high elevations, pear orchards and a multitude of vineyards. Visitors will be pleased to find high-quality wines (from approximately 35 wineries) without crowds, traffic or high prices. Vintners in Lake County have learned that their volcanic soils, hot days and mild nights, elevation, cool breezes from the Pacific and a strong will to produce high-quality wines are helping their region prosper.

Big wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petite Sirah do well here as well as delicious Sauvignon Blancs. "We have more light and a very dry climate which produces wines that are dark and tannic," said Clay Shannon, Owner/Vintner at Shannon Ridge. Some of the best places include: Chacewater, Rosa d'Oro Vineyards, Brassfield Estate, Six Sigma, Shannon Ridge, Ceago, Wildhurst (excellent Syrah), Shooting Star and Steele Wines. Visitors heading for Lake County might consider staying at the Tallman Hotel at the northernmost tip of the Clearlake. Built in 1896 yet entirely restored, this is the finest hotel in the area and is a perfect place to rest after a day of wine tasting.

Yolo County

Located just north and east of Napa County, Yolo County is a mostly bucolic, rural place full of farms, walnut and almond orchards, a few cities, small towns and plenty of vineyards. There are two Yolo sub-appellations: the hilly Western Yolo and Clarksburg, which is flat along the water. The Spanish varietal, Tempranillo seems to thrive in the area. Most Yolo wineries are small, family run and easy going. One of the few larger facilities, Bogel, produces many quite good wines at affordable prices. Some of the highly-rated wineries throughout this region include Turkovich, Matchbook, Simas, Roots to Wine, Wilson Vineyards and Berryessa Gap.

The Clarksburg region along the Sacramento Delta houses The Old Sugar Mill with 10 Yolo wineries pouring in the same location. The small historic Yolo County town of Winters has fully embraced the wine lifestyle with new restaurants, art galleries and about five wine tasting rooms on its Main Street. It's a happening, fun spot in the middle of farm/wine country. And you can't go wrong with a steak at The Buckhorn -- the best place in town.