Since cabernet sauvignon is the king of California grapes, let's start there.
That same year, he called on Maine food retailers to stop selling California grapes in support of the farm workers' dispute with growers.
But there is some controversy over whether the California grapes thought to be gamay actually are.
By one reliable industry estimate, 75,000 tons of California grapes will be left to rot in vineyards.
"Some California grapes are too fruity," he said.
Various vendors sell California grapes directly from freight cars, cash only.
A version is also made from California grapes.
The 2003 barbera ($13.95), from California grapes, is tart and sturdy, with a cherry aftertaste.
Only 15 other wines in the US have received this designation, all made from California grapes.
It is quite similar to the California wild grape, Vitis californica.