You’re painting with a very broad brush regarding California wine. Some simple numbers: - Napa & Sonoma counties collectively have 650+ wineries. - Paso Roble

You’re painting with a very broad brush regarding California wine. Some simple numbers: - Napa & Sonoma counties collectively have 650+ wineries. - Paso Robles and the extended SLO county (plus Santa Barbara) region have 500+ wineries. Saying that just the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are standouts, the latter of which is rarely at 80+% because it is harder to tame in a bottle, by approximately 1150 wineries that produce all manner of Bourdeaux and Rhone varietals is quite reductive. Oregon Pinots are good if that’s what you like: earthly, terroir-driven taste. California wines are fruitier, part of this is the fruit and the other is the limited use of whole cluster fermentation. Washington is emerging as a fantastic wine producing state as well. So, on balance, there is something for every palate produced by California wineries. Maybe even Washington producers. Oregon wineries are getting into Syrah and the darker reds as well. I agree with your $10-20 range for a decent bottle of wine (retail). What I’d add to your statement is that you shouldn’t need to buy a bottle not produced in the USA if you live here. The locally made wine compares to international options, especially in the targeted price range ($10-20).