The West's best wines

 Most Exciting New Wine Region

PASO ROBLES
In the last six years, the number of wineries in Paso Robles –halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles–has more than quadrupled, from 50 to more than 200.

Edgy Rhône varieties (Syrah and cousins)
are coming on strong, and new places to enjoy them–wine bars, restaurants, tasting rooms, and inns– are keeping pace. Put a trip here on your short list. pasowine.com or 800/549-9463.

Wine Trend of the Year

THE RISE OF GREAT DRY ROSÉS IN THE WEST

Five years ago, it was hard to find a good dry rosé in this country; now it's hard to find a maker of reds who doesn't turn out a rosé too. Pinot Noir, Syrah, even Cab, and, yes, Zinfandel are all going into crisp, fruity, fabulous dry pink wines.

The Green Award

MENDOCINO WINE COMPANY

Paul Dolan pioneered organics at Fetzer, explored biodynamics at Bonterra, and now has the first carbon-neutral winery in the country. Among his tools: biodiesel fuels and on-site solar and wind energy. The Mendocino partnership includes his Paul Dolan label, Parducci, SketchBook, Zig Zag Zin, Tusk 'N Red, and more.