Simi, Kenwood, Rodney Strong, Hess Select, Clos du Bois are all excellent Californiaâ??s. I'm partial to Rodney Strong but be ready to shell out $40+. Also stick with a Pinot Noir or a Cab. Rule of thumb when it comes to California wines is always by a wine made with Sonoma (Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley) grapes. Screw Napa.