It's California Wine Month: How Will You Celebrate?

Did you know Gov. Jerry Brown proclaimed September to be California Wine Month? Well, he did and you can celebrate with a glass of pinot or a local wine tour. It's only right.

California has been known for its favorable climate for growing grapes, especially regions in Northern California like Napa and Sonoma. But Southern California is earning its own name in the wine industry, with places like Temecula and even neighboring Ramona.

According to WineInstitute.org, California consisted of almost half of all U.S. wineries with 3,364 total. The site also states that California produces an average of 90 percent of total U.S. wine production, so it's only fair we have a whole month dedicated to the fermented grape juice.

Temecula is holding its annual wine event, CRUSH: Temecula Valley 3rd Annual Wine & Culinary Showcase, a multi-winery harvest festival with wine, food and live music on Sept. 15.

Get started sooner and visit Temecula Wine Country by heading east on Rancho California Road. Stop at , , or any of the several dozen wineries. For a full list, click here.

If you feel like traveling to Ramona, get a fix at any of the wineries in town, like Woof'n Rose, Schwaesdall, Salerno, Pamo Valley and Edwards Vineyard and Cellars, to name a few.

So tell us, how do you plan to celebrate California Wine Month in our ever-growing wine country?