To begin, let me give an analogy that will help explain the success of these two regions. Napa has and can be compared to Bordeaux, while Sonoma has and can be compared to Burgundy. Although, not perfect, I believe this analogy will shed some light on the matter. Napa success was founded, by and large, on outside capital, those who made their profits elsewhere and established wineries with their bank accounts; it has a brand attitude towards wine where the wine estate rules the day, much like the Chateau-system rules in Bordeaux. The region is about image. Napa has effectively used outside capital to create a number of quality luxury products that will ensure that she will succeed in the future because her products are some of the most sought after on the wine market. In this matter, she can almost do no wrong, however it must be noted that her image of wealth and luxury is a turnoff to some, but ultimately, the products still speak for themselves and the region. These have been some of the keys to Napa’s success.

Sonoma... see part III