I wonder if you are looking for Jasminum grandiflorum. It is less cold hardy and has flowers that are both larger and ten times more fragrant (with a much nicer quality perfume) than Jasminum officinale. I have often seen J. grandiflorum growing in warmer climates, including in Athens when I was there last summer.

Last time I checked, it was offered by Logee's. It is the single-flowered version, not the more finicky double-flowered type.

Poet's jasmine is Jasminum officinale. It is the one most commonly grown in Italy and the Mediterranean region generally. It is hardy but only marginally ie. is damaged by frost, but VERY fragrant. It would be worth trying in central California.