Napa Valley
Napa Valley is the OG California wine country. World-renowned for its cabernet and chardonnay, this AVA is home to more than 400 winery tasting rooms.
Napa was named California’s first AVA in 1981. The valley is 30miles in length and ranges from 1 to 5 miles wide, framed by two mountain ranges: the Vaca to the east and the Mayacamas to the west.
Within Napa Valley you will find 16 “nested” AVAs. According to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, to form a smaller AVA within a larger one, it must be shown to be “sufficiently distinct” from its greater, encompassing AVA.
Atlas Peak (est. 1992) At the southern end of the Vaca Mountain Range is Atlas Peak. It gets some of the lowest rainfall in Napa. Despite its elevation (760-2600ft) and proximity to San Pablo Bay, the grapes ripen thanks to an abundance of sunlight. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
Calistoga (est. 2010) - Made famous by its mineral-rich hot springs, this AVA’s soil is mostly volcanic. The furthest north of Napa’s AVAs, it does receive some cooling air and fog through the Chalk Hill Gap. Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah
Chiles Valley (est. 1999) This AVA is pronounced with a hard “CH” like “child” without the “d.” Due to its elevation (600-1200ft.) and location within the Vaca Mountains these grapes have mild daytime highs compared to the valley floor. Soil is well-draining silt loam. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Zinfandel.
Coombsville (est. 2011) Although the youngest AVA in Napa Valley, Coombsville is actually an ancient volcanic caldera. Its proximity to San Pablo Bay means cooler temperatures perfect for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, though Cabernet Sauvignon can also be found.
Diamond Mountain District (est. 1995) Most of these vineyards are east-facing, meaning they are protected from the afternoon sun. They also receive cooling breezes from the. Diamond Creek River. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Howell Mountain (est. 1983) At an elevation of 1400-2600ft, it’s no wonder this AVA’s tagline is “above the fog.” Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Viognier
Mount Veeder (est. 1990) is the largest, least-planted, and coolest of Napa’s Mountain AVAs (thanks to its proximity to San Pablo Bay). The Cabernet Sauvingon grown here is said to be “minty.” Soil is a heterogeneous jumble known as “Francisco Mélange.” Merlot, Zinfandel, Chardonnay.
Los Carneros (est. 1983) The southernmost AVA in Napa Valley, Carneros spans both Napa and Sonoma Counties. Close to the bay, it has a cool climate with regular fog. Although historically known for its sparkling wines, Merlot has recently gained a foothold next to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Oak Knoll District (est. 2004) Nice and flat, the OKD benefits from the (semi) regular flooding of the Napa River. Thanks to a longer growing season than much of the Valley, it is also one of the most diverse: growing more than 17 different varietals.
Oakville (est. 1993) Between Rutherford and Youtville, you’ll find another valley floor region known as Oakville. On the eastern edge you’ll find rust-red soils due to their high iron content. In the center will be the darkest soils loam-based soils while to the west, gravelly alluvial fans. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.
Rutherford (est. 1993) Although one AVA, Rutherford has three distinct grown regions: the western bench land, valley floor, and the eastern hillside. See if you can pick out their distinct tannins known as “Rutherford Dust” a product of the gravelly soil. Cabernet Sauvignon, merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Sauvignon Blanc.
St. Helena (est. 1995) The historic heart of the Valley is also consistently one of the warmest areas. Alluvial fans on both sides of the valley make this AVA unique. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot ,Syrah, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
Spring Mountain District (est. 1993) The Spring Mountain District is on the west side of the valley in the Mayacamas range. Grapes here received protection from the forests that surround them and the soil is primarily sedimentary. Although Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular grape grown in they region Caerbnet Franc, Merlot, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay are also grown.
Stags Leap District (est. 1989) takes up the eastern hillside of the Yountville AVA. What makes it unique is a wind tunnel effect created by knolls and the Palisades that will cause the vines to shut down, which extends the growing season. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Wild Horse Valley (est. 1988) At the eastern edge of Coombsville, you’ll find the smallest and the (coolest) AVA in Napa Valley. The soil’s high concentration of quartz and granite gives these wines a high minerality and acidity. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Yountville (est. 1999) The lowest elevation in Napa at 20-200ft, this AVA gets cooling influences from San Pablo Bay. Located south of Rutherfod and Oakville, its soils have many of the same characteristics, though it does not extend to the eastern bench. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.