American Viticultural Areas of the Napa Valley
Atlas Peak AVA: Atlas Peak is the highest point in the Vaca Mountain range at 2,700 feet, located northeast of the city of Napa. Zinfandel is emerging as the best varietal for the appellation’s growing conditions; however, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese are also planted in this region.
Calistoga AVA: Pending since 2003.
Carneros AVA: Straddling the borders of the Napa and Sonoma Valleys on the north coast of San Pablo Bay is the appellation known as Los Carneros– The Rams. The cool wind and fog in the early afternoon provide the ideal conditions for producing fine Chardonnays, elegant Pinot Noirs and crisp sparkling wines. In recent years, Carneros has also been recognized for the quality of its Syrah and Merlot.
Chiles Valley District AVA: This narrow appellation in the Vaca Mountains along the northeast side of the Napa Valley can be described as a ‘valley within a valley. It was named after Joseph Ballinger Chiles, who was given a land grant, Rancho Catacula from the Mexican government in the mid-1800s. The terroir is unique, as cooling bay breezes which affect the Napa Valley floor do not reach as far inland as Chiles Valley, making the climate more continental than maritime. Zinfandel is grown here with great success.
Diamond Mountain District AVA: Cabernet Sauvignon is the true diamond of this AVA. Covering 5,000 rocky acres in the Mayacamas Range on the northeast side of Napa Valley, this region has just over 500 acres under vine. Unique, porous, volcanic soils and extended exposure to the sun produce powerful Cabernets with chewy textures and diamond-hard tannins. Other varieties, including Cabernet Franc and Zinfandel, are being grown here with great success.
Howell Mountain AVA: Howell Mountain became the first Napa Valley sub-region to be designated an AVA in 1984. Overlooking St. Helena from the Vaca Mountain Range on the valley’s northeast side, the appellation encompasses around 14,000 acres, yet possesses only 600 acres of vines. The region is rugged, with vineyards at 1,4002,200 feet in elevation, avoiding the influences of the fog that often blankets the valley floor below. Howell Mountain is well known for its Bordeaux varieties and Zinfandels.
Mt. Veeder AVA: Nestled in the Mayacamas Mountains which divide the Napa Valley and Sonoma Valleys, this 25-square-mile appellation is situated on volcanic Mount Veeder at 2,677 feet above sea level. The slopes are steep, the soils are thin and the viticulture is back-breaking, but the result is intense, chewy wines with distinctive wild berry fruit flavors and magnificent spice.
Oak Knoll District AVA: Located toward the southern end of the Napa Valley at a relatively low elevation on the valley floor, the Oak Knoll District is accessible to the climate moderating effects of San Pablo Bay. The Carneros appellation, located to Oak Knoll’s immediate south, is generally the only place in Napa that can claim a cooler climate. The area’s reputation for a delicate and restrained style of Chardonnay has notable wineries from neighboring appellations choosing Oak Knoll fruit for their Chardonnays.
Oakville AVA: When H. W. Crabb planted a vineyard in Oakville in 1868, he named his chosen site To Kalon, Greek for most beautiful. Today, this vineyard is surrounded by 5,000 acres of vines, in an appellation that only totals 5,700 acres. The gravelly, well-drained soils are perfect for the world-class wines that are made here, mostly from Bordeaux varieties. They are characteristically rich and dense, with firm tannins and often with notes of mint and herbs.
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