Napa,
probably California's best known wine region and home of some 300
wineries, is
a
mere 35 miles long and about 4-5 miles wide. From San Pablo Bay at the lower end
to
Mount St. Helena in the north,
the valley has the ideal climates
(warm sunny days and
cool nights)
for growing premium grape varietals such as:
Cabernet
Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Zinfandel & Pinot Noir |
|
Viticultural
Areas of Napa
(The links below
will take you to a list of wineries for that specific area)
|
Atlas
Peak takes its name form the highest peak in the Vaca Range. Only a
small portion
of the 11,000 acres in this appellation are planted, mostly with
Sangiovese, Cabernet
Sauvignon and Chardonnay. |
Howell
Mountain was Napa's first sub-viticultural area. During the growing
season daytime
temperatures on the mountain can be ten degrees lower than
in the valley, protecting vines
from heat stress allowing the grapes to
retain a fresh acidity. |
Carneros has a cooler climate due to maritime influences and is more
suited to
growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The long and moderate growing
season allows the
grapes to mature slowly and evenly, for depth of flavor. |
Mount
Veeder appellation encompasses 25 square miles of some of the steepest
vineyards and most remote wineries in California. This unique and historic
viticultural district
is located in the southeastern portion of the
Mayacamas mountains which divide Napa and
Sonoma Counties |
Napa
Valley with its temperate climate is perfectly suited to the growing
of wine grapes.
With sunny, warm and dry days and cool evenings, are the perfect
combination to allow
grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. |
Oakville
soils are
relatively consistent, well-draining and can allow root depths of one
hundred feet or more. These combinations are ideal for producing
ultra-premium wine. |
Rutherford
offers a variety of microclimates and soil types. Bordered by
two mountain
ranges, the area does not go above 500 feet in elevation.
Though only 6 square miles in
area it is planted with over 3,000
acres of vineyards. Wines produced here reflect a distinct
Rutherford
character known as 'Rutherford Dust'. |
Spring
Mountain on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains is dominated
by the
red varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
Chardonnay is the main
white wine with some plantings of Riesling and Viognier. |
Stag's
Leap with its
volcanic soil, warm days that encourage optimal ripening and cool
nights to maintain the grapes' acidity, is suited to grow varieties like
Cabernet Sauvignon,
Merlot, Petite Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc. The wines of Stag's Leap are
known for their fruit
character, soft tannins and silky texture. |
| Wild
Horse Valley |
|
Silverado
Trail -- Napa's the road less traveled parallels
Highway 29 the length of the
Valley. The road dips and curves as it runs along the foothills, offering
spectacular views of
the vineyards and mountains. It is a more scenic drive and less crowded.
There are many smaller wineries to stop at for tasting and touring. |
|
Calistoga
is located at the northern end of Napa |
|
St
Helena is located in the center of the Napa Valley, about 60 miles
north of San Francisco. |
|
Other Napa Links |
The Wine Guide
