The Napa Valley is the most well known of California’s wine growing areas, largely because it produces some of the best and most sought-after wines in America. The Valley is bordered by the Mayacamas Mountain Range to the west and the Vaca Mountains to the east. It extends from San Francisco Bay where the climate is cooler, up to Calistoga at the head of the valley, where the average summer temperature is often 10 degrees Fahrenheit (6.3 degrees Celsius) hotter in the summer. This terrior enables a wide range of quality grape varieties to thrive.
Napa Valley is home to Cabernet Sauvignon, which prospers here, producing a wide variety of styles from the many different sites. The best Cabernets have unmatched power and intensity, with the ability to age for decades. Chardonnay’s versatility and popularity has made it the leading white grape, with widespread plantings. Styles range from unmodified, to the full winemakers' complement of malolactic fermentations and spicy oak. The variable climate also favors Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah and Pinot Noir. Much of the Napa Valley is split into specialist sub-regions, although there are many vineyards located outside of these sub AVA’s, but still within the Napa Valley, that produce quality wine.
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