Napa Valley Wine

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 Mountains to the west and the Vaca Mountains to the east. It extends from San Pablo Bay, which provides a cooling effect on the climate, up to Calistoga at the head of the valley, where the average temperature is often 10 degrees Fahrenheit (6.3C) hotter in the summer. This terrior enables a wide range of quality grape varieties to thrive.

The Napa Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) is relatively small: just 36 miles (60km) long and five miles (8km) wide. However, it includes 14 sub-regions and more than 400 wineries, one of which, Beringer Vineyards, is on the National Register of Historic Places. 

The principal grape variety here is Cabernet Sauvignon, which produces a wide variety of styles from the AVA's many different sites. The best Napa Valley 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 here, with widespread plantings. Styles range from unmodified to those which include the full winemakers' complement of malolactic fermentations and spicy oak. The valley's variable climate also favors Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah and Pinot Noir.

Much of Napa Valley is split into specialist sub-regions, as mentioned above, although there are many vineyards located outside these sub-AVAs which produce quality wine.