The Napa Valley, located in Northern California, is home to several American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), each with its own unique climate, soil, and topography, which contribute to the distinct character of the wines produced from these regions.
American Viticultural Areas (AVA) of
Napa Valley
(From North to South)
CALISTOGA:
Located at the northernmost tip of Napa Valley, Calistoga is known for its hot, dry climate and volcanic soils. The region is famous for growing bold, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah, and Sauvignon Blanc wines.
DIAMOND MOUNTAIN DISTRICT:
Located in the Mayacamas Mountains on the western side of Napa Valley, Diamond Mountain District is known for its volcanic soils and higher elevations, which range from 400 to 2,200 feet above sea level. This AVA has a cooler climate that contributes to longer growing seasons, allowing grapes to develop complex flavors and firm tannins. Diamond Mountain District is famous for its powerful, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
HOWELL MOUNTAIN:
This AVA, situated in the eastern hills of Napa Valley, is known for its higher elevation and well-drained, rocky soils. Howell Mountain is famous for producing intense, structured Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, and Viognier wines.
SPRING MOUNTAIN DISTRICT:
Located on the western slopes of Napa Valley, this AVA is known for its mountainous terrain, cooler climate, and diverse soils. Spring Mountain District is famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel wines.
ST. HELENA:
Situated in the northern part of Napa Valley, St. Helena has a warmer climate that supports the production of ripe, concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
CHILES VALLEY:
Chiles Valley is a sub-appellation within the larger Napa Valley AVA, situated in the northeastern hills. The region’s higher elevation, combined with cooling marine influences, provides a moderate climate with significant diurnal temperature swings. This allows grapes to ripen slowly, resulting in balanced acidity and concentrated flavors. Chiles Valley is known for producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
RUTHERFORD:
Situated in the heart of Napa Valley, Rutherford is known for its well-drained, gravelly soils that contribute to the production of high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon, featuring that “Rutherford dust” nuance. The region is also known for its Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot wines.
OAKVILLE:
Oakville, located between Rutherford and Yountville on the valley floor, is another renowned region for Cabernet Sauvignon, characterized by its lush, full-bodied wines with dense, complex flavors. The region also produces high-quality Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Sauvignon Blanc.
MOUNT VEEDER:
Located in the southwestern hills of Napa Valley, Mount Veeder has a cooler climate and rugged terrain. This AVA is known for its structured, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as Chardonnay and Zinfandel.
YOUNTVILLE:
Yountville is an AVA located in the central part of Napa Valley, nestled between the Oakville and Oak Knoll District appellations. The region is characterized by its alluvial fan soils, which are well-drained and fertile, and a moderate climate influenced by the San Pablo Bay’s cooling effects. These factors contribute to the production of high-quality, elegant wines. Yountville is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc wines.
STAGS LEAP DISTRICT:
This small AVA, east of the Silverado Trail, is renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon wines, which are characterized by their velvety tannins and rich, dark fruit flavors. The region also produces high-quality Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc.
ATLAS PEAK:
Atlas Peak is situated in the eastern hills of Napa Valley and is known for its higher elevation and volcanic soils. This AVA is famous for producing structured, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay.
OAK KNOLL DISTRICT:
Located north of Carneros, the Oak Knoll District is known for its moderate climate that supports a diverse range of grape varieties. The AVA is famous for producing excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Sign up to our Email List to Get Notified of Members’ Specials, New Releases and New Discoveries. Click here to sign up. There is no obligation and you can unsubscribe anytime.
COOMBSVILLE:
Situated in the southeastern part of Napa Valley, Coombsville has a cooler climate and well-drained volcanic soils. This AVA is known for its powerful Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Syrah wines.
LOS CARNEROS:
This AVA is located in the southernmost part of Napa Valley and extends into Sonoma County. It is known for its cooler climate due to the maritime influence of the San Pablo Bay. Los Carneros is famous for producing high-quality Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir wines.
WILD HORSE VALLEY:
Wild Horse Valley is a lesser-known AVA located in the southeastern hills of Napa Valley, with a small portion extending into Solano County. The region is characterized by its higher elevations, which range from 600 to 1,800 feet above sea level, and volcanic soils. Wild Horse Valley is known for producing high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines.
In conclusion, Napa Valley is one of the world’s most productive and prestigious wine growing regions consisting of numerous American Viticultural Areas that have their own characteristics for growing high-quality wine grapes for world class wines. Learn the different regions and the wines they are known from the various AVAs.
NOTE: All wines offered for sale on this website are sold through our affiliate and fulfillment partner, Wine Country Connection.
WARNING: Drinking distilled spirits, beer, coolers, wine and other alcoholic beverages may increase cancer risk, and, during pregnancy, can cause birth defects. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/alcohol.
