This final part of a three-part series dedicated to the 16 sub-appellations of Napa Valley shares more of the characteristics of each AVA that make Napa Valley the diverse, outstanding, world-renowned resource for stellar American wines. Atlas Peak District The highest point of the peak itself sits 2,663 feet above sea level. The majority of vineyards grow on hillsides and the grapes grown in Atlas Peak find their way to wineries throughout Napa Valley. Most well-known for exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon, visitors to the Atlas Peak AVA can also find many other wines including Malbec, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Most wineries are open by appointment and some are not open to the public. Antica Napa Valley offers a tour and sit-down tasting of wines only available for purchase at the winery. Mount Veeder District Steep slopes and rugged conditions rule in this AVA where 85% of the land is covered in dense forest. The terrain demands that the majority of the work in the vineyards be performed by hand. With the longest growing season and lowest yields, the Cabernet Sauvignon from this sub-appellation is distinctly delicious. Other wines to be found in this district include Chardonnay and Syrah. Visit the Hess Collection for tastings in their Visitor Center and to explore their Art Museum. Oak Knoll District This historical district consists of wineries that have received international acclaim for a diverse collection of wines such as Merlot Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Oak Knoll wineries also produce Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Visitors to Trefethen Family Vineyards sip their critcally acclaimed wines in their historic building. Black Stallion Winery is located on a historic equestrian center. Robert Biale Vineyards offers tastings of their acclaimed Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. Coombsville District Coombsville became the 16th AVA in 2011. Located only
This final part of a three-part series dedicated to the 16 sub-appellations of Napa Valley shares more of the characteristics of each AVA that make Napa Valley the diverse, outstanding, world-renowned resource for stellar American wines. Atlas Peak District The highest point of the peak itself sits 2,663 feet above sea level. The majority of…
Within the Napa Valley appellation, there are 16 sub-appellations - legally defined and protected geographical locations where grapes are grown and crafted into amazing Napa Valley wines. Some sub-appellations are more well-known than others but all are dedicated to creating wines that truly represent the distinct area of Napa Valley where they come from. In this first part of a three part series, Napa Wine Tours introduces you to the first group of Napa Valley sub-appellations. Calistoga District Famous for relaxing hot springs, massages, and mud baths, the Calistoga sub-appellation located on the northern tip of Napa Valley is home to well-known wineries such as Chateau Montelena Winery, Clos Pegase Winery, Frank Family Vineyards, and Schramsberg Vineyards. Oakville District The wineries in the Oakville sub-appellation are known for their critically acclaimed, award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon. Enjoy a tour of the wine cave and of the winery at Miner Family Vineyards, book a private appointment at Gamble Family Vineyards, or stop by Plumpjack Winery for a walk-in tasting. Rutherford District This sub-appellation is approximately 6 square miles and at its widest point, 2 miles wide. The vineyards receive more sun than some of the other sub-appellations and are refreshed by cool evenings. Although Rutherford produces award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, winemakers and growers also produce almost 20 other varietals including Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Merlot. Visit the historic Beaulieu Vineyard, taste estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc at St. Supery Vineyards & Winery, or choose from a variety of private experiences at Peju Province Winery. Spring Mountain District The excellence to be found in the Spring Mountain sub-appellation comes from a collective of family-owned and operated wineries mostly creating Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Visitors to Pride Mountain Vineyards will find, along with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Viognier, and Chardonnay. At Robert
Within the Napa Valley appellation, there are 16 sub-appellations – legally defined and protected geographical locations where grapes are grown and crafted into amazing Napa Valley wines. Some sub-appellations are more well-known than others but all are dedicated to creating wines that truly represent the distinct area of Napa Valley where they come from. In…
