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Explore Pinot Gris/Grigio in Napa Valley |
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The Napa Valley AVA shares the Mayacamas Mountains (which form its western border) with The Sonoma County AVA. The city of Calistoga and Mount Saint Helena mark the northern border. This is the narrowest point of the region, tucked between the Mayacamas Mountains in the west and the Vaca Mountains in the east. The Napa River has its start here. The valley widens as the river flows its 30 miles south toward the Wild Horse Valley AVA, Los Carneros AVA, the city of Napa (its southernmost point) through San Pablo and San Francisco Bays and out to the ocean. The valley spreads it's 5 mile widest at its southern point. Napa is a viticulturally busy region with more than 400 wineries and vineyards. This region is world famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. We will list wineries by sub regions.
Cool ocean breezes filter up through San Francisco and San Pablo Bays on their way through the viticultural region of Los Carneros, famous for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The breezes, within just a short five miles, are already warmed by the Valley's interior as they head north making their way through the valley's various nooks and crags. This is how the great microclimate diversity in Napa Valley is created which enables the production of world class varietals with widely different growing demands. Napa Valley also has some of the most diverse soils in the world due to its complicated geologic history which includes its volcanic history, the rise and fall of the ocean, plus the overflowing of rivers and streams plus the runoff from the mountains and hills along the length of the valley.
We hope the information in CaliforniaWineOnline.com about the Napa Valley AVA regions and wineries will inspire you to take a trip to visit the wineries and vineyards yourself to experience the atmosphere and taste wonderful hand crafted wines. You could also use just a few keystrokes to Explore California wine and the Napa Valley AVA - from the comfort of your chair. Look through this site for all it has to offer. This website seeks to be a portal to California wine and wine regions. Now you can experience the many great wines that are often available only through the wineries and/or vineyards themselves.
How Great Pinot Gris is Created - Terroir
Among Napa Valley's complex soil profiles are those of volcanic origin caused by the colliding of tectonic plates which pieced California together over millennia. Sedimentary and alluvial soils are other components created by the runoff from the Mayacamas and Vaca Mountain slopes that were added to the Napa River. The river (and possibly in the past, the Russian River) periodically floods the valley creating an ongoing maze of soil profiles. Ocean incursions over eons through San Francisco and San Pablo Bays infiltrated the southern portions of Napa Valley to contribute to its layers of sand and clay.
The wines of Napa Valley are very complex and medium to full bodied. The heat of the valley and the diverse soils of the region enhance the aromas and flavors of the wines. The warmth contributes to the texture and denseness of the wine and it will bring out the melon, pear and honey character in Pinot Gris.
Napa Valley Pinot Gris is most at home in the cooler southern regions of the valley, primarily the Oak Knoll AVA and especially in the Los Carneros AVA. Lemon/lime twist, nectarine and peach fruit with a melon and mineral backbone are the characteristic aromas and flavors of Napa Valley Pinot Gris.
Pinot Gris and Food Pairings
Pinot Gris is great with appetizers of cheese and crackers. It is best with seafood, and goes well with light pastas with butter and mild herbs. The wine is acidic so it is best to avoid citrus or foods that highlight tomatoes. Light chicken dishes, seafood with garlic, ginger, cumin, mild sausage with pasta and a light use of basil or thyme are some suggestions of foods to go with Pinot Gris.
Create Your Own Tour
Explore one region or sample the highlights of several. Find the links in the navigation bar to the left to move back and forth between the different Napa Valley AVA regions where Pinot gris is grown or visit the different varietals grown in the region. Stay tuned, as over time we will provide more information for you to fine tune your exploration.
Click on the Napa Valley sub-AVA links in the navigation bar on the left to go down the page to explore the AVAs listed in the table below. The Navigation bar provides links to vineyard and winery associations and Chambers of Commerce. These will direct you to information about area restaurants, lodging and local highlights.
California American Viticultural Areas (AVAs)
American Viticultural Areas are unique legally designated grape growing areas that are defined by the TTF (Trade, Tobacco and Firearms). These regions are most often defined by their topography, soil types, climate and sometimes historical relevance. Below, are the AVAs for Napa Valley listed in rough order from north to south.
| Calistoga | Diamond Mountain District |
| Howell Mountain District | Spring Mountain District |
| St. Helena | Chiles Valley District |
| Rutherford | Oakville |
| Yountville | Stags Leap District |
| Mt Veeder | Atlas Peak |
| Oak Knoll | Los Carneros |
| Wild Horse Valley |
Source vs Out Source /Interpreting the Codes
In some of the tables below we have listed the wineries from other California AVA's that produce wines from 100% of the grapes originating from Napa Valley single vineyard sources. In the AVA winery tables below you will find codes at the end of many of the winery listings. These will provide information about the source of the grapes used in their wines. The interpretation of these codes are as follows:
Wineries that offer wines from which the majority of their grapes come from outside of that region will list that AVA name on the wine bottle label. We indicate this by tagging it as OS=Out Sourced. When possible, we will follow that by listing the AVA from which it comes. Single Vineyard wines are sometimes, but not always the same thing as estate wines. Often wineries will make wines from 100% of the grapes from another vineyard and this is indicated by SV=Single Vineyard. Technically, the ES designation means the wine is produced at that winery from 100% of their own grapes. RE=Reserve Wine and this indicates a special edition produced by the winery. The letters above can be combined in different ways, for example SV+OS=Single Vineyard+Out Sourced from another region. OV=Old Vine.
| ES=Estate | SV=Single Vineyard | OS=Out Sourced | SV+OS=Single Vineyard+Out Sourced | OV=Old Vine | RE=Reserve |
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All Napa Valley wineries/vineyards with websites are entered on this page. Subsequent varietal pages will list only the wineries/vineyards in each sub AVA that grow and/or produce that varietal in the region. Click on the Cabernet Sauvignon logo above on that page to return here to reference the complete list. Light colored wineries do not offer Cabernet Sauvignon.
***A functioning website is the criteria for winery/vineyard inclusion in the lists below.***
Calistoga's approval as an appellation is pending. This region marks the northernmost point of Napa Valley. It is a mountainous region, tucked into the mile wide tip of Napa Valley between the Mayacamas and Vaca Mountains. The focal point is the 4,343 foot dormant volcano, Mount St Helena. The soils, of course, are of volcanic origin and the Napa River has its start here. Volcanic rock imparts a cedar, minty, spicy character to the wines produced in the region.
This is a region of diverse microclimates created by valleys and mountain slopes. This allows for several varietal types including spots that grow outstanding cool climate loving Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Still, Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely grown grape type in Calistoga.
No Pinot Gris is grown or produced in the Calistoga AVA.
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Moving south and west from Calistoga is the Diamond Mountain District AVA. Its elevation is 400 to 1,800 feet, well above the fog line, and it encompasses the steep, rocky hillsides and canyons of the Mayacamas Mountain Range which forms the western border of Napa Valley. The Diamond Mountain District has a unique microclimate with nights and mornings warmer than the fog cooled valley below. As afternoon approaches, inversions carry ocean cooled air up to moderate the temperatures. This extends the growing season for the grapes. The soils are mostly volcanic ash and red loam clay.
No Pinot Grist is grown or produced in the Diamond Mountain District.
Howell Mountain's elevation is between 600 feet and 2,200 feet placing it high above the fog. The Mountain's climate is unique because of the cooler daytime temperatures at this high elevation than those in the valley. As night approaches, the heavier, cooler mountain air sinks to the valley and the lighter, warmer valley air rises up to the higher elevations. This lifted, warmer air bathes the grapevines in throughout the night and creates a perfectly moderate climate, ideal for the slow ripening of grapes.
Tectonic activity created Howell Mountain. The soils include iron rich clay, tuff, compressed volcanic ash, and volcanic rock. This soil is low in nutrients, the reason for Howell Mountain's bold and intense Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot and Zinfandel are other grapes primarily grown in the region. This is one of the first approved Napa Appellations and dates back to 1983.
No Pinot Gris is grown in the Howell Mountain AVA.
| White Cottage Ranch | 555 College Avenue, Angwin, CA 94508; Phone: 707.965.0516; Fax: 707.965.0226; email: wineinfo@whitecottageranch.com; website: www.whitecottageranch.com. Open by appointment only. EOS/Napa Valley |
Spring Mountain District is a rugged mountain region. The vineyards are high above the fog line, between 400 to 2,600 feet. This also means that it benefits from the daily temperature inversions marked by somewhat cooler days. The evening breezes and fog make their way from San Francisco and San Pablo Bays to lift the warmer air into these higher vineyards where they bathe the grapes in nighttime warmth.
Pinot Gris is not grown or produced in the Spring Mountain Distract.
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St Helena is located in the Mayacamas Mountain Range with an eastern exposure that receives mostly morning light. Heat during this sunny portion helps to create St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon's dense and robust fruity character. Temperatures cool here in the afternoon as the light softens. This slows the ripening of the grapes and extends the growing season. The Cabernet Sauvignon wine flavor characteristics are strongly influenced by St. Helena's predominantly alluvial soils. There are about 1,000 of the 6,000 acres in St. Helena planted as vineyards.
No Pinot Gris is grown in the St Helena AVA.
| Benessere Vineyards | 1010 Big Tree Road, St Helena CA 94574; Phone: 707.963.5853; Fax: 707.963.9546; email: info@benesserevineyards.com; website: www.benesserevineyards.com. OS/Napa Valley |
Chiles Valley is located in the Vaca Mountain Range which forms the eastern border of Napa Valley. There are about 1,000 of the 6,000 acres planted as vineyards. The elevation is between 800 and 1000 feet. The northwesterly flow of air and eventually the fog from the ocean later in the day follows the valley along its southwest to northwest geographic orientation. This creates a cooler region which is additionally enhanced by the cool air that flows down from the 2200 foot hills surrounding the valley. The soils are primarily alluvial.
No Pinot Gris is grown or produced in the Chiles Valley AVA.
Rutherford is 50 miles north of San Francisco. They say that the secret of Rutherford's Cabernet Sauvignon is all in the dust. The soils are composed of alluvium and marine sediment with some volcanic influence, particularly on the east side of the region. The climate is warm although there can be as much as a ten degree difference between the northern portion of Rutherford which is warmer and the southern portion. Elevation is about 500 feet.
No Pinot Gris is grown in the Rutherford AVA.
| Beaulieu Vineyard | 1960 St Helena Highway, Rutherford CA 94573; Phone: 800.264.6918 x5235; email: visitingbv@bvwines.com; website: www.bvwines.com. Open daily 10-5. $$ LR+OS/Atlas Peak |
The Oakville AVA is next in the journey south. This region is smack dab in the center of Napa Valley. It has quite warm daytime summer temperatures but it is far enough south to begin to benefit more directly from nighttime fog and ocean breezes. The elevation is 75 to 500 feet. The Napa River divides the AVA. The soils of the western portion are primarily sedimentary/alluvial from hillside runoff while on the eastern side there are volcanic contributions.
The Pinot Gris grown in Oakville has ripe peach, dried apricots and floral aromas with flavors of honeydew and kiwi fruit.
| Saddleback Cellars | PO Box 141, Oakville CA 94562; Phone: 707.944.1305; Fax: 707.944.1325. website: ww.saddlebackcellars.com; Open by appointment only. |
Yountville has the distinction of having .possessed the earliest vineyard in Napa Valley, planted by George C. Yount in 1836. Yet, oddly, the region wasn't recognized as an official viticultural area until 1999. Yountville's location in Napa Valley contributes to its world famous wines through its unique climate. Its daily summer temperature variation between day and night can be as much as forty degrees with daytime highs that can top ninety degrees and lows as low as fifty nighttime degrees. This contributes to the bright acidity typical of Yountville's wines. The soils on the east side are volcanic in nature. The west side of the region has a complicated geologic history with periodic coastal incursions and rivier flooding which contributed to layers of very complicated soil profiles which include alluvial and sedimentary soil which comes from the river. The sand, gravel and clay come from the ocean incursion influences.
No Pinot Gris is grown in the Yountville AVA.
| Cosentino Winery | 7415 St Helena Highway, Yountville CA 94599; Toll Free: 800.764.1220; Fax: 707.944.1220; website: www.cosentinowinery.com. SV+OS/Lodi |
| Laird Family Estate | 5055 Solano Avenue, Napa CA 94558; Phone: 877.297.4902 ext 26; Fax: 707.224.7249; email: info@lairdfamily estate.com; website: www.lairdfamilyestate.com. Tastings daily from 10-5, appointments preferred. OS/Napa Valley |
| V Wine Cellars | 6525 Washington Street, Yountville CA 94599; Phone: 707.531.7053; email: slewis@vwinecellar.com; website: www.vwinecellars.com OS/Paso Robles |
Stags Leap District is roughly 2 miles square. It is located east of Yountville at the 66 to 400 foot elevation in the Vaca Mountain Range. The mountains are a ridge of extinct volcanoes so the soils are a mix of alluvial sediments and volcanic loam. The climate is warmer than Yountville's with summer temperatures sometimes topping 100 degrees. These searing temperatures are moderated by Pacific cooled wind which infiltrates in the afternoon.
The Stag's Leap District was established as a viticultural area in 1989. The name comes from the tale of a stag's great leap to safety across the red rocks of the Palisades as it was pursued by a group of hunters.
No Pinot Gris is grown in the Stag's Leap District AVA.
| Robert Sinskey Vineyards | 6320 Silverado Trail, Napa CA 94558; Phone: 707.944.9090; Toll Free: 800.869.2030; email: rsv@robertsinskey.com; website: www.robertsinskey.com. Tours by appointment M-Th. Tastings, open daily 10-4:30. $$ OS/Los Carneros |
Mount Veeder is a 2,677 foot volcanic mountain in the Mayacamas Mountains on west side of Napa Valley. The appellation, named after a 19th century Presbyterian pastor who hiked there, is 24 square miles. Only about 1,000 of Mount Veeder AVA's 15,000 acres are planted in wine grapes. The elevation is between 400 and 2,600 feet. The elevation puts the region above the fog line but temperature inversions cause warm evening air to rise making the nights warmer than the days. The soils are thin, well drained volcanic and sedimentary in nature. The steep elevation limits ground water so the vines are highly stressed which contributes to the high quality intense wine produced in the region.
No Pinot Gris is grown or produced in the Mount Veeder AVA.
Atlas Peak AVA hangs as a valley 1,450-1,800 feet above the Napa Valley floor. Its soil is composed of volcanic ash and rock which is typical of Napa's various mountains and peaks which were created by tectonic activity. These elevations, above the fog line, benefit from bright sunny days. Atlas Peak enjoys a western exposure in the Vaca Mountains which brings prolonged sun and warmth to the grapes. This warmth benefits Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. The soil is volcanic and it is highly radiant which brings additional warmth to the region. 1,500 of its 11,000 acres planted as vineyards.
No Pinot Gris is grown or produced in the Atlas Peak AVA
Oak Knoll District elevation is sea level to 800 feet located on the eastern side of Napa Valley in the Vaca Mountains. It straddles the Napa River and the soils are alluvial stoney gravel with silt and clay loam. The higher elevations are more volcanic in origin. Oak Knolls southern position makes it's climate heavily influenced by the cool breezes from San Pablo Bay. The District was approved as an AVA in 2004. There are 8,300 acres of which 3,500 are planted. Oak Knoll benefits from its western facing position which provides a long day of sunshine balanced by the cool breezes. This creates a wide range of microclimates which makes this a region where a large variety of grapes can be successfully grown, among those is Pinot Gris.
Oak Knoll Pinot Gris has delicate floral and stone fruit (nectarine, peach, apricot) with a twist of lime peel aromas. Floral essence, nectarine and lime peel are carried over in the flavors with the addition of pears, pineapple, honeysuckle and orange marmalade flavors.
| Andretti Winery | 4162 Big Ranch Road, Napa CA 94558; Phone: 707.261.1717; Toll Free: 888.460.8463; Fax: 707.259.6776; email: info@andrettiwinery.com; website: www.andrettiwinery.com. Open daily 10-5. OS/Napa Valley |
| Hendry Wines | 3104 Redwood Road, Napa CA 94558; Phone: 707.226.8320; email: info@hendrywines.com; website: www.hendrywines.com. SV |
| Laird Family Estate | 5055 Solano Avenue, Napa CA 94558; Phone: 877.297.4902 x26; Fax: 707.224.7249; email: info@lairdfamilyestate.com. website: www.lairdfamilyestate.com; Open daily 10-5. OS/Napa Valley |
| Luna Vineyards | 2921 Silverado Trail, Napa CA 94558; Phone: 7078.255.2474; email: krivers@lunavineyards.com; website: www.lunavineyards.com. ES |
Los Carneros was designated a viticultural area in 1983. The elevation is from sea level to 1,000 feet. The region is highly influenced by the breezes and fog moving inland from the Pacific Ocean through San Pablo Bay. The prime and world famous grapes grown in Los Carneros are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Thanks to microclimates, Cabernet Sauvignon is fairly well represented though not a prime grape in Los Carneros. The proximity to the bay and ocean incursions have been great influences in the deposition of soil. At times the region has been a shallow salt marsh and other times a deep marsh so there are a variety of sediments and clay.
Los Carneros Pinot Gris greets you with delicate citrus aromas highlighting lime, lemon zest and orange marmalade. The aromas evolve into melon and peach scents with a mineral finish. The flavors are crisp, clean and dry with similar character to the aromas.
| Bouchaine Vineyards | 1075 Buchli Station Road, Napa CA 94559; Phone: 707.252.0401; Toll Free 800.654.WINE; Fax: 707.252.9065; email: info@bouchaine.com; website: www.bouchaine.com; open M-Sa 10:30-4, Su 12-4. |
| Buena Vista Carneros | 2700 Ramal Road (PO Box 182), Sonoma CA 95476; Phone: 707.938.1266; Toll Free: 800.678.8504;Tasting room: 18000 Old Winery Road (PO Box 1842), Sonoma CA 95476. website: www.buenavistacarneros.com. Open daily 10-5. ES |
| Cline Cellars | 14737 Arnold Drive, Sonoma CA 95476; Phone: 707.940.4030; Fax: 707.940.4034; Toll Free: 800.546.2070; email: bkelso@clinecellars.com; website: www.clinecellars.com. Tours 11, 1 & 3; Tastings daily 10-6. $$ |
| Etude Wines | 1250 Cuttings Wharf Road, Napa CA (PO Box 3382, Napa CA 94558); Phone: 707.257.5300; website: www.etudewines.com. Tastings by appointment M-F. Open to the public SA 11-4. |
| Larson Family Winery | 23355 Millerick Road, Sonoma CA 95476; Phone: 707.938.3031; Fax: 707.938.3424; email: becky@larsonfamilywinery.com; website: www.larsonfamilywinery.com. Open daily 10-5. ES |
| Madonna Estate | 5400 Old Sonoma Road, Napa CA 94559; Phone: 707.255.8864; Toll Free: 866.724.2993; Fax: 707.257.2778; email: mail@madonnaestate.com; website: www.madonnaestate.com. Open daily 10-5. |
| McKenzie-Mueller | 2530 Las Amigas Road, Napa CA 94559; Phone: 707.252.0186; website: www.mckenziemueller.com. SV |
| Robledo Family Winery | 21901 Bonness Road, Sonoma CA 95476; Phone: 707.939.6903; Fax: 707.939.6978; email: rob-vanessa@vom.com; website: www.robledofamilywinery.com. Open M-Sa 10-5, Su 11-4. OS/Sonoma |
Wild Horse Valley, is the smallest Napa AVA, just under 4,000 acres. The elevation is 400 to 1,500 feet. The region has only about 100 acres planted with vines. The valley is located in the very south eastern portion of the Napa Valley AVA and spans a portion of Solano County. Wild Horse Valley experiences the cooler climate associated with the breezes flowing from the ocean through the bays. Cool morning and evening breezes and the elevation of 400 to 1,500 feet ensure that the climate for Wild Horse Valley is cool enough for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. While this has been an AVA since 1988, there is only one winery: Heron Lake Winery. There is no website available for this winery. There are several growers.
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Explore Pinot Gris in the Napa Valley AVA. Click on the links below to learn more about Pinot Gris in those AVAs.