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Explore Sauvignon Blanc in Napa Valley |
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The Napa Valley AVA shares the Mayacamas Mountains (which forms 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 Sauvignon Blanc 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 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 dens ness of the wine. The volcanic soils impart a spicy, white or black pepper, clove, cinnamon or mint character to Napa Valley's wines.
Sauvignon Blanc is not grown everywhere in Napa Valley but it is grown in St Helena, Chiles Valley, Rutherford District, Mt. Veeder, Oak Knoll District and Los Carneros. The wine is crisp and often it has intense, classic aromas and flavors with lemon grass and mineral characteristics. It has highlights of citrus characteristics such as grapefruit, lime, lemon and mandarin orange. There can be a green apple element. Often the wine has pleasant spicy accents plus those of honeysuckle and tropical fruit.
Sauvignon Blanc and Food Pairings
Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and the citrus elements add acidity to the wine. It pairs best with white meat chicken, pork, fish and garlic shrimp and prawns - especially grilled. It is excellent with vegetable and crab dip. The herbs that complement Sauvignon Blanc are basil, cilantro, parsley, limited amounts of Italian herbs plus marjoram and thyme. Feta and cheddar are two cheeses that are enhanced by Sauvignon blanc. Green leafy lettuce, bell peppers, olives, fennel, tomatoes and other acidic fruits and vegetables in dishes will bring out the classic character of Sauvignon Blanc.
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 Cabernet Sauvignon 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.
Calistoga's Sauvignon Blanc has similar aromas and flavors which highlight grapefruit and lemon citrus, tropical fruits, honeysuckle, apples and pears with bergamot herbs and mineral stone accents.
| Araujo Estate Wines | 2155 Pickett Road, Calistoga CA 94515; Phone: 707.942.6062; email: wine@araujoestate.com; website: www.araujoestate.com. ES |
| Calistoga Cellars | 1170 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga CA 94515; Phone: 707.942.7422; Fax: 707.942.4716; website: www.calistogacellars.com. Open Th-Tu 10-4:30 for tastings & tours by appointment. $$ SV |
| Larkmead Vineyards | 1100 Larkmead Lane, Calistoga CA 94515; Phone: 707.947.0167; Toll Free: 888.743.7446; email: info@larkmead.com; website: www.larkmead.com. ES |
| On ThEdge Winery | 3747 Langtry Road, St Helena CA 94574Phone: 707.963.4926; Toll Free: 877.668.4334; Fax: 707.967.8805; Tasting Room: 1255 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga CA 94515; email: info@onThEdgeWinery.com; website: www.onthedgewinery.com. SV |
| Peter Michael Winery | 12400 Ida Clayton Road, Calistoga CA 94515; Phone: 800.354.4459; www.petermichaelwinery.com. ES |
| Robert Pecota Winery | 3299 Bennett Lane (PO Box 303), Calistoga CA 94515; Phone: 707.942.6625; Fax: 707.942.6671; website: www.robertpecotawinery.com. SV+OS/Napa Valley |
| Sterling Vineyards | 1111 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga CA 94515; Phone: 800.726.6136; Fax: 888.231.5028; email: svinfo@svclub.com; website: www.sterlingvineyards.com. Open daily 10:30-4:30. $$ SV+OS/Central Coast |
| Work Vineyard | 707.942.0251; email: karen@workvineyard.com; website: www.workvineyard.com. |
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 Sauvignon Blanc is grown in the Diamond Mountain District.
| Reverie on Diamond Mountain | 1520 Diamond Mountain Road, Calistoga CA 94515; Phone: 707.942.6800, 800.738.3743, Fax: 707.942.6803; email: info@reveriewines.com, website: www.reveriewines.com. SV+OS/Napa Valley |
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 Sauvignon Blanc is grown or produced in the Howell Mountain AVA.
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.
There is no Sauvignon Blanc grown or produced in the Spring Mountain District AVA.
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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.
St. Helena's Sauvignon Blanc has a wide profile of aromas and flavors with highlights of ruby grapefruit, citrus, honeydew melon, peaches, honey and pears. It has floral notes and a hint of spice.
| Blockheadia Wines | 7415 St Helena Highway (PO Box 255881, St Helena CA 94599; Phone: 707.480.6197; Toll Free: 800.764.1220; Fax: 707.480.6197; website: www.blockheadia.com. OS/Napa Valley |
| Broman Cellars | 945 Deer Park Road, St Helena CA 94574; Phone: 707.963.5451; Fax: 707.963.5486; email: lisa@bromancellars.com; website: www.bromancellars.com. OS/Russian River |
| Charles Krug Winery | 2800 Main Street (PO Box 191) St Helena CA 94574; Phone: 707.967.2200, tasting room: 700.682.KRUG, 707.967.2229; website: www.charleskrug.com. OS/Napa Valley |
| Duckhorn Vineyards | 1000 Lodi Lane, St Helena CA 94574; Phone: 707.963.7108; toll free: 866.367.9945; Fax: 707.945.1009; email: welcome@duckhorn.com; website: www.duckhorn.com. Open daily 10-4 by appointment only - 888.354.8885. $$ OS/Napa Valley |
| Folie a Deux Winery | 7481 St Helena Highway, Oakville CA 94562; Phone: 707.944.2565; Toll Free: 800.535.6400; Fax: 707.944.0250; email: fadinfo@folieadeux.com; website: www.folieadeux.com. Open daily 10-5. Tours by appointment only. OS/California |
| Freemark Abbey Winery | 3022 Saint Helena Highway N (PO Box 410), St Helena CA 94574; Phone: 800.963.0554; Fax: 707.963.0554; email: wineinfo@freemarkabbey.com; website: freemarkabbey.com; Tours & tastings by appointment only M_F 10-4 SV+OS/Yountville |
| Hall Wines | 401 St Helena Highway S, St Helena CA 94574; Phone: 707.967.2620; Toll Free: 866.667.4255; Fax: 707.967.2634; email: info@hall wines; website: www.hallwines.com OS/Napa Valley |
| Hess Collection | 4411 Redwood Road, Napa CA 94558; Phone: 707.255.1144; email: info@hesscollection.com; website: www.hesscollection.com. Open daily 10-5. $$ Tours by appointment only: 707.255.1144 x213 |
| Joel Gott Wines | 945 Main Street, St Helena CA 94574; Phone: 707.963.3365; email: info@gottwines.com; website: www.gottwines.com. OS/Monterey |
| Joseph Phelps Vineyards | 200 Talpin Road, St Helena CA 94574; Phone: 707.963.2745; Fax: 707.963.4831; website: www.jpvwines.com. Tastings and seminars by appointment only M-F 9-5, S-S 10-4. |
| Long Meadow Ranch | 1775 Whitehall Lane, St Helena CA 94574 (mail to: PO Box 477, Rutherford CA 94573); Phone: 707.963.4555; Fax: 707.963.1956; email: info@longmeadowranch.com; website: www. longmeadowranch.com. SV+OS/Napa Valley |
| Markham Vineyards | 2812 St Helena Highway N (PO Box 636), St Helena CA 94574; Phone: 707.963.5292; Fax: 707.963.4616; email: admin@markhamvineyards.com; website: www.markhamvineyards.com. Tours by appointment, call Reyna Blasko, 707.302.2036. Open daily 10-5. $$ |
| Merryvale Vineyards | 1000 Main Street, St. Helena CA 94574; Phone: 707.963.7777; website: www.merryvale.com; Open daily 10-6:30. SV+OS/Napa Valley |
| Raymond Vineyard & Cellar | 849 Zinfandel Lane; St Helena CA 94574; Phone: 707.963.3141; Fax: 707.963.8498; email: hospitality@raymondvineyards.com; website: www.raymondvineyards.com. Open daily 10-4. $$ Tours daily (800.525.2659 x620) @ 11 by appointment only. $$ RE+OS/Napa Valley |
| Rust Ridge Ranch & Winery | 2910 Lower Chiles Valley Road, St Helena CA 94574; Phone: 707.965.9353; Fax: 707.286.5502; email: rustridge@rustridge.com; website: www.rustridge.com. ES |
| Ruston Family Vineyards | 2798 Spring Street, St Helena CA 94574; Phone: 707.963.5488; website: www.rustonvines.com. ES |
| St Clement | 2867 St Helena Highway N, St Helena CA; Phone: 800.331.8266, 866.877.5939; email: stclementinfo@stclement.com; website: www.stclement.com; Tours by appointment. Open daily 10-5. $$ OS/Napa Valley |
| Salvestrin Estate Vineyard & Winery | 397 Main Street, St Helena CA 94574; Phone: 707.963.5105; Fax: 707.963.1382; email: sales@salvestrinwinery.com; website: www.salvestrinwinery.com. Tours & tastings by appointment only. |
| Source Napa | PO Box 391, St Helena CA 94574; Phone: 707.968.9111; Fax: 707.968.9181; email: customerservice@sourcenapa.com; website: www.sourcenapa.com. SV, SV+OS/Yountville |
| Spottswoode Estate | 1902 Madrona Avenue, St Helena CA 94574; Phone: 707.696.0134; Fax: 707.963.2886; email: estate@spottswoode.com; website: www.spottswoode.com; Open M-F 9-4; tours by appointment only T & F 10 am. |
| Whitehall Lane Winery | 1563 St Helena Highway, St Helena CA 94574; Phone: 800.963.9454; Fax: 707.963.7035; email: greatwine@whitehalllane.com; website: www.whitehalllane.com. Open daily 11-5:45 - tastingroom@whitehalllane.com. |
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.
Chiles Valley District Sauvignon Blanc's aromas and flavors open up with grapefruit and citrus character followed by melon, lemon grass and Granny Smith apple accents and a mineral finish. The flavors are further highlighted by a touch of pine rounded off by a creamy pine nut finish.
| Green & Red Vineyard | 3208 Chiles Valley Road, St Helena CA 94574; Phone: 707.964.2346; website: www.greenandred.com. Order wine through the website. Not open to the public. SV |
| RustRidge Vineyards & Winery | 2910 Lower Chiles Valley Road, St Helena CA 94574; Phone: 707.965.9353; Fax: 707.286.5502; email: rustridge@rustridge.com; website: www.rustridge.com. ES |
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.
Rutherford's Sauvignon Blanc has the classic characteristics of citrus, green apple, floral, mineral and lemon grass aromas and flavors. The wine may be highlighted with figs, melon and tropical elements.
| Alpha & Omega Winery | 1155 Mee Lane (PO Box 822), Rutherford CA 94573; Phone: 707.963.9999; Fax: 707.963.9998; website: www.aowinery.com; blog: http:www.aowineryblog.com. Open daily 10-6, tours every hour. OS/Napa Valley |
| 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. $$ OS/Napa Valley, Los Carneros |
| Frog's Leap | 8815 Conn Creek Road (PO Box 189), Rutherford CA 94573; Phone: 707.963.4704; Toll Free: 800.959.4704; email: ribbit@frogsleap.com; website: www.frogsleap.com. Open M-Sa 10-4. Tours & tastings by appointment. ES |
| Grgich Hills | 1829 St Helena Highway (PO Box 450), Rutherford CA 94573; Phone: 707.963.2784; Toll Free: 800.532.3057; Fax: 707.963.8725; email: info@grgich.com; website: www.grgich.com. Open daily 9:30-4:30. $$ ES |
| Honig Vineyard & Winery | 850 Rutherford Road, Rutherford CA 94573; 800.929.2217 x 318; email: tastings@honigwine.com; website: www.honigwine.com; Open daily 10-4. $$ ES, OS/Napa Valley |
| Lail Vineyards | PO Box 249, Rutherford CA 94573; Phone: 7078.968.9900; Fax: 707.968.9911; email: customerservice@lailvineyards.com; website: www.lail-vineyards.com. OS/Yountville |
| Merryvale Vineyards | 1000 Main Street, St. Helena CA 94574; Phone: 707.963.7777; 707.963.2225; website: www.merryvale.com; Open daily 10-6:30. OS/Napa Valley |
| Niebaum Coppola Wine Estates | 1991 St Helena Highway (PO Box 208), Rutherford CA 94573; Phone: 707.968.1161; Toll Free: 800.782.4266; Fax: 707.963.9084; website: www.niebaum-coppola.com. Open daily 10-5. RE+OS/Napa Valley |
| Provenance Vineyards | 1695 St Helena Highway S, St Helena CA 94574; Phone: 707.968.3633; Fax: 707.968.3632. email: provenance.info@provenancevineyards.com; website: www.provenancevineyards.com. Open daily 10-4:30. $$ ES, OS/Napa Valley |
| Rutherford Grove Winery | 1873 St Helena Highway, Rutherford CA 94573; Phone: 707.963.0544; Fax: 707.963.3150; email: info@rutherfordgrove.com; website: www.rutherfordgrove.com. Open daily 10-4:30. ES |
| Rutherford Hill Winery | 200 Rutherford Hill Road (PO Box 427), Rutherford CA 94573; Phone: 707.963.1871; Fax: 707.963.1878; email: info@rutherfordhill.com; website: www.rutherfordhill.com. Open daily 10-5. Tours daily 11:30, 1:30, 3:30. $$ OS/Napa Valley |
| Sawyer Cellars | 8350 St Helena Highway, Rutherford CA 94573; Phone: 707.963.1980; Toll Free: 800.818.2252; Fax: 707.963.3410; website: www.sawyercellars.com. Tours & tastings by appointment 10-5. $$ ES |
| St Clement Vineyards | 2867 St Helena Highway N, St Helena CA; Phone: 800.331.8266; email: discoverstclement@stclement.com; Open daily, 10-5. $$ SV, OS/Napa Valley |
| Tres Sabores | www.tressabores.com; email: jaj@tressabores.com SV+OS/Sonoma Mountain. |
The Oakville AVA is next in the journey south. This region is smack dab in the center of Napa Valley. It has quite warm daytime summer temperatures but it is far enough south to begin to benefit more directly from nighttime fog and ocean breezes. The elevation is 75 to 500 feet. The Napa River divides the AVA. The soils of the western portion are primarily sedimentary/alluvial from hillside runoff while on the eastern side there are volcanic contributions.
Oakville's Sauvignon Blanc has classic aromas and flavors with floral highlights, mineral and citrus, melon character and with a tropical fruit and a mandarin orange twist. the wines tend to be concentrated and intense.
| Groth Vineyards & Winery | 750 Oakville Cross Road, Oakville CA 94562; Phone: 707.944.0290; Fax: 707.944.8932; email: info@grothwines.com; website: www.grothwines.com. Tours & Tastings by appointment 707.754.4254 or email. Tastings: M-Sa 10-4; Tours M-F 111 & 2, SA 11. $$ OS/Napa Valley |
| Joseph Phelps Vineyards | 200 Taplin Road, St Helena CA 94574; Phone: 707.963.2745; Fax: 707.963.4831; email: jpvwines@aol.com; website: www.jpvwines.com; Tastings & seminars by appointment only. Open M-F 9-5, S&S 10-4. ES |
| Kelham Vineyards | 360 Zinfandel Lane, St Helena CA 94574; Phone: 707.963.2000; Fax: 707963.2262; email: info@kelhamvineyards; website: www.kelhamvineyards.com. Open by appointment only. SV |
| Miner Family Vineyards | 7850 Silverado Trail (PO Box 367), Oakville CA 94562; Phone: 800.366.WINE; email: info@minerwines.com; website: www.minerwines.com. OS/Napa Valley |
| Napa Cellars | 7481 St Helena Highway (PO Box 433), Oakville CA 94562; Phone: 707.944.2565; Toll Free: 800.535.6400; email: store@napacellars.com; website: www.napacellars.com. Open daily 10-6. OS/Napa Valley |
| Robert Mondavi Winery | Highway 29, Oakville CA 94562; Phone: 888.766.6328; email: robertmondavi.reservation@robertmondaviwinery.com.; website: www.robertmondaviwinery.com. Open daily 10-5. OS/Napa Valley |
| Rudd Vineyards & Winery | 500 Oakville Crossroad (PO Box 105), Oakville CA 94562; Phone: 707.944.8577; Fax: 707.944.8173; email: info@ruddwines.com; website: www.ruddwines.com. Open by T-Sa by appointment only. $$ OS/Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley |
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 Sauvignon Blanc is grown in the Yountville AVA.
| Bell Wine Cellars | 6200 Washington Street, Yountville CA 94599; Phone: 707.944.1673; Fax: 707.944.1674; email: info@bellwine.com; website: www.bellwine.com. Tastings daily 10:30--4 by appointment. SV+OS/South Africa, Lake County, California |
| Havens Wine Cellars | 2055 Hoffman Lane; Napa CA 9455558; Phone: 707.261.2000; email: contact@havenswine.com; website: www.havenswine.com. Tasting room open 10-4:30 by appointment. Phone above or email: info@havenswine.com. OS/Yountville+Rutherford, Rutherford, Napa Valley |
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.
Stag's Leap District Sauvignon Blanc leads with honeysuckle, mandarin orange, citrus aromas rolling into green apple and mineral elements. The flavors highlight honeysuckle, grapefruit, lime and melon rounded out with lychee nuts.
| Chimney Rock Winery | 5350 Silverado Trail, Napa CA 94558; Phone: 800.257.2641; Fax: 707.257.2036; email: club@chimneyrock.com; website: www.chimneyrock.com. Open daily 10-5. OS/Napa Valley |
| Cliff Lede Vineyards | 1473 Yountville Cross Road, Yountville CA 94599-9471; Phone: 707.944.8642; Toll Free: 800.428.2259; Fax: 707.944.8020; email: info@cliffledevineyards.com; website: www.cliffledevineyards.com. Open daily 10-5. Private tours by appointment. OS/Napa Valley |
| Hartwell Vineyards | 5795 Silverado Trail, Napa CA 94558; Phone: 707.255.4269; Toll Free: 800.266.6516; Fax: 707.255.4289; email: info@hartwellvineyards.com; website: www.hartwellvineyards.com. Tours by appointment only W-Sa 11 & 2. $$ ES/OS/Los Carneros |
| Regusci Winery | 5584 Silverado Trail, Napa CA 94558; Phone: 707.254.0403; Fax: 707.254.0417; email: info@regusciwinery.com; website: www.regusciwinery.com. |
| Silverado Vineyards | 6121 Silverado Trail, Napa CA 94558; Phone: 707.257.1770; Toll Free: 800.997.1770; Fax: 707.257.1538; email: info@silveradovineyards.com; website: www.silveradovineyards.com. Open daily 10-4:30. $$ See website for special tours & tastings. $$ SV |
| Steltzner Vineyards | 5998 Silverado Trail, Napa CA 94558; Phone: 707.252.7272; Fax: 707.252.2079; email: reception@steltzner.com; website: www.steltzner.com. Open daily. OS/Napa Valley, Lake County |
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.
Mount Veeder Sauvignon Blanc has lemon grass, honey dew, hay and citrus peel and ginger spiced aromas. The flavors highlight citrus and honeydew melon.
| Chateau Potelle Winery | 3875 Mt Veeder Road, Napa CA 94558; Phone: 707.255.9440o; Fax: 707.w55.9444; email: info@chateaupotelle.com; website: www.chateaupotelle.com. Open daily 11-5. OS/Napa Valley, Mendocino |
| Peter Franus | PO Box 10575, Napa CA 94581; Phone: 707.945.0542; Fax: 707.255.4149; email: peter@franuswine.com; website: www.peterfranus.com. SV |
| Vinoce | PO Box 324, Oakville CA 94562; Phone: 707.944.8717; Fax: 707.944.0145; website: www.vinoce.com. Tasting Room: 1245 Main Street, Napa CA; Phone: 707.255.7150. website: www.vintnerscollective.com. Open W-M 11-6, Tu by appointment only. $$ OS/Napa Valley |
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 Sauvignon Blanc 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 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.
Oak Knoll District's Sauvignon Blanc has fruit aromas and flavors of citrus, passion fruit and fuji apple with just a hint of jalapeno spice.
| 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. |
| Modus Operandi | 5225 Solano; Napa CA 94558; Phone: 530.219.6199; email: jason@moduswines.com; website: www.moduswines.com. Open by appointment only. OS/Rutherford |
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 Sauvignon Blanc features tropical aromas highlighted by citrus and earth tones. The flavors are complex with minerals, lemon, lime grapefruit citrus, kiwi, gooseberry, green apple, lemon grass, mango character.
| Cuvaison Estate Wines | 4550 Silverado Trail N, Calistoga CA 94515; Phone: 707.942.6266; Fax: 707.942.5732;; Tasting Room: 1221Duhig Road, Napa ; Phone: 707.255.7321; Fax: 707.255.8195. Open by appointment only. ES |
| 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. |
| Roche Carneros Estate Winery | 28700 Arnold Drive, Sonoma CA 95476; Phone: 707.935.7115; Toll Free: 800.835.9475; Fax: 707.935.7846; email: info@rochewinery.com; website: www.rochewinery.com. Open daily 10-6 summer, 10-5 winter |
| Shug Carneros Estate Winery | 602 Bonneau Road, Sonoma CA 95476; Phone: 707.939.9363; Toll Free: 800.966.9365; email: info@schugwinery.com; website: www.schugwinery.com. OS/Sonoma County |
| Tin Barn Vineyards | 21692 Eighth Street East, Suite 340, Sonoma CA 95476; Phone: 707.938.5430; Fax: 707.938.5431; email: wine@tinbarnvineyards.com; website: www.tinbarnvineyards.com. 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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