Jun 24
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Napa Wine Class
Napa Valley AVA and Its 17 Nested Sub-AVAs: Key Characteristics
The Napa Valley AVA, established in 1981, is the parent AVA that encompasses the entire Napa wine region. It includes 17 federally recognized nested AVAs, each defined by distinct geography, elevation, soil composition, and climate patterns. Below is an overview of each nested AVA in paragraph format, arranged alphabetically.
1. Atlas Peak AVA
Established in 1992, Atlas Peak lies in the Vaca Mountains on Napa Valley’s eastern edge, with vineyard elevations ranging from 760 to 2,600 feet. The region is characterized by volcanic, rocky soils and a cooler mountain climate, with minimal fog due to elevation. It produces grapes with high acidity and structure, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
2. Calistoga AVA
Approved in 2010, Calistoga AVA sits at Napa’s northernmost end. It experiences some of the warmest daytime temperatures in the valley, with strong diurnal temperature shifts at night. Soils are primarily volcanic and alluvial, supporting Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Syrah, which thrive in the region’s heat and well-drained terrain.
3. Chiles Valley District AVA
Designated in 1999, Chiles Valley is located in the eastern Vaca range and sits between 600 and 1,200 feet in elevation. It has a cooler, windier climate than much of Napa Valley and features volcanic and sedimentary soils. The region supports Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay.
4. Coombsville AVA
Coombsville, approved in 2011, is just east of the city of Napa. It has a cool marine-influenced climate with morning fog and afternoon breezes. Soils are largely volcanic ash and alluvium, with vineyard elevations from sea level to 700 feet. Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir are the dominant varieties.
5. Crystal Springs AVA
In November 2024, Napa Valley welcomed its 18th American Viticultural Area (AVA): Crystal Springs of Napa Valley. This marks the region's first new AVA in over a decade, highlighting a distinctive terroir that sets it apart from its renowned neighbors like Howell Mountain, Calistoga, and St. Helena
6. Diamond Mountain District AVA
Located in the Mayacamas Mountains near Calistoga, Diamond Mountain District was established in 2001. Vineyard elevations range from 400 to 2,200 feet with volcanic soils containing volcanic glass (obsidian). The climate is moderately warm and ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
7. Howell Mountain AVA
Designated in 1983 as Napa’s first sub-AVA, Howell Mountain lies above 1,400 feet in elevation, entirely above the fog line. It features volcanic ash and rock soils and a dry, warm mountain climate. The AVA is known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Merlot with firm tannins and high structure.
8. Los Carneros AVA
Shared between Napa and Sonoma Counties, Los Carneros became an AVA in 1983. It is Napa’s coolest subregion, influenced heavily by fog and winds from San Pablo Bay. Soils are clay-rich and shallow, ideal for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wine production.
9. Mount Veeder AVA
Mount Veeder, established in 1993, sits in the Mayacamas Mountains on Napa’s western side, with vineyard elevations from 500 to 2,600 feet. It features sedimentary and volcanic soils, steep slopes, and a cool, marine-influenced climate. Grapes grown include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel.
10. Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley AVA
Approved in 2004, Oak Knoll is located just north of Napa city and is one of the coolest valley floor AVAs. The area experiences morning fog and moderate temperatures, with alluvial and clay soils. It supports a wide range of varieties, especially Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
11. Oakville AVA
Oakville, recognized in 1993, sits in central Napa Valley and is known for its moderately warm climate, with well-drained alluvial fans and gravel-rich soils. It is ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, often blended with Merlot, and sometimes Sauvignon Blanc.
12. Rutherford AVA
Established in 1993, Rutherford is located just north of Oakville. The area has balanced warmth, alluvial benchland soils, and a growing season that favors Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. It is known for the term “Rutherford Dust,” referring to a signature earthy tannin profile.
13. Spring Mountain District AVA
Approved in 1993, Spring Mountain lies in the Mayacamas Mountains above St. Helena. Vineyards sit between 400 and 2,600 feet, on steep, forested slopes with volcanic and sedimentary soils. The climate is cooler and wetter, supporting Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay.
14. St. Helena AVA
Recognized in 1995, St. Helena lies at the north end of Napa’s valley floor. It has a warm climate, with alluvial soils and low rainfall. The region supports Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, and Syrah, producing full-bodied wines with bold fruit.
15. Stags Leap District AVA
Stags Leap District became an AVA in 1989. Located just east of the Napa River, it benefits from warm days and cool nights due to the narrow corridor between the Stags Leap Palisades and San Pablo Bay. Soils are volcanic and river sediments. The region is best known for Cabernet Sauvignon with firm structure and soft texture.
16. Wild Horse Valley AVA
Approved in 1988, Wild Horse Valley is a high-elevation, cool-climate AVA straddling Napa and Solano counties. Vineyards sit between 600 and 2,130 feet and experience consistent bay breezes and volcanic soils. The AVA supports Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and occasionally Syrah.
17. Yountville AVA
Designated in 1999, Yountville lies in the southern valley floor, near San Pablo Bay. It has a cooler climate with morning fog and a long growing season. Soils are gravelly loam and clay, and it is known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay.
Breakdown of Napa Valley's 17 nested AVAs
This breakdown of Napa Valley’s 17 nested AVAs demonstrates the diversity of climate, soil, and elevation within the parent Napa Valley AVA, making it one of the most complex and respected wine regions in the world.
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