With a history
dating back to the nineteenth century, California's Napa Valley wine
region offers ideal soils and climate for growing world-class
wine grapes. Known for its powerful Cabernet Sauvignons as well as
Chardonnays and Merlots, the region's 400 wineries attract 4.7
million visitors each year and have a wide variety of activities related to
wine, food, art, and entertainment.
»»Read the
WGH Travel Guide for Napa Valley
History: To the Wappo Indians who first inhabited the valley, "Napa" meant a
land of plenty. Wild grapes grew in abundance, but it took early
settlers such as George Calvert Yount to recognize the valley's
potential for cultivating wine grapes. After establishing a homestead
in 1836, Yount planted the first vineyards in the valley. The industry
rapidly flourished, and by 1889 there were 140 wineries. The
enactment of Prohibition in 1920 dealt the Napa wine industry a blow
as it did throughout the U.S. Vineyards were abandoned and many
winemakers found other trades during the next 14 years. Prohibition
was repealed in 1933, but it wasn't until the late 1960s that
Napa Valley's wine industry truly began its renaissance. International recognition for its highly-acclaimed wines soon
followed.
Acreage and Production: While it may appear to the casual observer that Napa County is covered
with grape vines, only nine percent is planted in
vineyards (the County encompasses 482,370 land acres, of which 45,755
acres are planted to grapes). The most recognized name in
American wine regions, Napa accounts for four percent of
California's total wine grape crush by volume.
Viticultural Areas and Varieties: In 1981, Napa Valley became the first American Viticultural Area (AVA)
to be established in California. An AVA is a defined grape-growing area
distinguishable by geographic, climatic and historic features, and the
boundaries have been delineated in a petition filed and accepted by
the federal government. Within the Napa Valley are 14 other AVAs with
distinct microclimates and terrains including: Atlas Peak, Chiles
Valley, Diamond Mountain District, Howell Mountain, Los Carneros,
Mount Veeder, Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, Oakville, Rutherford,
Saint Helena, Spring Mountain District, Stags Leap District, Wild
Horse Valley, and Yountville.
AVAs are one
kind of appellation, but not all appellations are AVAs. An appellation
can also be a political designation, such as the name of a country,
the name of a state or states, the name of a county or counties within
a state. More information on AVAs and appellations can be found on the
Wine Institute web site.
The principal
grape varieties grown in Napa Valley include: Cabernet Sauvignon,
Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel.
Climate: Close to the ocean and yet shielded by mountains, Napa Valley has a
temperate climate ideal for both vineyards and visitors. The long
growing season is marked by sunny, warm and dry days followed by cool
evenings, an ideal combination for allowing grapes to ripen slowly and
evenly. Within the Napa Valley viticultural area, the microclimates
are distinctive and dramatic. The mildest temperatures are found in
the Carneros region, which receives fog and marine breezes coming
through the Golden Gate Bridge and then across San Pablo Bay. Farther up
the valley, the Pacific Ocean exerts less influence: temperatures are
warmer in summer and cooler in winter, and rainfall is greater
than in the south. The configuration of hills, exposure and elevation
all work to create distinct microclimates within the Napa Valley
appellation.
Tasting Rooms &
Wineries:
Though just 30 miles long and a few miles wide, Napa Valley is home to
about 400 wineries that produce many world-renowned wines. From
sustainably farmed, architecturally unique, and historic wineries, to
winery art galleries and gardens, and to dog- and family-friendly
wineries, Napa has a winery to meet every preference. For details, go
here.
Attractions:
Napa Valley offers a wide variety of attractions. Take one of many bike tours that combine cycling and wine tasting. Go horseback riding through the hillsides
or take a hot air balloon
excursion at sunrise. A luxurious spa treatment can be enjoyed at a
day spa, or try a mud bath and natural hot springs soak in Calistoga. Visitors can
window shop in downtown Napa or St. Helena, followed by a gourmet
dinner at one of the valley's renowned restaurantsthe French
Laundry, Domaine Chandon, Terra, The Restaurant at Meadowood, Auberge du Soleil,
and many others. Enjoy a cruise on a luxury riverboat, a
gondola ride to a hilltop winery, a gourmet rail experience on the
Napa Valley Wine Train, or a concert. Napa has festivals throughout the year, including the
Auction Napa Valley, Napa Chef's Market, Wine Country Film Festival,
Napa Valley Mustard Festival, and Napa Valley Shakespeare Festival.
Also see:
Visiting Napa Valley |
Sonoma County Wine
Overview |
California's Wine Regions
|
California
Wine Varietals |
How Wine is
Made | Guide
to Winespeak |
How to Taste
Wine
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