Archive for June, 2007When you first decide to visit Napa Valley you may well find that the most difficult decision is which winery or wineries you want to visit. This is because there are literally hundreds of wineries in Napa Valley, scattered throughout a 35 mile area that can be broken down into several different regions within that area. Napa Valley, located in Napa County, is just one of the many wine regions in the wine country of Northern California; however, it is certainly one of the most well known. In fact, Napa Valley is thought to be one of the most vital wine growing regions in the entire United States. Some of the most well known wineries in Napa Valley include Chateau Montelena, Beringer and Charles Krug Winery; however, there are many, many other wineries located throughout Napa Valley as well. While wine production in Napa Valley did suffer during Prohibition; following World War II, the wine industry in Napa Valley began to experience an upsurge. Although Coombsville is not an official AVA, it is still highly regarded as a fine wine production region. You will find Coombsville just east of Napa. One of the most distinctive differences between the wineries in Coombsville and those in other areas of Napa Valley is the fact that most of the wineries in Coombsville are family owned as well as family operated. This is a decided step away from the many commercialized operations in other Napa Valley regions. In addition, many of the wineries in Coombsville have been owned by the same residents, who live in the area, for quite some time. The climate in the Coombsville region is somewhat of a cross between what you will find in other regions. Coombsville receives a lot of exposure from the wind and fog of San Pablo Bay, much like the regions to the south. There are many parts of Coombsville; however, that feature temperatures that are warmer and similar in nature to the regions in the eastern hills. The Oakville region has become associated with quality wine in the last several years. Situated in the heart of the wine industry in Napa Valley, there are some 5,000 acres of vineyards stretching throughout this region. This is one of the most popular regions with tourists in Napa Valley. This region, in particular, has become well known and recognized for quality production of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Some of the most widely regarded wineries in the region include Rudd Winery, Dalla Valle, Opus One, Screaming Eagle and Silver Oak Winery. Howell Mountain has been the home of noteworthy wines for a number of years. At first glance, this region might seem to be an unlikely location for such a popular wine region. The Seventh Day Adventist town of Angwin, which is alcohol free, is located quite nearby, afterall. Despite that fact; however, Howell Mountain has become a premier wine region in Napa Valley and is particularly well known for its production of Cabernet Sauvignon wines. The region is relatively secluded; however, this has not prevented Howell Mountain wineries from becoming successful. Even during the early 19th century, there was wine production in the region. Today, a large number of these wineries, which had become little more than ghost wineries, have since been renovated and are in production once again. |