Archive for July, 2007The wineries of Atlas Peak in Napa Valley are situated along the eastern hills. This region has become revered for red grapes that are full-bodied such as Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Within Atlas Peak, you will find a number of premier wineries including Cobblestone Vineyards, Dominari, Ardente Winery and Atlas Peak Vineyards. The sunny, elevated climate of Atlas Peak has allowed the wineries in this region to be less affected by the morning fog that is quite common to the valley floor. The cool winds that come in from the Bay ensure that the acidity in the grapes in Atlas Peak is high. When visiting the area, you will find that the temperatures in Atlas Peak are somewhat cooler than on the floor of the valley. This is due to the southern location and elevation of Atlas Peak. As a result, Atlas Peak wineries are able to enjoy an extended growing season. Compared to other regions in Napa Valley, harvest time in Atlas Peak can be as much as two weeks later. On the western side of Napa Valley, on the Mayacamas Mountains, you will find the Spring Mountain wineries. There are approximately two dozen vineyards and about 20 wineries located in this region. The dramatic landscape of this region is the perfect backdrop for wine tours. One of the most interesting aspects of Spring Mountain is its unique microclimate. In fact, the climate in Spring Mountain is quite different from what you will find on the floor of the valley. The marine breezes blowing in frequently help to cool the area throughout the day, creating a blend of acidity and tannins that are quite remarkable. While fog frequently settles on the floor of the valley during the night, this is less of a problem in Spring Mountain. As a result, the nights are often warmer; leading to the production of red grapes which are fuller bodied. St. Helena has become known not only for producing fine wines but also for being the business center in Napa Valley. If you are traveling to the area and looking for accommodations, this area is certainly worth considering. The picturesque town is home to some 6,000 residents and features some of the most beautiful wine country in the area. In addition, you will have the opportunity to tour some of the most prestigious wineries in the entire state of California. The warm climate in St. Helena has contributed to its development as a premier wine region. Most of the wineries in St. Helena produce wines that are Cabernet Sauvignon based and do so with tremendous success. Some of the most well known wineries in St. Helena include Charles Krug, Beringer and Vineyard 29. Situated directly in the heart of the Napa Valley wine region, Oakville experiences some of the best weather in the area with days that are warm and sunny. The soils in the area, which are comprised of gravelly loan, are particularly well drained; allowing vintners in the area to produce some of the best wines in the area. More than 90% of the land in the region is planted with vineyards ranging from a number of Bordeaux varietals as well as Sangiovese, Syrah and Zinfandel. Although the warm temperatures and sunshine of the region are common in the Northern Napa Valley, the Oakville climate is somewhat cooler than Rutherford, which is situated to the north. While Cabernet Sauvignon is certainly one of the king crops in Oakville, you will find that it receives somewhat less dominance in Oakville than in Rutherford. Opus One, one of the premier wineries in Oakville, is home to one of the most famous Cabernet blends in the entire state. If you are planning a stay in Napa Valley, you may wish to make your accommodations in Yountville. You will find a number of luxurious options in Yountville as well as a variety of boutique shopping options. As a result, this is one of the most popular regions in Napa Valley among tourists. Most of the wineries in this region have developed right along with the town. If you had visited the region twenty years ago, you would have found only a handful of wineries. In the last few years a number of changes have come to this part of Napa Valley. As a result, this area has also experienced tremendous development. |