Archive for the ‘Napa Valley Wineries’ CategoryThe 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. Oak Knoll has had a reputation as a fine wine producing region for many generations. You will find Oak Knoll in the southern part of Napa Valley. When you visit this region you will discover that it is typically less crowded than many other regions in the area. One of the reasons for this is the fact that most of the wineries in the region are located off of Highway 29 rather than directly on the highway. This can be a tremendous advantage for the tourist; however, as it typically means that the tasting rooms will be less crowded. The climate in this region is somewhat transitional due to the fact that it receives the cooler winds from San Pablo Bay in addition to the warmer air coming from the North. This area has often been described as a ‘sweet spot,’ a term that was coined by John Trefethen. As a result of the transitional climate a wide variety of different grapes can be grown in this region. In the eastern part of Napa Valley, you will find Carneros. While Napa Valley has certainly become famous around the world in the last thirty years, Carneros has become decidedly unique. While you will certainly find plenty of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Carneros, you will also find plenty of Syrah and Merlot as well. Some of the most well known wineries in Carneros include Talisman Cellars, Etude and Truchard Vineyards. One of the reasons that the wineries in the Carneros region have become so successful is widely attributed to the cooling by the fog and the wind from the San Pablo Bay. Still, you will typically find that compared to numerous other wine regions in California, the weather in Carneros is still rather warm. On the Napa side of Carneros, the weather tends to be warmer than on the Sonoma side. The first local grapes were planted in Rutherford by Thomas Rutherford in the middle of the 19th century. This began the illustrious history of the Rutherford Wineries. The name of this region was derived from Thomas Rutherford, who contributed so much to the history and development of the region. Today, the original land on which those first grapes were planted is owned by Provenance Vineyards, a winery respected in its own right. The Rutherford family held strong ties throughout the Napa Valley wine region as Rutherford married one of the granddaughter’s of George Calvert Yount; Elizabeth Yount. For their wedding present, Thomas and Elizabeth were presented with a large parcel of land in what was at the time a northern tract of Caymus Rancho, belonging to Yount. Significant time, as well as energy, were spent developing the vineyards there and producing wine. As a result of their efforts, the Rutherfords gained a strong following. The weather in Mount Veeder tends to be rainier than the rest of Napa Valley. This is because of the Redwood and Round Creek watersheds. The great majority of the vineyards in Mount Veeder are situated near either Round Creek or Redwood Creek. Due to the abundance of large redwood and oak trees, in this region it is one of the most picturesque in Napa Valley. The startling elevation of the Mount Veeder AVA also contributes to its stunning beauty. The mountainside slopes of Mount Veeder ranges between 400 feet above sea le vel to 2,600 feet above sea level. While a number of regions in Napa Valley receive some protection from the winds of San Pablo Bay, Mount Veeder is more exposed to the winds. As a result, the afternoons tend to be very breezy and far cooler than other areas. This lends well to a long growing season. As you travel through Stags Leap, you will notice that there are numerous notable wineries in this region. As with most regions in Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon rules here; although, you will find some wineries that experiment with other types as well including Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. This is one of the premier regions in the area, consisting of a number of well known wineries as well as family owned and operated wineries. Clos du Val-Originally established in 1972 by John Goelet and Bernard Portet, this is one of the most expansive winery operations in the region as vineyards are also owned by Clos du Val in Carneros as well as Stags Leap. Spring Mountain wineries are situated in the northwestern hills of Napa Valley, directly above St. Helena. Some of the most notable producers in the area include Smith Madrone, Cain Vineyard and Paloma Vineyard. Fantesca Estate-This is a small winery that was originally established in 2002. The winery produces a Chardonnay originating from Carneros and a Cabernet Sauvignon that hails from Spring Mountain. Pride Mountain Vineyards-Established in 1990, by Jim and Carolyn Pride, this family based vineyard has begun what will certainly continue to be a notable family operation. It has been argued that the wineries in Rutherford produce the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the entire state. The well drained soil in the region along with the warm temperatures in Rutherford certainly has made it an ideal location for growing this highly valued grape. Whether or not the wineries in Rutherford truly are the best in the entire state when it comes to Cabernet Sauvignon may be a matter of personal opinion. If you are going to be in Napa Valley; however, you will certainly want to make a stop by at least a few of these acclaimed wineries to find out for yourself. Cakebread Cellars-Although the region itself is known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Cakebread Cellars has earned a reputation based on Chardonnay. Jack Cakebread, owner and founder, has been producing quality wines for more than three decades. When visiting Oakville, you will notice there are a number of wineries worth visiting. Depending on the types of wines that interest you, you may discover that some wineries are more appealing to you than others. Miner Family Vineyards-This vineyard was established by Dave and Emily Miner in 1998. The vineyard is located in the eastern portion of Napa Valley. You will find this vineyard located just off Silverado Trail. The vineyard here is planted with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay. PlumpJack Winery-The PlumpJack Winery was established in the 1990s as part of an investment group. The area that comprises this vineyard was founded originally in 1881; however. During the 1970s it was known as Villa Mount Eden. The majority of the vineyards here are planted in Cabernet Sauvignon. |