Test your Wine Knowledge - Napa Valley AVAs

Napa Valley AVA

• Predominant Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc.
• Winemaking: Known for powerful Cabernet Sauvignons, rich, buttery Chardonnays, and well-structured Merlots. Winemakers often use oak aging to add complexity.

Stags Leap District

• Predominant Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot.
• Winemaking: Famous for elegant and sophisticated Cabernet Sauvignon with soft tannins. The region’s unique terroir imparts a distinct silky quality to the wines.

Oakville

• Predominant Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot.
• Winemaking: Renowned for producing some of the world’s finest Cabernet Sauvignons. The wines are known for their rich flavors, firm tannins, and ability to age gracefully.

Rutherford

• Predominant Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel.
• Winemaking: Produces robust, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignons. The region’s “Rutherford Dust” terroir contributes to a unique earthy quality in the wines.

Yountville

• Predominant Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot.
• Winemaking: Yountville AVA is known for its diverse microclimates, leading to a wide range of wine styles. The Cabernet Sauvignons are structured yet elegant.

Calistoga

• Predominant Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah.
• Winemaking: The wines from Calistoga are often intense and full-bodied. The warm climate is ideal for producing ripe, fruit-forward Cabernet Sauvignons and Zinfandels.

St. Helena

• Predominant Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel.
• Winemaking: St. Helena is known for producing powerful and richly flavored Cabernet Sauvignon. The area’s warm days and cool nights contribute to the complexity of the wines.

Howell Mountain

• Predominant Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot.
• Winemaking: Howell Mountain wines are known for their robust structure and deep flavors. The higher elevation results in a longer growing season, which imparts additional complexity to the wines.

Mount Veeder

• Predominant Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot.
• Winemaking: The wines from Mount Veeder are notable for their balance and elegance. The rugged terrain and cooler climate result in wines with great depth and acidity.

Spring Mountain District

• Predominant Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc.

Diamond Mountain District – Predominant Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot. – Winemaking: This region produces wines with high tannins and concentrated flavors, due in part to the volcanic soil. The Cabernet Sauvignons from Diamond Mountain are known for their longevity and robust character.

Atlas Peak

• Predominant Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot.
• Winemaking: The higher altitude and cooler temperatures of Atlas Peak create a unique environment for grape growing. The wines typically have higher acidity and a more restrained fruit profile.