Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley (AVA)
  Sign In
Subscribe to our newsletter
Bookmark and Share  


It was a decade in the works, but at long last on April 26, 2004, the “Oak Knoll District” was finally recognized as a distinct sub-appellation of Napa Valley. This 8,300 acre viticultural area (with 3,500 acres under vine) is located toward the southern end of the Napa Valley at a relatively low elevation on the valley floor, making it accessible to the climate-moderating effects of San Pablo Bay. Cooling breezes and coastal fog slow ripening, extending a growing season which can last up to eight months. Oak Knoll’s cooler climate is what distinguishes it from other Napa appellations. The Carneros appellation, located to Oak Knoll’s immediate south, is generally the only place in Napa that can claim a cooler climate. Enthusiastic advocates of the new AVA argue that Oak Knoll strikes the perfect climatic balance, not too warm and not too cool; what petition leader Trefethen Vineyards has coined the “sweet spot”.

In these conditions, a wide range of red and white varieties ripen with the perfect balance of sugar and acid. The area’s reputation for a delicate and restrained style of Chardonnay has notable wineries from neighboring appellations, including Chateau Montelena and Stag’s Leap Cellars, choosing Oak Knoll fruit for their Chardonnays. Perhaps more impressive is that even Riesling has found a terroir niche in this part of Napa. At the other end of the spectrum, the region is located just upland enough to produce some of the Valley’s best reds from Bordeaux varietals. A dozen wineries make their home within the newly delineated viticultural area, but at least another thirty regularly source grapes from Oak Knoll AVA vineyards. Starting with the 2004 vintage, consumers can expect to see "Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley" appearing on wine labels, and begin their discovery of the distinct characteristics of this new appellation.

Current Feature

In the southern Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and Georgia vineyards are small and few, yet the establishment of the Upper Hiwassee Highlands could bring much more.  [>] continue


Appellation Features

[>] see all Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley features (4)

Related Features


 

Best of Appellation

See the best wines of Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley

See the best wines of
Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley

BLUE BOOK PROFILES

Blue Book Taste Profiles for the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley AVA

Pinot Noir

Alive & Well here


Chardonnay: You are the world’s greatest star. Your fame has infiltrated every nook and cranny of the globe, regardless  [>] continue

Correspondent

Alan Goldfarb
is the Regional Correspondent for Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley.

Recommendations

Quick Finds

Appellation Honor Role

Search the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley Wine List

 
select wine style:
select grape:
 

Featured Wines




Buy Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley wines
directly from these wineries

Advertisement



    Help us improve travel information to your favorite region...



Winery Sponsors

Winery sponsors of Appellation America’s coverage of the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley appellation.