Napa Valley (AVA)
 


 ‘Land of Plenty’ is what Napa meant to the region’s original inhabitants, the Wappo Indians. This valley, snug between the Mayacamas and Vaca mountains in Northern California, claims some of the most expensive agricultural land in the world, producing wines of ‘cult’ status. The main ecological factor of the region is the cool wind and fog that is sucked in from San Pablo Bay during the afternoon, cooling the vines. Temperature fluctuations from north to south can vary as much as 15 degrees, even though the valley is only 30 miles long and five miles wide. Due to these climactic differences, Napa Valley has many unique microclimates that have their own AVA designations. With over 300 wineries and 43,000 acres of vines, the Napa Valley AVA is certainly the land of plenty.

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Just as the pending Calistoga AVA remains in controversial limbo, at the other end of Napa Valley, a bitter brawl is underway about not only the naming of an AVA but its boundaries.  [>] continue


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Correspondent

Alan Goldfarb
is the Regional Correspondent for Napa Valley.

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Q: What are the most recognized grapes grown here?
Q: What wines are produced here?

The AppellationAmerica database identifies 2168 wines labeled with the Napa Valley designation.

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Featured Wines

Tudal Winery 2005 Tractor Shed Red The old ’47 Massey Harris looks pretty darn good and this blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Zinfandel is as unique as that old tractor.
buy wine $15.00


Tamayo Family Vineyards 2006 Sauvignon Blanc Citrus and tropical flavors are delightfully complex. Extended sur-lie aging endows this quaffer with a pleasing palate impression.
buy wine $16.00

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