Napa Valley Overview

Napa Valley is the heart of the California wine country. More than 200 wineries call the valley home, making this the most concentrated wine region in the world. The wines produced here are among the industry's best and the landscape of rolling, vine-covered hills is breathtaking. Napa Valley is one of the most popular tourist attractions in California, and world renowned for its wines and a reputation that is larger than its wine production.

Geography

The Napa Valley wine region is located north of San Francisco. Winding roads and hills give way to a flat valley that can be traveled by either highway 29 or the Silverado Trail. Both run its length from the town of Napa in the south to Calistoga in the north. The hills and floor are dotted with gorgeous chateau-like wineries, homes built before the turn of the last century, and acre after acre of manicured vineyards.

Climate

The climate of Napa Valley California plays a big part in the success of its wines. One key player is sunshine. The long growing season is marked by sunny, warm, and dry days followed by cool evenings. Rain is rare during the harvest months, which sets an ideal combination for allowing grapes to ripen slowly.

Dirt

The area has more than 30 different types of soils. The soil for the grape producer is the foundation for success. Just as different kinds of flour and ingredients change the flavor of bread, different soils affect the character and quality of grapes. Vineyard managers match soils to particular varieties, helping them produce world-class wines.

Grapes

The valley's unique climate and soils are ideal for growing fine grapes. The Cabernet Sauvignon for reds and Chardonnay for whites dominate the grapes grown here. Each of these combine to make up for more than half of the total crop harvested. Other important grapes are Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chenin Blanc.

The Wineries

Napa is home to an extraordinary list of famous wineries. Among the most glittering names are Mondavi, Beringer, Caymus, Diamond Creek, Dominus, Duckhorn, Dunn, Etude, Flora Springs, Franciscan, Frog's creek, Harlan Estate, Heitz, Marcassin, Newton, Niebaum Coppola, Opus One, Joseph Phelps, Screaming Eagle, Shafer, Silver Oak, Spottswoode, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, Swanson, and Turley.

Its growers and vintners combine cutting-edge science with traditional techniques. Their reputations for producing excellent wines are firmly established. Today Napa Valley is well equipped to receive its 250,000 visitors a year who drive along its Highway 29 and Silverado Trail. Definitely, this is a drive worth making!

Contributor: Weston James (Chino Hills, CA)

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