AVAs
Carneros
Vineyards, Carneros region
To the south of the Sonoma and Napa Valleys, the Carneros region of rolling meadows borders San Pablo Bay. Morning mists and cold winds make this one of the coolest appellations, perfect for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which make up the lion’s share of varietals grown here. Grapes take longer to mature here, giving the wines greater subtlety and structure.
Rutherford
Spanning the width of Napa Valley, this AVA is the historical core of the valley and has some of the most fertile soils in the region, as well as many of the region’s most celebrated wineries. It is given predominantly to growing Cabernet Sauvignon and produces muscular, well-balanced wines.
Oakville
Immediately south of Rutherford and likewise known for Cabernet Sauvignons, Oakville produces wines that are typically less robust and somewhat spicier than its neighbor. The slightly cooler climate also favors Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The AVA was put on the map in the 1960s by Robert Mondavi’s famous vineyard.
Dry Creek Valley
Wine estate, Dry Creek Valley
Northwest of Healdsburg, this versatile AVA occupies a compact, narrow valley that produces varietals from Sauvignon Blanc to Semillon and Syrah, grown on small estates. Sangiovese is growing in popularity here as a preferred vine. Most of the wineries are strung along Dry Creek Road, making touring a breeze.
Stag’s Leap District
This AVA, beneath the Vaca mountains on the east side of Napa Valley, leapt to fame when a Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon won the Judgment of Paris. The distinctive reddish soils produce velvety Cabernets whose elegance is often attributed to cool air that funnels in from San Pablo Bay.
Sonoma Valley
This AVA stretches north from San Pablo Bay to Santa Rosa. Many varietals grow well in the alluvial valley and volcanic mountainside soils of the narrow valley, which channels fog from the bay and gradually warms to the north.
Alexander Valley
Although one of the northernmost appellations in Sonoma County, this is also one of the hottest AVAs and combines rich alluvial soils with the ripening power of the sun to produce big, bold Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Merlots. Subtler wines are produced from grapes grown on the cooler hillsides.
Russian River Valley
The cool maritime air filtering up and over the valley dampens the grapes’ sugar content and lends a subtlety and complexity to the wines produced here. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir dominate, and the region is acclaimed for producing some of the best Pinot Noirs in California. Zinfandels are also important.
Yountville
The most southerly of Napa Valley red-wine AVAs and a patchwork combination of soils and climates, Yountville’s cool climate and well-drained, loamy soils produce powerful Bordeaux-style reds. Several red and white varietals thrive here. Its famously high-tannin Cabernet Sauvignons age well.
Anderson Valley
This northern AVA extending up through Mendocino County along the Navarro River is influenced by a cool, foggy maritime climate, with wide diurnal temperature changes. Chardonnay, Riesling, and Gewürztraminers do well, and the region produces exceptional sparkling wines. Grapes are harvested later than in neighboring AVAs.