Discovery Series Explores Wines of California’s Napa Valley

Although only 30 miles north to south and a few miles east to west, Napa Valley has a reputation for fine wine that far surpasses its small size. From bold cabernets to crisp sparkling wines, there is something for any wine lover to enjoy.

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Apertifs and Digestifs

Domestic White Wines

Napa Valley Wines

Wines of Chianti

Napa Valley, America’s Premier Wine Region

Napa Valley sign with the Robert Louis Stevenson quote “And the wine is like bottled poetry.”

Napa Valley: A region with a storied past.

Vines were first planted in the Napa Valley by George Calvert Yount in 1839, but it was 22 years before the first commercial winery was established by Charles Krug. By 1889 there were over 140 wineries operating in the Napa Valley, including still-prominent names Beringer and Schramsberg.

Napa Valley, America’s Premier Wine Region

America’s second official wine region.

Napa Valley became the second official American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 1981. Since then, several of the smaller areas in the valley have become distinct AVAs, and now 16 sub-AVAs are nested in the valley and surrounding mountains, from Los Carneros in the south to Calistoga in the north.

Napa Valley, America’s Premier Wine Region

View of Napa Valley with mountains visible.

A unique combination of climate and topography.

Napa Valley is located north of San Pablo Bay. At the south end of the valley, the climate is mild and cool. The farther north one travels the warmer it becomes. Mountains on either side provide vineyard locations at higher elevations with cooler temperatures, making a wide array of wines possible.

Napa Valley, America’s Premier Wine Region

Cabernet is king.

Cabernet sauvignon accounts for 40% of Napa Valley’s annual grape harvest and 55% of its crop value. Depending on where the grapes are grown, the flavors can be reminiscent of blackcurrant, cherries or plums, balanced with an oak spiciness. Cooler regions may exhibit a touch of bell pepper.

Napa Valley, America’s Premier Wine Region

Close-up of chardonnay grapes on the vine, or a tasting room with many different wine bottles on display

Napa: something for everyone.

Napa Valley also grows chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, pinot gris, pinot noir, merlot and zinfandel, among others. The diversity of climates and grapes mean that everything from light-bodied, crisp sparkling wines to bold, oak-driven reds are capable of being produced, and in world-class quality.