Napa Valley

Napa Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA)

Though just 30 miles long and a few miles wide, Napa Valley is home to diverse microclimates and soils uniquely suited to the cultivation of a variety of fine wine grapes. Among the internationally acclaimed wines produced in this small region are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Cabernet Franc.

Small place, big reputation

As the first Agricultural Preserve in America, it’s also a region of incomparable natural beauty and winegrowing heritage being preserved for future generations through environmental leadership and community stewardship. Though just 4% of California’s wine grape harvest, Napa Valley is small in size yet big in stature. It was the first American Viticultural Area or AVA to be designated in California in 1981.

Only 2% of the world enjoys a dry Mediterranean climate. In Napa Valley this generous climate provides vintage-to-vintage consistency and exceptional quality that few other winegrowing regions can boast. Because of its unique geologic history, Napa Valley has a remarkable diversity of microclimates, weather and geography, as well as some of the most diverse soils found on earth. As a result, an array of premium wine grapes thrives here.

In spite of its international renown, Napa Valley is one of the smallest winegrowing regions in the world, with only one-sixth the planted acreage of Bordeaux. Nearly all wineries (95%) are family owned businesses. The region’s established viticultural practices result in low yields of high-quality grapes, from which skilled winemakers craft Napa Valley’s renowned wines.

Preserving Land and Community

Long before green and sustainable were buzzwords, Napa Valley became the home of the first Agricultural Preserve in the U.S. in 1968 and today has the most comprehensive and stringent land use and environmental regulations of any winegrowing region. To ensure quality of life for all of the community, the Napa Valley Vintners has invested $200 million to local health, youth and housing non-profits through its annual fundraiser, Auction Napa Valley.

納帕穀的土壤為火山岩土壤，是由玄武岩和其他岩石混合而成的，含有較高的礦物成分，這種土壤成分使得這裏的葡萄園保水性不高，尤其是加州時常乾旱的天氣，導致了這裏的葡萄樹長勢不會旺盛，但根系擴展更深更廣，能吸收更多的礦物質，結出風味更加濃縮複雜的果實，從而釀制出享譽世界的香氣濃郁的葡萄酒。

這裏名莊彙集，美國頂級的“車庫酒”-嘯鷹酒莊（Screaming Eagle）、作品一號（Opus One）、多明納斯酒莊 （Dominus Estate）均來自該產區。