The Magic of Napa Valley

The Magic of Napa Valley

Wine is successfully produced in a wide variety of locations, from chilly Canada to hot Algeria. There are thousands of winegrape varieties, each preferring its own ideal growing environment. But there are just a few “magic terroirs” worldwide. By that term we refer to special locations that are home to the world’s finest wines and cannot be duplicated elsewhere.

France’s Burgundy, Germany’s Rhine and Mosel Valleys, and Italy’s Piedmont spring to mind. But this listing of the world’s greatest winegrowing regions would also include California’s Napa Valley. Napa Valley wine is easily on a par with the world’s finest. But the big surprise is that almost every variety grows spectacularly well in Napa Valley. In Burgundy it’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; in Germany it’s Riesling; and in the Piedmont it’s Nebbiolo. But in Napa Valley it’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel—you name it.

There is no other location anywhere in the United States that matches Napa Valley’s unique terroir. And it can’t be chalked up to any single factor.

Napa Valley’s Unique Climate

This picturesque valley runs from warm Calistoga in the north to cool Carneros in the south. It represents almost the entire climate spectrum for winegrowing. Morning fog is common throughout the valley but predominates in the south. Mid-valley, at St. Helena, Rutherford, and Oakville, is home to America’s greatest Cabernet Sauvignons, some fetching hundreds of dollars a bottle.

And then there are the mountains that line both sides of Napa Valley. Vineyards climb up to elevations above 1,400 feet. These sunny locations above the fog line enjoy the coolness of elevation. Here Cabernet Sauvignon takes on a mineral character that’s quite distinct from the plush wines of the valley floor.

Napa Valley is America’s premiere wine producing region and is not duplicated anywhere else in the world. Its vineyard sites are the most expensive in the world and it’s no surprise that Napa Valley wines are more expensive than other excellent wines from other regions. They’re worth it!