![]() There are also varying microclimates throughout the valley.įog is a climatic factor that affects the way that grapes ripen in this region. Spring is temperate with a rainy period early in the season. Winters are typically mild with rainfall. Similarly, there are warm, dry days and cool nights in the autumn. The area sees long, hot, and dry summer days with cool evenings. The Vacas help protect vineyards from the intense heat of the Central Valley in the east and the Mayacamas help block cooler marine influences from the Pacific Ocean in the west. In addition to providing an array of aspects, elevations, and slopes for grape-growing, these mountains play an important role in influencing climatic conditions. Napa Valley is sandwiched between two mountain ranges: the Vaca to the east and the Mayacamas to the west. From there, the wine region runs northwest about 30 miles to the town of Calistoga, where summer days can sizzle and reach temperatures of 100✯ or higher. ![]() Winds from San Pablo Bay and the Petaluma Gap help keep this end of the valley fairly cool. Located about 50 miles north of San Francisco, Napa Valley’s southern end starts in its namesake city of Napa. While Napa Valley is mostly known for its prodigious Cabernet Sauvignon production, growing conditions are favorable for a wide range of grapes, from warm-weather varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc to cool-weather ones like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Studies have shown that Napa Valley contains more than 100 different maritime, volcanic, and alluvial soil variations.Ĭlimatic conditions fluctuate dramatically throughout the region’s 30-mile stretch, particularly during the summer when there can be a 10º to 15✯ difference from one end of the valley to the other. ![]() There is extraordinary diversity in the region’s soils. The area’s topography has many dips and peaks, ranging from sea-level valley floors to mountain vineyards with elevations that rise up over 2,000 feet. At about one-sixth the size of Bordeaux, Napa Valley is a relatively small but diverse region.
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