Hand-picked by Joe Wagner, these districts represent the epitome of Napa Valley known for its warm days, cool nights and renowned soils. Every change in climate, elevation and geology adds its unmistakable mark to the character of a Quilt wine. Whether it’s a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Chardonnay, these wines represent the best the Valley has to offer.
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Oak Knoll
These hills flanking Highway 29 provide one of the Valley’s most diverse growing regions. The marine influence from San Pablo Bay is strong here with foggy mornings and cool summer nights. This renowned grape growing location is a rare place in the Napa Valley where it’s warm enough to perfectly mature red varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and cool enough for delicate grapes like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
CLIMATE
Moderate to cool, with marine air and fog often remaining until late morning; afternoon breezes frequently occur, maintaining slightly cooler temperatures than up-valley
ELEVATION
Sea level–800 feet
BEST KNOWN FOR
Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling
Atlas Peak
The highest and most rugged appellation in the Valley, this special spot is as exceptional for its sunsets and awe-inspiring views as it is for its fruit.
CLIMATE
Cool, mountain-influenced with temperatures about 10–15º cooler than the valley floor in summer; above the fog line, there is low day-to-night temperature range, with summer rarely rising above 90º
ELEVATION
60–2600 feet
BEST KNOWN FOR
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay
Oakville
One of Napa’s most renowned appellations, Oakville is officially a two-mile-wide swath of Napa Valley and home to over 50 wineries. The Oakville district was one of the first distinctive wine growing regions within Napa Valley to be officially recognized when it was granted AVA (American Viticultural Area) status in 1993.
CLIMATE
Moderately warm but affected by night and early morning fog; the east side receives more warm afternoon sun
ELEVATION
Sea level–500 feet
BEST KNOWN FOR
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc
St. Helena
The northern heart of the Valley, this narrow strip of land plays host to over 80 wineries and some of Napa’s best hotels, restaurants and shopping.
CLIMATE
Warm due to greater protection from western hills, with less fog and wind; the narrowing of the valley floor provides more heat reflection from the hillsides
ELEVATION
100–700 feet
BEST KNOWN FOR
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, Viognier
Chiles Valley
Rising 600 to 1200 feet and exposed to the cool Pacific breezes, Chiles Valley stays cooler, longer than the valley floor.
CLIMATE
Summer temperatures peak in the mid-80sº, but due to higher elevation and evening fog, drop to below 50º
ELEVATION
600–1200 feet
BEST KNOWN FOR
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Calistoga
The town at the top of the Valley, Calistoga is known for its dining, rustic charm and, of course, wine. For winemakers, it’s a place of extremes, with the most significant day/night temperature swings in all of Napa.
CLIMATE
High daytime summer temperatures give way to very cool evenings from both marine air drawn into the valley and from cold air sliding down the slopes of Mount St. Helena.
ELEVATION
300–1200 feet
BEST KNOWN FOR
Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah
Howell Mountain
Rising to more than 2,200 feet, the imposing Howell Mountain forms the northern boundary of the Valley. Its elevation exposes vines here to cooler winds and fog from San Pablo Bay.
CLIMATE
Slightly warmer and drier due to strong afternoon sun; positioned well above the valley floor and the fog line
ELEVATION
600 to 2,600 feet
BEST KNOWN FOR
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Viognier
Coombsville
Napa’s newest AVA is nestled in the southern foothills of the Valley, only minutes from downtown. Still a bit of a secret, Coombsville is somewhat more low-key than other regions.
CLIMATE
Climate moderated by proximity to San Pablo Bay and the cooling influences of marine air
ELEVATION
100 to 500 feet, with small parcels at 1,000 feet
BEST KNOWN FOR
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah, Pinot Noir
Los Carneros
Los Carneros is the ideal region for our 100% Napa Valley Chardonnay, this district straddles both Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Bordering San Pablo Bay, its subject to cool offshore breezes and rarely reaches temperatures over 80 degrees.
CLIMATE
Cool, with marine winds from the San Pablo Bay as well as the Petaluma Gap to the west; high temperatures rarely exceed 80º
ELEVATION
Sea level to 700 feet
BEST KNOWN FOR
Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay
For Napa Valley Quilt Chardonnay, we layer cool climate Carneros vineyards with slightly warmer Oak Knoll locations to create a balanced, yet classic style. I want the fruitful nature of this amazing region to shine and our philosophy of Quilt has accomplished that goal.