Howell Mountain AVA
This California AVA was approved in 1984 and was the Napa Valley ava’s first subzone. It’s located northeast of the town of St. Helena in the Napa Valley, where the hillside vineyards range between 1,600 and 2,200 feet in elevation. The lack of fog at this level allows the vines more hours of sunshine during the day and more warmth at night. The elevation also allows Howell Mountain to remain as much as ten degrees cooler during the day—these reasonably warm temperatures put Howell Mountain AVA into a region II category (see Climate Regions of California). The area’s plentiful sunshine is perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel grapes; Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot are also grown.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.