Howell Mountain AVA

Located within Napa Valley AVA in the Vaca Mountains on the northeast side of Napa Valley and overlooks the town of St. Helena
First sub-appellation of Napa Valley, approved as a designated American Viticultural Area in 1983
Most vineyards in the Howell Mountain AVA are planted between 1,400 feet (430 m) and 2,200 feet (670 m) above sea level, well above the elevations in Napa Valley
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
The soil in the appellation is volcanic with excellent drainage
In the pre-Prohibition era , Zinfandel was king here
The majority of vineyards are now planted to Bordeaux varieties, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc
Chardonnay, Cabermet Franc and Merlot are also grown here