Situation on the northern end of the San Francisco Bay, 30 miles from the Pacific Ocean, is the most famous wine district int he United States. This small area valley has produced some of North America’s finest wine since the 1850s. Today, Napa Valley contains approximately 45,500 acres of vineyard property along the alley floor, int he foothills and in the mountains surrounding the main valley.

The unique aspects of the Napa Valley vineyard landscape has been determined mostly by the great richness and variety of its geology, soil types, topography, and microclimates. All of these factors greatly affect viticulture and are very sought-after conditions for grape farming. Napa Vally was recognized as an American viticultural establishment in 1981 and the subsequent establishments of 13 sub-appellations within Napa Valley are evidence of such diversity.

What’s remarkable about Napa Valley is that the area has survived and maintained a remarkable continuity int he face of market forces, vine pests, diseases, and American Prohibition. These cycles and challenges have provided opportunities for innovation and improvement within the American viticulture, particularly in Napa Valley.

The extreme diversity of the 33 district soil sections which have evolved from bedrock components as attributable to the complex interplay of the Valley’s varied topography, biological resources, and climate. The inherent small size of the Valley accentuates effects of its topography in relationship to the climate changes.

Due to the wide range of viticultural conditions and lack of governmental controls over grape varietal selection, Napa Valley is home to a wide range of grape varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

The Napa Valley wine industry strictly adheres and engages in sustainable and environmentally sound practices for their farming and wine production. The Code of Sustainable wine growing Workbook offers plenty of sustainable practices as well provides a slef-assessment tool that allows the farmers to review their practices and identify areas in which they can improve.

Napa Valley is a very interesting modern-day viticulture site with different variables affecting the conditions under which grapes are grown and processed. With the combination of Mediterranean climate and gvpography as well as the geology of the region, great tasting and great quality wine grapes are harvested to produce gorgeous wines.