Mount Veeder AVA

This appellation is part of the larger napa valley ava and encompasses 15,000 acres on 2,677-foot Mount Veeder, which is west of the town of Yountville and is part of the Mayacamas Mountains that divide the Napa Valley and sonoma valley. The appellation was approved in 1990. The climate in this area differs from the floor of the Napa Valley because of the fog on the valley floor, the thermal layers created, and the altitude of the vineyards. The result is more sunshine but generally cooler daytime temperatures and warmer nighttime conditions. Mount Veeder AVA straddles the Region I-Region II growing areas (see climate regions of california), depending on the atmospheric conditions of a particular year. cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay do well and are widely planted, along with small amounts of zinfandel, sauvignon blanc, merlot, syrah and viognier.