Californiawithin Napa Valley
Howell Mountain
Napa's first mountain AVA — powerful, volcanic Cabernet above the fog line.
Est. 1984
History
Howell Mountain, established in 1984, was the first federally recognized sub-AVA of Napa Valley — a milestone that defined the mountain wine movement. The AVA sits above the fog that blankets the valley floor, exposing vines to intense sunlight by day and cold mountain air at night. Jean Adophe Brun and Jean V. Chaix first planted vines here in the 1870s, and the mountain's wines won medals at the 1889 Paris World's Fair [1]. The volcanic soils produce Cabernet Sauvignon of massive structure, deep color, and firm tannin — wines built for long cellaring.
Dominant Varietals
, , Merlot
Notable Producers
- · Dunn Vineyards
- · La Jota
- · Howell Mountain Vineyards
- · Lokoya
- · O'Shaughnessy
Culinary Tradition
Mountain-grown Cabernet's firm tannins and brooding intensity call for robust, fat-rich preparations — braised short ribs, venison, or charred bone-in cuts.
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