Oak Knoll, Napa Valley

The newest of Napa Valley’s AVAs (American Viticultural Area) was formally recognized on April 26, 2004. This 8,300 acre viticultural area (with 3,500 acres under vine) is located toward the southern end of the Napa Valley. It is just north of the city of Napa and is bisected by Highway 29.

It is at a relatively low elevation on the valley floor, making it accessible to the climate moderating effects of San Pablo Bay to the south. Cooling breezes and coastal fog slow down the ripening process, thus extending a growing season that can last up to eight months.

Oak Knoll’s cooler climate is what distinguishes it from other Napa appellations. The Carneros appellation, located to Oak Knoll’s immediate south, is the only place in Napa that can claim a cooler climate. Enthusiastic advocates of the AVA argue that Oak Knoll strikes the perfect climatic balance -- not too warm and not too cool. This is what petition leader Trefethen Vineyards has labelled the “sweet spot”. In these conditions a wide range of red and white varieties ripen with a perfect balance of sugar and acid.

The area’s reputation for a delicate and restrained style of Chardonnay has notable wineries from neighboring appellations, including Chateau Montelena and Stag’s Leap Cellars, choosing Oak Knoll fruit for their Chardonnays. Perhaps more impressive is that even Riesling. A cool climate white grape, has found a terroir niche in this part of Napa.

At the other end of the spectrum, the region is located just upland enough to produce some of the Valley’s best reds from Bordeaux varietals. Both Opus One and Joseph Phelps, two ultra premium producers, source some of the fruit for their Cabernets from the district. A dozen wineries make their home within the viticultural area, but at least another thirty or so regularly source their grapes from Oak Knoll AVA vineyards.