Howell Mountain AVA

Howell Mountain AVA ( American Viticultural Area or Howell Mountain, recognized since December 30, 1983, revised February 27, 1987) is an American Viticultural Area in the U.S. state of California and is part of the regional Napa Valley AVA. Located in the Vaca Mountains to the northeast of the Napa Valley wine region is located above the town of St. Helena, Howell Mountain AVA was the first official sub-region of the Napa Valley AVA, when it was given the status of an American Viticultural Area in 1987.

The majority of the vineyards of Howell Mountain at an altitude of 420 m and 670 m. Although the area thereby not benefiting from the cooling effect of the rising of the bay of San Pablo fog, the effect of the amount sufficient to alleviate the heat. The soil of volcanic origin, is very porous and its ability to store heat days is low. This results in the wine region is a marked difference between day and night temperatures, which ensures an adequate acidity of the grapes and the wine is a good structure.