Napa Valley’s Coombsville Labeled American Viticultural Area

Napa Valley’s best-kept secret has been exposed. Coombsville, a tiny, surreptitious grape-growing region in the southwest corner of Napa Valley, has been labeled an American Viticultural Area and is the 16th AVA in the region.

Coombsville is home to about 20 wineries, many of which offer exclusive tastings by appointment only. The region provides fruit for some of Napa Valley’s most coveted wines, such as the cabernet sauvignon at Meteor Vineyard.

To qualify as an AVA, the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau must recognize unique geographic features in an area. Coombsville was selected for its moderate climate, which allows grapes to ripen over longer periods of time. The hilly terrain of the region is also rich in minerals that become hot in the summer, perfect for grapes like cabernet sauvignon.

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