79% of Napa Valley vineyards are devoted to red grape varieties, with Cabernet Sauvignon getting the lions share (over 24,000 acres!). They also plant Merlot, Pinot Noir and a little bit of Zinfandel.
- Cabernet Sauvignon
Gaining fame after the 1976 Judgement of Paris, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world's most well-known wines.
The morning fogs and well draining soils make it the perfect environment for this grape to ripen. Expect dark fruits and spice when young and see the wine smooth out as it ages.
- Pinot Noir
Grown in the cooler area of Napa, such as Los Carneros, this is the second most common red grape.
Expect jam and spice flavours.
- Merlot
Very good value for money, often grown alongside Cabernet Sauvignon for blending.
Similar to Cabernet Sauvignon in style.
- Zinfandel
Often grown on Napa's oldest vines, this grape shows off Napa's soils beautifully!
Loved for being deliciously smoky.
Napa Valley is very family focused, with over 90% of the wineries being family owned.
