Wine in the Rolling Hills
The eastern portion of Napa Valley is filled with spectacular rolling hills and a mountainous terrain. While this kind of terrain is not as commonly seen as prime wine-making land, the rolling hills of Napa Valley are home to many well known wineries as they produce excellent grapes. These eastern locales are generally quieter than their valley counterparts and are great choices for those who prefer to avoid the crowds.
With climates that vary widely from those found down in the river valley, the eastern regions support a different range of grapes. Indeed, the differing weather brings out the fruity flavors that wine enthusiasts particularly enjoy. The beautiful scenery can't help but attract visitors from right around the world and it is not unusual to see tourists visit these areas just to take in the stunning scenic beauty. Each area has its own unique flavor and style.
Chiles Valley
A long, thin valley hidden high in the eastern Vaca range, Chiles Valley is home to a rather unique climate and a special blend of soil. It has a secluded location and is an excellent place to spend a quiet vacation in Napa Valley without the hustle and bustle of the highly populated Silverado Trail. The climate and soil that prevail in the Chiles Valley offer vintners a chance to force Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon vines to produce some of the most complex fruits possible.
Howell Mountain
With a very hot climate Howell Mountain is the ideal place to grow coveted Zinfandel grapes. Sheltered in the middle of Howell Mountain is the famous Seventh Day Adventist Academy located in the town of Angwin. Another attraction sure to delight visitors is the Robert Lewis Stevenson State Park which is located a short drive away from Mount St Helena.
Atlas Peak
A quiet locale located in the mountains to the east of Stag's Leap, Atlas Peak is very well known for its hearty Sangiovese, fruity Chardonnay and complex Pinot Noir. While it has a climate that is quite warm, there is a strong cooling breeze from the nearby river and bay. It is this cooling atmosphere that keeps the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from over ripening and loosing their flavor.
Wild Horse Valley
When you go off to the southeast, you come to Wild Horse Valley, which features a rather large number of small lakes that are unusual for such a high lying locale. Because it is situated relatively close the to mouth of the Napa River, Wild Horse Valley enjoys refreshingly cooling breezes. It has predominantly gravelly soil making the land perfect for varieties of grapes that are slow-ripening such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
