Exploring Napa’s Newest Wine Region: What You Need to Know Chris Lehoux, October 31, 2024 The Crystal Springs of Napa Valley appellation, located in the foothills of Howell Mountain, proudly marks Napa’s first new AVA in 13 years. Wine enthusiasts will soon encounter a fresh regional designation on wine labels: Crystal Springs of Napa Valley. This new appellation is the first officially recognized by the government since 2011, when Coombsville was designated as the 16th American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the broader Napa Valley region. Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon plantings, Crystal Springs of Napa Valley is situated among the St. Helena, Calistoga, and Howell Mountain AVAs. Although the appellation spans 4,000 acres, it features just 230 acres dedicated to vineyards. What distinguishes Crystal Springs from its neighboring wine regions is its unique hillside vineyards. “[This] is the only all-hillside AVA nested in the Napa Valley AVA,” stated Steven Burgess, the former proprietor of Burgess Cellars on Howell Mountain, who spearheaded the federal petition to establish the Crystal Springs of Napa Valley appellation. “Cultivating hillside grapes is more challenging and costly, but the resulting wines are well worth it.” The area’s rocky and undulating landscape presents hurdles for construction; with the exceptions of Bremer Family Winery, Viader Vineyards and Winery, and Seven Stones, winery facilities are scarce. Nevertheless, the appellation boasts 30 commercial vineyards, and several esteemed producers, including Abreu Vineyards, Cakebread Cellars, Davis Estates, and Zakin Estate, rely on Crystal Springs fruit. (Before the Crystal Springs AVA was approved, producers had to label their wines under the broader Napa Valley AVA.) While Crystal Springs is situated in the foothills of Howell Mountain, its growing conditions are distinct from those of the higher-elevation Howell Mountain AVA. The primary difference is the fog: The Howell Mountain AVA is situated above the fog line, while vineyards in Crystal Springs often find themselves enveloped in fog. Thanks to the appellation’s marine influence and prolonged growing season, Burgess observes, Crystal Springs yields wines that are intense and complex, showcasing rich dark fruit aromas and flavors. “[The expression in the glass] primarily reveals black fruits such as blackberry, currant, cassis, brambleberry, and black cherry, complemented by refined tannins,” he explained. “There is an incredible concentration of flavors naturally derived from the skin-to-juice ratio… Achieving such profound flavors with intrinsic acidity and structure is a hallmark of this region.” Burgess expresses his hope that the designation of Crystal Springs of Napa Valley will provide consumers with a clearer understanding of what to expect from the wines they choose, while also facilitating producers in promoting their offerings within a rapidly growing market. When his family established their eponymous winery in 1972, Napa Valley was home to just a few dozen wineries; now, that number has surged to around 400. “There’s a strong demand for knowledge, and this represents a crucial piece for some significant wines,” he remarked. “Now, any informed wine buyer or sommelier will be aware of the origin, allowing the winegrowers in this area to focus on the finer aspects of their product rather than providing customers with an extensive lesson on geography, topography, climate, and exposure every time they showcase a vintage.” About the Author: Chris Lehoux Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored! Wine