Exploring Napa’s Newest Wine Region: Essential Insights and What to Expect Chris Lehoux, November 1, 2024 The Crystal Springs of Napa Valley appellation, nestled in the foothills of Howell Mountain, marks a significant milestone as Napa’s first new AVA in 13 years. Wine enthusiasts will soon come across a fresh regional designation on their favorite wine labels: Crystal Springs of Napa Valley. This new appellation is the first government-sanctioned region introduced since 2011, when Coombsville earned its title as the 16th American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the greater Napa Valley. Predominantly planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Crystal Springs of Napa Valley is located between the St. Helena, Calistoga, and Howell Mountain AVAs. Although this appellation spans 4,000 acres, only 230 acres are dedicated to vineyards. What distinguishes Crystal Springs from its neighboring wine regions is its picturesque hillside vineyards. “This is the only all-hillside AVA situated within the Napa Valley AVA,” stated Steven Burgess, the former owner of Burgess Cellars on Howell Mountain, who led the initiative to establish the Crystal Springs of Napa Valley appellation. “Growing grapes on hillside terrain is more challenging and costly, but the results are evident in the wine.” The rocky and hilly landscape of the region presents obstacles for constructing buildings; apart from Bremer Family Winery, Viader Vineyards and Winery, and Seven Stones, there are limited facilities for wineries in this area. Nevertheless, the appellation boasts 30 commercial vineyards, and many esteemed producers source Crystal Springs fruit, including Abreu Vineyards, Cakebread Cellars, Davis Estates, and Zakin Estate. Before the official recognition of the Crystal Springs AVA, producers had to label their wines under the broader Napa Valley AVA. While Crystal Springs is located in the foothills of Howell Mountain, its growing conditions are distinct from the higher-elevation Howell Mountain AVA. The key difference is the presence of fog: the Howell Mountain AVA is situated above the fog line, whereas vineyards in Crystal Springs often find themselves enveloped in fog. Thanks to the appellation’s marine influence and a prolonged growing season, Burgess observes that Crystal Springs yields intense and complex wines characterized by dark fruit notes and flavors. “The flavors in the glass are predominantly black fruits, including blackberry, currant, cassis, brambleberry, and black cherry, accompanied by graceful tannins,” he explained. “The concentration of flavors is exceptional, attributed to the skin-to-juice ratio… Achieving these robust flavors along with natural acidity and structure is a distinctive feature of this area.” Burgess expresses his hope that the new Crystal Springs of Napa Valley designation will enhance consumers’ understanding of what to expect from the bottle, while also simplifying the selling process for producers amidst a bustling marketplace. When his family initiated their winery in 1972, Napa Valley had only a few dozen wineries; that number has surged to nearly 400 today. “There is a strong thirst for knowledge, and this designation plays a crucial role for some significant wines,” he stated. “Now, any knowledgeable wine buyer or sommelier will recognize the origin, allowing the winegrowers in this area to delve into the finer points of their products rather than having to provide customers with a comprehensive overview of geography, topography, climate, and exposure each time they introduce 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