Base map via the TTB AVA Explorer Map
On October 16, 2024, the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) of the United States approved the Crystal Springs of Napa Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA). The new AVA is located in California’s Napa County and lies entirely within the previously established North Coast and Napa Valley AVAs.
According to the original petition—submitted in 2020 by Stephen Burgess on behalf of Burgess Cellars and other wine growers in the area—the defining characteristics of the Crystal Springs of Napa Valley AVA include the area’s topography, climate, and soil. These features are discussed below.
Topography: The Crystal Springs of Napa Valley AVA is tucked into the western face of the Vaca Range. The petition describes the area as “all hillside” with no flat areas. Elevation ranges from 1,400 feet asl at the northern border (where the new AVA abuts the Howell Mountain and Calistoga AVAs) to 400 feet asl at the area’s southern boundary (shared with the St. Helena AVA). Slope angles range from 15% to 40% and are generally west-to-southwesterly in aspect, thus increasing the amount of solar radiation received (in comparison to north- and east-facing slopes).
Climate: The all-slope topography of the Crystal Springs of Napa Valley AVA also lends its most distinctive climate features. These include the abundant sunshine (as measured by solar radiation), the lack of the risk of frost, and the subsequent long ripening season. According to the petition, every other AVA in the area has a significant risk of frost and often require interventions such as those offered by orchard fans, heaters, sprinklers, or misters.
Base Map via the TTB Explorer Map
This part of the Vaca Range consists mainly of volcanic bedrock. Topsoil, while often quite thin and diverse in parent materials, is largely made up of igneous rock but also includes compacted volcanic ash as well as other weathered metamorphic and sedimentary soils.
The Crystal Springs of Napa Valley AVA covers a total of approximately 4,000 total acres, with 230 acres currently planted to vineyards. There are approximately 30 commercial vineyards located within the region. The leading grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Sauvignon Blanc.
When the Crystal Springs of Napa Valley AVA is brought into force—on November 15, 2024—the total number of AVAs in the United States will be 275. Of these, 154 will be in California, and 18 will be in Napa County.
Welcome to the world, Crystal Springs of Napa Valley AVA!
References/for more information:
Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org