Chiles Valley

Overview

Chiles Valley is a narrow area of vines in the Vaca mountains on the northeast edge of Napa. The maritime effects of bay breezes do not reach this far north, but the 1,000-foot elevation, the prevailing winds that blow throughout the Valley, and the air currents of the Vaca Mountains themselves help to keep the vines cool. Still, the growing season is relatively short. The principal varieties here are Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, but the wine here is not especially distinguished.