Howell Mountain

Overview

Howell Mountain is a large AVA on the eastern edge of Napa. The vineyards are planted on the Howell Mountain tabletop, and the land is flat but high in elevation, between 1,400 and 2,200 feet. The region was well known in the nineteenth century, but the presence of the Sevneth Day Adventists in the region meant an especially slow recovery after Prohibition. In recent years growth has been faster, and the Howell Mountain AVA was approved in 1983.

The soil here is volcanic and though it drains well, it is not very deep. On the main growing plateau the soil is more red and stony. Irrigation is common here, as the land is too dry to produce much volume otherwise. The most famed variety from the region is Cabernet Sauvignon, but Howell also produces excellent Zinfandel and Chardonnay.