In August 2003, Chateau Montelena filed an application with the Federal Government to designate Calistoga the 15th American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Napa Valley. Though long recognized as a distinct wine-growing region, Calistoga is the last township of the Napa Valley without this special designation. The proposed borders of the AVA will encompass about seven square miles, ranging in elevation from roughly 300 to 1200 feet, housing a number of acclaimed wineries and vineyards, including Chateau Montelena and the Montelena Estate vineyard.

As the farthest district of the Napa Valley from San Pablo Bay, Calistoga receives less of the moderating maritime influence than its neighbors to the south. Because of this, Calistoga has a greater differential between higher daytime and lower nighttime temperatures than those areas closer to the Bay. These growing conditions are ideal for many red grape varieties, especially Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, because the heat of the day produces grapes with intense color as well as rich berry flavors, and the cold nights preserve the natural acid levels and structure critical to a balanced wine.

The elevation on the valley floor increases as the valley extends north, reaching about 300 feet above sea level around Calistoga. This elevation difference between Calistoga and the southern end of the Napa Valley also helps to contribute to the region’s earlier growing season, since rising temperatures throughout the valley in early spring create an updraft of this warmer air towards Calistoga. With an earlier start to the growing season, Calistoga grapes are ready to harvest sooner than the same varieties grown elsewhere in Napa Valley. This factor can be especially significant for the quality of late-ripening varieties, like those in the Cabernet family, during cooler vintages.

The district’s elevation has also played a role in the composition of soils in the area, as over time the Napa River has washed finer sediments south toward the Bay, leaving behind coarser, more gravelly deposits around Calistoga. The base of Mount St. Helena is composed largely of volcanic soil types, adding to the complexity and distinctiveness of the area’s wines. When grown in well-drained soils with less capacity for water retention vines produce fewer and smaller berries that have more concentrated flavors.

Federal approval of our application would allow wineries within the proposed borders to add the term ‘Calistoga’ to the current ‘Napa Valley’ appellation designation on their labels. “Good wines take on the very essence of where they are grown and produced, from the aroma to the lingering flavor on the palate,” explained owner and vintner James Barrett. “Therefore, it makes sense that the distinct wine-growing regions of California are reflected in name on the bottle so consumers have a sense of the origin of the wine they are enjoying.”