
Napa Valley AVA
Napa, North Coast
The Napa Valley in Northern California is not large, approximately 30 miles long and five miles wide, yet is has developed a giant reputation as one of the world’s premier wine regions. Pioneer and settler George C. Yount is credited with being the first to grow grapes in Napa Valley back in the mid 1800s. Commercial production began in 1858 and by the end of the nineteenth century there were more than 140 wineries in the area.
While the region grew, it also had a number of setbacks (Phylloxera louse infestation that killed many vines, prohibition and the Great Depression). Despite the occasional downturns, growers and winemakers persevered. In the mid 1970’s the region took a big step on to the world stage when Napa Valley Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon beat several famous French labels in a blind tasting at the prestigious Paris Wine Tasting in France.
Today there are over 450 wineries that grow grape varieties in the Napa Valley including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Chardonnay just to name a few. Napa Valley has 14 distinct viticultural areas considered sub-appellations of the Napa Valley AVA. The list includes Oak Knoll, St. Helena, Rutherford, Wild Horse Valley and a significant list of others.
Gold Medal Wine Club has featured wines from Napa since 1992. Learn more about our featured wines and wineries from this region below.

Hill Family Estate
A household name and a force to be reckoned with
The word family in a winery name can have different connotations. Some ...
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Vinum Cellars
A unique collaboration between two winemakers to produce a wine range of premium quality wines from key wine growing regions
Vinum Cellars are founded in 1997 by two young first-generation winema ...
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Jacob Franklin Wines
Jacob Franklin Wines is an unqualified success in the boutique sector of Napa Valley’s heralded wine industry.
Ray Coursen is a Vietnam Veteran who managed to put himself through co ...
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Lobo Wines
Focused on growing the best possible fruit, and in turn, making the best possible wines
While attorney Randy Wulff enjoyed a celebrated 20-year legal career, ...
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