
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.

Porterhouse Winery
Porterhouse Winery is a prime example of the ability to grow itself into a top-caliber brand.
One usually refers to a porterhouse as an exceptionally fine cut of st ...
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Whitehall Lane Winery
Whitehall Lanes' New Team Hits the Ground Running
San Francisco wine merchant, Tom Leonardini, had just a casual interes ...
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Bravante Vineyards
Bravante Vineyards has gained the coveted status of being 100% estate grown, produced and bottled.
Neither George nor his wife-to-be Nancy had any idea a trip to Napa Va ...
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Lawer Estates
Guided by respect for the land and the people that work it, David and Betsy have built an incredible legacy
Founded by Alaskan couple, Betsy and David Lawer, Lawer Estates produc ...
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