
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.

Titus Vineyards
The Titus Family grew and accepted its role as one of Napa Valley’s leading growers.
More than 50 years ago, a young radiologist who was originally from Mi ...
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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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Pono Wines
Filled with a sense of adventure - perfectly 'pono'
To all Hawaiians, pono is a way of life. It’s also a commitment to lea ...
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Sullivan Rutherford Estate
Perfecting the art of making world-class wines, taking them to the next level
Founded in 1972 by James (Jim) O’Neil Sullivan, a visionary and pionee ...
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