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Howell Mountain

Napa Valley · Above the Fog
42Wineries
Cabernet SauvignonSignature
Napa ValleyRegion
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Best Varietals
Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Bordeaux blends
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Peak Season
Aug - Nov
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Region
Napa Valley
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Known For
Cabernet Sauvignon
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🤓 Did You Know?
Howell Mountain was Napa Valley's very first sub-appellation, established in 1983.
Cabernet Sauvignon Zinfandel Bordeaux blends

Why This Region Matters

Howell Mountain was Napa's first sub-AVA, and it remains one of its most distinctive. Rising above the fog line on the eastern Vaca range, these high-elevation vineyards bask in sunshine while the valley floor below sits under morning fog. The result is intensely structured, tannic, age-worthy Cabernet with mountain-grown concentration and a signature firmness.

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Cabernet Sauvignon Country
Howell Mountain was Napa's first sub-AVA, and it remains one of its most distinctive.
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Distinctive Climate
At 1,400 to 2,200 feet, Howell Mountain sits above the fog line, so the vines see more even sunshine and less daily temperature swing than the valley floor.
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42 Wineries
42 producers in Howell Mountain are catalogued on Wino Notion, from boutique family estates to established names.
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Part of Napa Valley
Howell Mountain is a distinct sub-region within Napa Valley, with its own character worth seeking out on any visit.

Climate & Terroir

At 1,400 to 2,200 feet, Howell Mountain sits above the fog line, so the vines see more even sunshine and less daily temperature swing than the valley floor. Volcanic ash and red iron-rich soils stress the vines, yielding small, concentrated berries with formidable tannic structure.

Visiting Howell Mountain

Howell Mountain is remote and forested, centered loosely on the hamlet of Angwin. The town of St. Helena lies down the mountain to the west.

Wineries in Howell Mountain

See all 45 Howell Mountain wineries →

🗺 Wino Notion Visitor Tip
Howell Mountain rewards a focused visit. Howell Mountain is remote and forested, centered loosely on the hamlet of Angwin. Call ahead, many of the best estates here are by appointment only.
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More Howell Mountain Guides

Best WineriesBudget GuideDog-Friendly WineriesFirst-Time Visitor GuideFood and Wine PairingHarvest SeasonHidden GemsRomantic GetawayWeekend GuideWine Tasting Guide

Howell Mountain Planning Guides

AVA GuideCouples GuideDog-Friendly WineriesFirst-Timer GuideFood and Wine PairingHarvest SeasonWine Buying GuideWine Tasting Guide

More on Howell Mountain

Best Wineries on Howell Mountain, Napa Valley

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Howell Mountain known for?

Howell Mountain was Napa's first sub-AVA, and it remains one of its most distinctive. Rising above the fog line on the eastern Vaca range, these high-elevation vineyards bask in sunshine while the valley floor below sits under morning fog.

What is the climate and terroir of Howell Mountain like?

At 1,400 to 2,200 feet, Howell Mountain sits above the fog line, so the vines see more even sunshine and less daily temperature swing than the valley floor. Volcanic ash and red iron-rich soils stress the vines, yielding small, concentrated berries with formidable tannic structure.

What is it like to visit Howell Mountain?

Howell Mountain is remote and forested, centered loosely on the hamlet of Angwin. The town of St. Helena lies down the mountain to the west.