Chiles Valley AVA


The Chiles Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area located within Napa Valley AVA, in Napa County, California.
The Chiles Valley is nestled in the Vaca Mountains above the northeast side of the. The appellation has a cooler climate than the main Napa Valley floor due to elevations of 600–1200 feet as well as a cooling breeze from the Pacific Ocean. The most planted grapes in Chiles Valley are Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon blanc.

History

Chiles Valley was named after Joseph Ballinger Chiles, who received the Rancho Catacula Mexican land grant in the 1841. The area was historically a local source for tin, which was mined by residents in the area as of the 1881. Gypsum has also been found in the southern end of the valley.