Howell Mountain · Napa4.4 · 118
CADE Estate Winery
California's first LEED Gold Certified estate winery sits at 1,850 feet on Howell Mountain.
Reservation
$$$From $100
Howell Mountain Wineries
2 wineries to explore|Known for Cabernet Sauvignon
About Howell Mountain
Howell Mountain was Napa's first sub-appellation (1983) and its first mountainous nested AVA. At 1,400 to 2,500 feet, vineyards sit above the fog line with more sunshine hours than the valley floor, producing intensely concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon with firm structure and remarkable aging potential.
Howell Mountain was one of the first sub-regions in Napa Valley to be recognized as distinctive, earning its AVA status in 1983. Sitting above 1,400 feet on the eastern side of the valley, its vineyards rise above the fog line into constant sunshine, producing intensely concentrated wines.
The volcanic soils, high elevation, and ample sunlight create Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots of remarkable power and structure. Howell Mountain wines are known for their dense, chewy tannins and flavors of dark fruit, iron, and mountain herbs.
Top Experiences in Howell Mountain
- CADE Estate Winery — LEED Gold-certified winery at 1,800 feet with current-release tastings
- Outpost Estate Winery — organic vineyard at 2,200 feet with educational tastings
- Experiencing the dramatic flavor difference between mountain and valley-floor wines
Local Tip
Howell Mountain roads are winding and steep — allow extra driving time. Most wineries here are by appointment only. The mountain's thin, nutrient-poor volcanic soils stress the vines, which is exactly what produces the intense concentration in the wines.
Known For
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel
Terroir
Volcanic red clay soils above 1,400 feet with full sun exposure above the fog line
Best Time to Visit
Late spring through fall; limited winery access — plan ahead
Wineries in Howell Mountain
2 wineries to explore — sorted by rating, verified wineries first.
Howell Mountain · Napa4.9 · 46
Burgess Cellars
Burgess Cellars operates three regeneratively farmed vineyards on Howell Mountain from a 19th-century site.
Reservation
$$$From $75Preview
Where to Stay Near Howell Mountain
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