Howell Mountain Wineries
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.
VerifiedBurgess Cellars
$$$A heritage producer in Napa Valley, crafting elegant wines with a commitment to sustainability.
VerifiedCADE Estate Winery
$$$$CADE Estate Winery: Where luxury wine meets environmental stewardship.
Where to Stay Near Howell Mountain
All Napa hotels →
HotelAuberge du Soleil
Luxury hotel in Napa Valley with stunning views and exceptional on-site dining.
HotelMeadowood Napa Valley
Luxury hotel in St. Helena, offering a serene estate experience with exceptional spa and dining.
Explore More of Napa Valley
Discover neighboring regions, each with its own character and wines.
St. Helena
St. Helena is Napa Valley's wine history in concentrated form — home to the oldest continuously operating winery (Beringer, 1876) and California's first tasting room (Charles Krug, 1861). Main Street's walkable mix of tasting rooms, restaurants, and the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone makes it the cultural heart of upper Napa.
Rutherford
Rutherford is the birthplace of the 'Rutherford Dust' concept — a distinctively earthy, cocoa-like tannin quality in Cabernet Sauvignon coined by legendary winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff. Home to some of Napa's most historically significant estates including Inglenook (1881) and Beaulieu Vineyard (1900).
Oakville
Oakville sits at the crossroads of Napa Valley's most important wine influences — warm enough for powerful Cabernet Sauvignon but cooled enough by bay fog for remarkable finesse. It is home to the legendary To Kalon vineyard (established 1868) and some of Napa's most iconic producers.
Calistoga
Calistoga is the only Napa Valley town where world-class wine tasting meets natural hot springs, mud baths, and a geyser — all within a few miles. Its volcanic soils and mountain-ringed microclimate produce some of Napa's most bold and concentrated red wines.