If you’re planning to visit a Yountville winery, you will have a greater appreciation of the wines you taste once you know a little bit about the historic Yountville AVA. This region is home to some of the best Napa Valley wineries, thanks to a climate that sets it apart from the rest.
Get ready to taste some of the best wines in the Napa Valley wine region that shine in flavor and variety. Wineries including our very own boutique Cornerstone Cellars (our members’ exclusive Yountville Cabernet releases in 2025!) showcase the world-class quality that comes from Yountville vineyards. The wine’s elegance stems from Yountville’s more southerly position, creating specific conditions that serve as a favorable growing area. We invite you to learn more about the significance of Yountville AVA and how its climate has created the ideal conditions for premium wine.
A History of Yountville AVA
To learn more, we travel back to the 19th century. Originally called Sebastopol, the Town of Yountville was renamed after American pioneer, trapper and frontiersman George C. Yount. Mr. Yount was the first American settler in the area and was given land in 1836 by Governor Nicolas Gutierrez. He is known for planting the first grapevines in the area in the1840s and making wine using traditional processes. Mr. Yount would trample grapevines with his bare feet and store grape must in suspended ox skins. After fermentation, the wine was drained and enjoyed.
In the late 19th century and into the early 20th century, Yountville’s production of wine halted. The devastating vine disease Phylloxera along with Prohibition cut supply and didn’t rebound for decades. Flash forward to today, and wine production is soaring. Yountville is home to over one-hundred winegrowers and over twenty winemakers. In 1999, the area was officially recognized as an American Viticultural Area (AVA).
A Gentle Micro-Climate Ideal for Winemaking
Yountville AVA’s climate creates a wine lover’s paradise. Sitting at an elevation of 20 to 200 feet, the land is sedimentary in origin with gravelly silt loams. Because of its close proximity to San Pablo Bay that brings in cool marine winds, the location makes it an ideal environment for the soil that grows the grapes. Drops in temperature at night allow the grapes time to develop bold flavors during the day and retain fresh acidity at night. In the mornings, fog and cooling influence from the bay allow the grapes to stay cool while the sun shines. This gives the wines of this area fresh fruit aromas and a lighter weight.
Wines of Yountville AVA
Yountville AVA’s wines are some of the most desired in California. The cooler growing conditions produce wines with a deep concentration and chunky tannins. Most of the vineyards are planted to produce Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines, with other varieties including Syrah, Petite Sirah, and a few white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. These delicious varieties are perfect to pair with a diverse range of food from scallops to creamy cheeses like brie.
Visiting Cornerstone Cellars in Yountville: A Wine Lover’s Paradise
Tasting a wine from Yountville vineyards is to experience what a cooling influence has on a warm, sunny climate: balance, complexity, and finesse. The area is home to many small production wineries that have made international names for themselves. Cornerstone Cellars is no exception. We’re unique people making unique wines, and our varieties of wine from Pinot Noir to Cabernet Sauvignon hail from acclaimed AVAs across the Napa Valley wine region.
Rooted in Southern hospitality, we welcome each of our guests into our community, giving them an unforgettable experience. In a comfortable and welcoming setting, tasters can select from two unique experiences: our classic Taste of Cornerstone, or our seasonally available Pairings Flight. We even provide culinary supplements as an additional accompaniment to pair with each wine you enjoy.
Make It an Experience to Remember
For your next trip to the wine region, make a visit to Yountville, CA. Visit Michelin-starred restaurants, small-town shops, and relax in incredible natural surroundings. And while you’re there, don’t miss a chance to experience Yountville wine tasting. Book a tasting today with Cornerstone Cellars. Yountville AVA is a place like no other.