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Overview
Experience the distinction of Crystal Springs of Napa Valley AVA, the Napa Valley’s only all-hillside nested AVA, spanning key hillside elevations from 400 to 1,400 feet. Free from valley floor frost and inversion layer influences, these vineyards consistently achieve optimal grape maturity, even in the coolest vintages. Wines from this exceptional terroir are renowned for their elegant dark berry character, refined tannins, and a sophisticated, multi-layered bouquet
>> Download Climate Comparison Chart
About the Region
From 400’ where the region meets the valley floor, to 1400’ where the inversion layer starts, this AVA is science-based and unique. Constant air flow makes it a frost-free region allowing for safe, early bud break leading to extended hang time on the vine. The topography makes for smaller berries and the exposure guarantees maturity. For the leading grape, Cabernet Sauvignon, the terroir makes for darker, higher tannin, complex and opulent wines
Meet the AVA Author
Steven Burgess grew up in the area now recognized as Crystal Springs of Napa Valley AVA. His family’s winery, Burgess Cellars, was part of the notable “Class of ’72,” predating the establishment of the Napa Valley AVA by a decade. Early exposure to the region’s unique climate and terrain, including marked temperature variations between the hillsides and valley floor, shaped his understanding of local viticulture. Steven began working in the vineyards at age 12 and later gained international experience through distributor sales, visiting wine regions in Chile, France, Italy, Spain, and California. His expertise in appellation systems proved essential to his career. Upon returning to the family business in 2005, Steven recognized the need for a distinct AVA for the hillside region. Although work on the proposal began in 2008, progress was delayed by various factors, including his father’s health and passing in 2017. The application was accepted as perfected by the TTB in 2020, and the AVA achieved official status in 2024.
100% Volcanic Soil
While there was never a volcano in Napa, vents deposited the parent material for much of the Vaca Range. Our vineyard soils are parented by tuff, compressed volcanic ash, with outcroppings of andesite lava, basalt, and obsidian. Being all-hillside, our soils retain their pure volcanic heritage, making them perfect for quality wine production.
100% VOLCANIC SOIL
Napa's Only All-Hillside AVA
Unmatched Hillside Vineyards Experience. Our AVA is Napa Valley’s only all-hillside nested AVA, ranging from 400’ to 1400’.
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"Bacchus amat colles. Bacchus loves hillside wines."
NAPA'S ONLY ALL-HILLSIDE AVA
0.04% Exclusivity
​Our AVA has only 230 vine acres. The challenges of establishing a hillside vineyard make it financially daunting and intimidating for potential proprietors. Unlike the valley floor, where approximately 95% of Napa Valley AVA wine is grown, our AVA has a definition. Representing just 0.04% of Californian wine, it stands as a testament to exclusivity and rarity.
RARE & EXCLUSIVE
