Oakville

Oakville is a recognised American Viticultural Area in Napa County in California. The area lies in the southern to central Napa Valley, about 10 miles north-west of the city of Napa. It is roughly two miles wide and extends along the slopes of the Vaca Mountains to about 1,000 feet, and along the Mayacamas Mountains to about 500 feet in elevation.

In the west, broad alluvial fans with a gentle gradient towards the Napa River shape the landscape, while in the east shorter alluvial fans and a more abrupt transition from the floodplain to the Vaca Mountains predominate. The soils include hillside soils, alluvial land and fine-grained river deposits. The moderate Mediterranean climate is generally moderately warm; morning fog, afternoon sunshine and cooling breezes from the direction of the bay influence the growing season. Annual rainfall is about 35 inches and falls mostly in winter and the early spring.

Oakville is particularly associated with Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines are described as fruit-concentrated, tannin-rich and structured, and may have a longer ageing potential. Blends can include Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec; in addition, Zinfandel is documented in a vineyard of the American Viticultural Area.

Between 1878 and 1889, Oakville developed into a wine-growing area after the Napa Valley wine industry had grown. The settlement emerged as a village along the railway line. The American Viticultural Area has been recognised under federal law since 2 August 1993. The designation “Oakville” may be used for wines that meet the applicable requirements; at least 85 per cent of the grapes used must come from the named area.