Issue No. 1

A passion for quality winemaking, combined with the drive to protect the land and community is what sets Napa Valley apart.

The valley’s combination of diverse soils, ideal climate and varied terrain are perfectly suited for growing a wide variety of fine wine grapes. Vineyards are intentionally farmed to produce low yields of the highest quality. Throughout the growing season, vines are carefully managed to ensure optimal fruit development. In the fall, grapes are harvested mostly by hand and often at night to preserve fresh fruit flavors.

Napa Valley is the most renowned winegrowing region in the United States and also one of the smallest, producing a mere 4% of California’s annual wine grape harvest. The wineries are small, too, with 80% making fewer than 10,000 cases of wine annually and 95% are family owned. Although small in size, the Napa Valley wine industry has a big impact, creating more than 300,000 U.S. jobs and providing a $50 billion annual impact on the American economy.

It’s not just the land that makes Napa Valley special. A history of leadership has also shaped this winegrowing region. From America’s first Agricultural Preserve to development of the Napa Green Certified Land and Winery programs to the $170 million given to area nonprofit organizations, Napa Valley’s vintners and growers are committed to cultivating excellence.