Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley AVA

This relatively cool AVA created in 2004 is mostly on the valley floor, south of Yountville and Stags Leap but north of the city of Napa. As in Carneros, San Pablo Bay breezes cool the area at morning and night, yet daytime warmth is plentiful. Trefethen is one of its oldest wineries; Robert Biale, Lewis Cellars and Monticello Vineyards are also notable. Merlot grown here is promising, and Biale’s Zinfandels are legendary.