American Viticultural Area · CA
Mt. Veeder
Mt. Veeder is a federally-designated American Viticultural Area in CA, established in 1990. The map below shows its official TTB boundary alongside nearby AVAs.
The Mt. Veeder boundary is highlighted. Nearby AVAs are rendered in gray — click any of them to view that AVA's page.
At a glance
Established
1990
State
CA
Climate
Mountain Mediterranean
Signature varietals
Boundary recorded in 27 CFR Part 9 · Source: TTB
About the Mt. Veeder AVA
Mt. Veeder, designated 1990, is a rugged mountain AVA in the Mayacamas Range along the western edge of Napa Valley, southwest of the city of Napa. Vineyards climb steep, forested slopes from roughly 500 to 2,600 feet, on thin sedimentary and volcanic soils that drain quickly and hold little water. The combination of elevation, poor soils, and slope produces very low yields and small, intensely flavored berries. Mt. Veeder sits within the Napa Valley AVA and within North Coast.
Cabernet Sauvignon is the defining variety, joined by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and some Zinfandel and Chardonnay. Mountain-grown Mt. Veeder Cabernet is known for dense, firm tannins and a savory, structured character that contrasts with the softer, fruitier profile of valley-floor fruit. Because much of the AVA sits above the fog line and faces away from the afternoon sun on its higher western exposures, the growing season is long and ripening is slow and even.
Nearby AVAs
Other American Viticultural Areas closest to Mt. Veeder — useful when a vineyard sits inside more than one AVA at once.