Coombsville Gets Uncorked: The Napa Region is Becoming Its Own AVA

View from Meteor Vineyard in Coombsville

Coombsville has long been known as one of the best and most diverse grape growing regions in Napa Valley by winemakers and insiders, and it’s about to become the next hotspot for visitors in the know. The closest point in Napa Valley to San Francisco (bordering downtown Napa and only 14 miles from the bay), Coombsville is made up of vine-covered hills called “rolling benchlands," and is on the cusp of officially being deemed its own AVA (American Viticultural Area).

Why is it important that the land on which these historic (prior to 1870), family owned wineries get certified as an AVA? Because it will provide a powerful and unique identity in the industry, grant specific recognition to their volcanic soil and history and officially put them on the map of respected grape growing regions worldwide. The distinction between Coombsville and other Napa sub-AVAs like Rutherford may not be quite as clear as that between Bordeaux and Champagne in France, but is equally important.

The variances in climate and soil, from region to region, gives grapes and wines entirely different characteristics and flavors and have as much to do with the finished product as any winemaker or winemaking process. Many consumers choose their wines based on the area where the grapes are grown, while others choose wines based on winery, winemaker, flavor or even price. But in the end, whether it’s higher prices or more complex flavors, it all comes back to the vine and the dirt where it was planted… the AVA.

For San Franciscans, Coombsville means saving time, driving less, tasting a ton of different wines and coming home with the bragging rights to say that you knew the families in Coombsville and were drinking their wines before they were even an AVA. Be sure to call ahead as all tastings are custom and private and although everything in Coombsville is close together, you should consider getting a limo or driver, as these country roads are not as easy to navigate as Highway 29.

Here's a list of wineries to visit in Coombsville, only a few of many in this soon-to-be Napa AVA.

Meteor Vineyard is sharp, architecturally stunning and makes high-priced but luscious wines. It's been selling the finest grapes to the most famous winemakers for many years.

Sciandri Vineyards is the essence of a family vineyard. This small winery boasts amazing views, a killer cab at a reasonable price, and will treat you like family as you sit at the picnic tables outside their house and look down at the ponds, rolling hills, and picturesque expanse of Coombsville.

Porter Family Vineyrds makes a bold Cab and popular Chardonnay, among other tasty varietals, and has an elegant tasting room deep in their hillside caves.

Sodaro Estate Winery: has a brand new tasting room in their caves with a Tuscan feel, Italian architecture, beautiful valley views and a very relaxed and subtle nature. The wines and branding are sharp yet playful.

Farella Vineyard is owned and operated by mover and shaker, Tom Farella, the main man behind the Petition to get Coombsvelle it’s own AVA certification. He is well known for his wines and this is a backwoods, down to earth tasting room, which is surrounded by barrels stacked to the ceiling.

Palmaz, which we covered in January, should not be missed.

Great article- but you left out 2 amazing boutique producers! Tournesol and Ancien are among the most impressive of the Coombsville AVA. Ancien specializes in beautiful Burg-like Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays while Tournesol makes the most exquisite Cabs and Bordeaux blends. Agreed that Palmaz and Caldwell also rock.

By Ilse (not verified) on December 17, 2011

I agree with several of the other comments about Ian giving us a heads up on new and exciting places to visit. I especially appreciate the suggestion to call ahead and consider a driver who can handle the roads. Sounds like the next place to visit! Thanks Ian. Love your writing style too. I already feel like I'm there when reading your column and get a very vivid picture of what I might expect.

By Esther C. (not verified) on April 11, 2011

Great to see that the Coombsville region is finally getting some notice! We've been here since 1994 when we purchased our 16 acre vineyard planted all in cabernet. I remember when we first bought it, some of our upvalley friends told us that you couldn't produce a good cab from a region so far south in the Valley -- I guess that myth is finally debunked now! Looking forward to meeting future Coombsville visitors!

By Lauren Ackerman (not verified) on April 11, 2011

Thank you Ian for coming out to see us, and letting everyone know what a great time they can have in Coombsville! Looking forward to meeting you all.

By Tim Porter (not verified) on April 08, 2011

It was a pleasure to meet Ian and we would like to thank him for such a wonderful article.

By Sciandri Family (not verified) on April 08, 2011

Mad props to both Coombsville and Ian White. This soon to be AVA boasts amazing wines that have a great distinction from their Up Valley counterparts. If you lean toward Old World styles and unique varieties - I highly recommend you plan a trip to this region. Maritas was my first introduction to the region and I was hooked at first sip!

By Amy Seese (not verified) on April 08, 2011

We at Daviana Winery are excited for the gentle awakening of our quiet viticultural area in Napa Valley. Nice write up Ian. Set along the winding country backroads of Coombsville area we are not open to the public but focus on direct sales and wine club membership for our Cabernet Sauvignon and blends thereof. Check us out at www.davianawinery.com

By Debbie D. (not verified) on April 08, 2011

We are proud to be one of those other wineries in cool Coombsville (pun intended): www.maritasvineyard.com. Be sure not to miss our tastings page. Coombsvile is the ideal place for a quality Napa Valley experience that is still largely undiscovered. Cheers!

By MARITA´S VINEYARD (not verified) on April 08, 2011

Great article and information! As others have said Ian is totally on point and I agree with Caldwell as a visit. Some of Napa's finest wineries have sourced fruit from that vineyard. Pahlmeyer, Phelps, Viader,etc.

By Jamie (not verified) on April 08, 2011

This is breaking news about Coombsville coming of age. Congrats to the Napa 7x7 reporter for giving us the scoop first.

By Lynne (not verified) on April 08, 2011

I'm loving this new Napa Valley Insider page. Ian is always on the spot, keeping up with all the current happenings in our little valley. Way to go!

By Tom Fuller (not verified) on April 07, 2011

Hands down the highest quality bottle out of the Coombsville area is Tournesol. Exquisite!!

By Anonymous (not verified) on April 07, 2011

As a tour guide in the valley that has been professing the Coombsville area for years, you certainly left a lot of wineries in that area off your list, Primarily, the not to be missed Caldwell Vineyards. Do not go to the area without stopping there (by appointment). They have varietals there that NO ONE else is doing in the valley!

By paul (not verified) on April 07, 2011

It's about time somebody starts talking about Coombsville...it's one of the best parts of Napa! Anyone visiting Coombsville should check out John Anthony Lounge in downtown on the way out of the valley and sample their Coombsville Cab...they're open LATE!

By andre (not verified) on April 07, 2011

I love Coombsville wines. We will be carrying more of them at Spencer and Daniel's in SF. Typical Napa quality w/o the large price tag. I particularly like the wines from Sciandri and Farella.

By Dan Braun (not verified) on April 07, 2011

Great info. Thanks. I've heard of a couple of these wineries but did not know they were located so close together nor anything about the Coombsville ava. Planning a trip now!

By Bob McCall (not verified) on April 07, 2011

Very cool. I will have to visit the next time I go to Napa.

By Anonymous (not verified) on April 07, 2011