Los Carneros is the southernmost AVA of the world renowned Napa Valley wine region. Situated north of San Pablo Bay and nestled below Mount Veeder, its fortuitous geography and unique microclimate yield critically acclaimed wines one vintage after the next. Carneros Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are highly sought after by wine aficionados and critics alike. While Carneros wineries deliver remarkable wine tasting experiences and breathtaking vineyard views to match.
In the 1830s, the Mexican government controlled the region. Back then it was largely encompassed by ranches and dairies. Some of the latter can still be found in Carneros today. Though vineyards now dominate the region, around 8,000 acres of vines to be exact.
Carneros’ current success would not have been possible without General Mariano Vallejo who, from the 1830s through the 1840s, began awarding large plots of Los Carneros land to friends and families. He played an essential role in the establishment of many Napa Valley AVAs, as three of these original Mexican land grants make up the Los Carneros AVA today.
Los Carneros AVA: Climate, Soil & More
The marine breezes and fog rolling in off the nearby San Pablo Bay heavily influence Los Carneros, resulting in a cooler climate relative to the rest of the valley. The AVA receives the lowest rainfall in Napa Valley, averaging 24 inches (61 cm) annually. During summer, temperatures are more moderate and rarely exceed 80°F (27°C). There is also less diurnal temperature difference in Los Carneros since it sprawls across low rolling hills at 700 ft (213 m) above sea level.
Soils in the Los Carneros AVA are predominantly sandy loam over clay with more loam and alluvial soils amongst the hillsides. They’re generally shallow with a hard clay subsoil that prevents vines’ roots from digging deep into the earth. Consequently, yields are more restrained and wines are more concentrated.
Notably, one unique characteristic of Los Carneros is that it’s not a nested AVA of Napa Valley. Meaning it’s not solely a Napa Valley subregion. Instead, the Los Carneros AVA spans across both Napa and Sonoma. The area in Napa is typically referred to as “Los Carneros,” while the Sonoma portion is simply called “Carneros.”
Main Grapes of the Los Carneros Wine Region
The cooler climate and limited temperature fluctuations from day to night make the Los Carneros AVA ideal for growing varieties that thrive in these conditions, such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. In fact, these are the three most planted winemaking varieties in the region.
Carneros Chardonnay is quite dynamic, showcasing powerful yet elegant and vibrant characteristics with a marked mineral quality. While Carneros Pinot Noir displays a rich, round body with a concentrated, intense core of ripe red cherry flavors. Additionally, this Napa Valley AVA is also where many of the wine region’s most esteemed sparkling wine houses source their grapes for sparkling wine production. In recent years, Los Carneros has become increasingly recognized for Merlot production. This Bordeaux variety thrives in clay soils, especially in the warmer pockets of the AVA.
The Best Los Carneros Wineries to Visit
Carneros’ breathtaking views of sprawling hillside vineyards paired with countless award-winning wines make this region a must visit destination for wine lovers. As an added bonus, it’s the first AVA most visitors pass through on their drive up from southern California or major airports in San Francisco, Oakland, and Sacramento. Moreover, visitors get the best of both wine country worlds since Carneros encompasses Napa and Sonoma. Here are a few of my favorite wineries for you to discover while you’re here.
Anaba Wines
Anaba Wines is a family-owned winery located in the Sonoma portion of Carneros. This is a world-class wine estate producing sustainably made Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rhône-inspired blends. Founder John Sweazey started on a different path pursuing computer sales after studying business at Stanford University. A transformative European adventure in a VW van opened his eyes to the world of wine and his dream to create an ‘everyman’s Pinot’ was born.
You’ll find the same warm, inviting hospitality at Anaba Wines as that which John first fell in love with on his wine travels in Europe. They have a stunning tasting room, but for the best experience be sure to book a tasting on their expansive outdoor patio with sweeping views of the surrounding Carneros wine region. We adored their Grenache Rosé and all of the Pinot Noirs we tasted offered something special. Anaba also has an assortment of dining selections that change monthly, wood-fired pizzas in the summer, and a bocce ball court for some friendly competition.
Learn more about Anaba wine tasting experiences here.
Domaine Carneros
For bubbly lovers, there’s no better Carneros sparkling wine destination than Domaine Carneros. You’re bound to pass by the magnificent domaine reminiscent of prestigious Champagne houses while driving on Carneros Highway 12 between Napa and Sonoma. The celebrated Champagne Taittinger founded Domaine Carneros in 1987, giving you an idea of the superior quality of California sparkling wine awaiting you. From savoring a flight of sparkling wines on their gorgeous terrace overlooking the scenic rolling hills of Carneros, to caviar tastings, a behind the scenes sparkling winemaking tour, and more, Domaine Carneros has an array of elevated experiences to make your trip to Carneros one to remember.
Discover my Domaine Carneros wine tasting experience here.
Scribe Winery
Scribe winery is nestled along the northern border of Carneros on the Sonoma side of the AVA. Managed by fourth-generation California farmers and brothers, Andrew and Adam Mariani, Scribe produces vibrant, terroir-driven wines on a property that pioneered pre-prohibition Sonoma Valley winemaking. Tasting experiences are held at their historic Hacienda and formerly included a 5 course tasting menu of small plates made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to savor with each wine. Currently, only members of their Scribe Viticultural Society can book reservations to visit Scribe farm. I recommend trying some of their wines and then deciding if joining is right for you before making the leap and booking your visit. Though I’m a huge fan of their wines, especially their Sylvaner.
Learn about my Scribe Winery tasting experience at their Hacienda.
Bouchaine Vineyards
Bouchaine Vineyards is the oldest continuously operating winery in Carneros whose vineyards were originally planted in the 1880’s. They aim to craft exuberant California wines expressive of the Carneros terroir with elegance and finesse. With a selection of over 20 wines made from an assortment of varieties, they offer something for every palate. Whether relaxing on their gorgeous terrace with a glass of wine, savoring a summer sunset tasting, or connecting with friends over a glass of wine in the garden, Bouchaine Vineyards is sure to be an enjoyable wine country escape.
Schug Estate
Schug Estate has been crafting noteworthy Carneros Pinot Noir for over 40 years. Originally founded by Walter Schug, who was the founding winemaker at Joseph Phelps and instrumental in elevating Napa Valley on the world stage, the family-owned winery is led today by Walter’s children and German-American winemaker Johannes Scheid. Learn more about the winery or book a classic wine tasting or cave tasting experience here.
Cuvaison
Founded in 1969, Cuvaison has remained an independent family-owned winery for over five decades. They’re dedicated to making premium wines express of the Los Carneros AVA from their acclaimed state vineyards. Cuvaison was one of the pioneering wineries which helped form the modern era of Napa Valley winemaking. I’ve heard exceptional things about their wines and I’m personally dying to experience one of their exquisite wine tasting offerings. I will report back once I do!
Etude Winery
Etude Winery is an original Carneros winery established in 1982. Their founding winemaker Tony Soter was fascinated with Pinot Noir. He recognized the incredible potential for Burgundian varieties in the cool-climate terroir of the region early on. Today, Etude Winemaker Jon Priest carries on his legacy of vineyard-first winemaking working with seven different Chardonnay clones and eight Pinot Noir clones suitable for the estate. They’ve since expanded into working with vineyards in other AVAs. So, visitors can expect to dive deep into the Carneros terroir and also learn how five different growing regions influence the delicate Pinot Noir variety. Learn more about visiting Etude winery here.
