Napa Valley history and viticulture

A short history of Napa Valley wine

Wine grapes have been grown in California since before the eighteenth century. The first grapes in Napa Valley were Mission grapes, which were descended from Spanish grapes. Better known for their hardiness and adaptability than for the quality of their wine, they may have grown wild. In the 19^th century, finding the climate and soil of Napa Valley perfect for winemaking, immigrants to California planted other vines to improve the quality and variety. Today, Napa Valley wines are famous all over the world.

Napa Valley wines from a winery near St. Helena

Some of the best California wines come from Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards in Napa Valley. An example of what this winery has to offer is the Éloge, an exclusive blend. The 2008 Éloge comes from a year notable for storms followed by a prolonged frost in spring, a cool spring and early summer followed by sweltering heat later. All this led to a vintage of low yield but high quality — a dark ruby red wine with extraordinary aroms of black cherries, cedar, leather and crushed rocks with a distant hint of smoked meats. It tastes of chocolate-dipped black cherries, currants and plums with toffee, mocha and spices.

Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards has been owned and operated by the Anderson family since 1983. Anderson’s wines are sold online and in five locations in Napa Valley, and many other locations nationwide. By ordering six bottles or more per year, you can join their wine club, giving you discounts on many of their finest wines.