Coombsville

Coombsville is an agricultural area located at the southeastern end of the Napa Valley’s famed grape-growing appellation. Since the middle of the 20th century, it has gained recognition for its suitability for slow-ripening Bordeaux varietals such as cabernet sauvignon.^[1]

Terrain and Climate

A geographic area shaped like a “cup and saucer,” Coombsville is characterized by gently hilly terrain formed millions of year ago by shifting masses of earth.^[2] Part of the proposed Tulocay American Viticultural Area or AVA, Coombsville is distinguished from other parts of the Napa Valley by its slightly cooler climate and soil conditions, which are a mix of well-draining river rock and mineral-rich volcanic ash.

History to Present

The area takes its name from Nathan Coombs who purchased the land from Nicholas Higuera's Rancho Entre Napa, an 1836 Mexican land grant. It was out this parcel that Coombs created the city of Napa in 1847.^[3]

Located east of Napa, Coombsville’s agricultural orientation was initially focused on livestock and subsistence farming as opposed to vineyard development. It was only in the mid-20th century that the region began to attract attention from grape growers and vintners, including John Caldwell.^[4]

References

1. ^ Coombsville History, Calwineries California Wines Defined Retrieved on December 2, 2007.
2. ^ Swinchatt, Jonathan, Howell, David. The Winemaker’s Dance: Exploring Terroir in the Napa Valley. (Los Angeles and London: University of California Press). 53-59. ISBN 0520235134
3. ^ A Brief History of the Napa Valley Retrieved on December 2, 2007.
4. ^ Coombsville History, Calwineries California Wines Defined Retrieved on December 2, 2007.