Chiles Valley is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Napa County, California, United States. It is located in the northeast portion of the county, with the Howell Mountain AVA to its west and Pope Valley on its eastern side. The valley is named after Joseph Chiles, an American settler who originally came to California in a wagon train, led by John Bidwell and indirectly under the auspices of John c. Fremont.
The region is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Franc wines. The typical wine from Chiles Valley AVA is a robust, tannic, and deeply colored red wine. The region's cooling morning and evening fogs contribute to a longer growing season, which benefits its wine production.
The valley experiences less marine influence than the rest of the county and is significantly warmer. This unique microclimate enables the production of high-quality, distinctive wines. The vineyards in the region are on average 600-1200 feet above sea level and are planted in particularly rocky soils.
Apart from being an AVA, Chiles Valley is also a beautiful and serene area with gorgeous views, rolling hills, and abundant wildlife. It’s a quiet place as it’s mostly farmland with a focus on vineyards and some residential areas.
