RELATIONSHIPS
A deeper look at fog: Napa’s north and south and mountain vineyards: points for comparison
Read geography, grape resources, and production processes separately.
plan (flat surface)
Bay, valley, and the inflow of cool air
Cross-section.
Valley floor, fog layer, mountain vineyards
Wine
Both ripeness and winemaking
This is a schematic diagram summarizing the main text. It does not represent production areas or quality rankings. Sources and reference materials
FIELD NOTE 01
On the plan view, consider the distance from the bay.
Draw an arrow from the south of the valley pointing inland to show the cold air and fog entering from the San Pablo Bay side. Showing just the place names in north-south order reveals less than illustrating where the cooling effect comes from. Because valley widths and slope orientations differ, distance and temperature do not have a simple linear relationship.
FIELD NOTE 02
In the cross-section, the layer of fog
Vertically arrange valley floors and mountain vineyards, drawing the layer of morning fog. Howell Mountain and Atlas Peak have high-elevation vineyards that rise above the fog. While the valley floor is covered in fog, the mountains may get sunlight, so you should revise the explanation that 'higher always means colder.'
FIELD NOTE 03
Connect ripeness and winemaking
Ripening of Cabernet requires sunlight and moderate warmth, and fog affects vine growth. However, harvest timing, skin extraction, and aging barrels also impact the resulting wine. When taking notes for comparison, separately list the conditions of the vineyard and of the winemaking, and show what is corroborated by sources.
Also examine the position relative to the fog layer, sunlight exposure, and slope orientation. Cooling effects cannot be explained by elevation alone.
PAUSE & REFLECT
Check your understanding.
Can differences in mountain wines be explained solely by the temperature drop with increasing elevation?
Read the explanation ＋
Also examine the position relative to the fog layer, sunlight exposure, and slope orientation. Cooling effects cannot be explained by elevation alone.
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Write what you have learned, your reasoning, and what you still need to confirm.
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View saved notes →Sources and reference materials
These are the reference materials for the main text. For details of production regulations, consult the current documents. For individual wine specifications, refer to materials for the relevant vintage.
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