An appellation is a geographical area recognized for a distinctive combination of soil, climate, and identifiable regional wine character. The word appellation comes from the French Appellation d'Origine Controlee laws, which are laws meant to ensure quality within specific regions of France. These same principles have been used to create American Viticultural Areas (AVA) in the United States.

Appellations

Crystal Springs AVA

The Crystal Springs American Viticultural Area was approved in 2024.

Elevation: 400 – 1,400 feet above seal level. Essentially the lower reaches of Howell Mountain with Calistoga and Saint Helena AVAs below 400 feet and the Howell Mountain AVA above 1,400 feet.

There are approximately 30 vineyards in the Crystal Springs AVA with an estimated 230± acres under vine. It is one of the smallest AVAs in the United States.

The location tends to be cooler than compared to Calistoga or Saint Helena but is not above the fog line and can be windy.

Planted to mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with some Cabernet Franc and the area is know for good water. One unique characteristic is that in creating the new AVA, several acres of the Calistoga AVA were moved into the new Crystal Springs AVA.

There are at least several wineries in the area with the most famous being Viader.