There are but a handful of places on earth where wine grapes grow well. Fewer still are the sites where the wine grapes are truly extraordinary. From this little corner of the world come red wines that have contributed to Napa Valley's international reputation and white wines with equally distinctive attributes. Photo: Summertime view from Chafen Vineyards at Northfork Ranch
Only four percent of the wine grown in California bears the prestigious Napa Valley designation. It is a combination of climate, soils and topography that contribute to the success of farming here. The cooling mists of the Bay meander up the valley to slake the grapes each evening. Volcanic soils restrain the vigor of the vines in such a way as to enhance concentration of flavors in the berries. 
The winery block is situated along the renowned Silverado Trail. The original stagecoach trail actually runs through the winery property. This vineyard is just under two acres in size and planted to Syrah from the Estrella River clone. 
About two miles to the south and east along North Crystal Springs Road, is the vineyard that Scott Chafen calls the "jewel in the crown." Chafen Vineyards is nestled along the southwestern-facing slopes of the Vaca mountain range and overlooks the entire eastside of the valley. Comprising two vineyards situated at 800 and 1200 feet elevations, Chafen Vineyards is planted to a total of twenty two acres of Cabernet Sauvignon in a variety of clones, including Clones 4, 8, 15, 337 and See, as well as Petite Verdot. The soils here are up to thirty percent rock, overlain with sand and volcanic veins, providing optimal drainage and restraining the vines just enough to bring about concentrated flavors.
