At the heart of the larger [Napa Valley AVA](/ava/napa-valley-ava), Yountville lies directly south of [Oakville](/ava/oakville-ava) and to the west of [Stags Leap District](/ava/stags-leap-district-ava). Its enviable location affords it the benefit of a unique, relatively cool microclimate allowing the grapes that are grown here plenty of time to develop rich flavour compounds whilst retaining natural acidity. For this reason, Yountville’s vineyards are a source of fruit for many prestigious wineries beyond its bounds as well as those stationed within the AVA. Approximately half of the appellation’s three-thousand-two-hundred hectares are planted to vine with the majority of plots occupying sites on the valley floor and some western vineyards at higher elevations in the Mayacama Foothills. [Cabernet Sauvignon](/cabernet-sauvignon) is by far the most dominant grape, accounting for almost three-quarters of production. Fellow [Bordeaux](/region/bordeaux) varieties, [Merlot](/merlot), [Cabernet Franc](/cabernet-franc) and [Petit Verdot](/petit-verdot), along with small quantities of [Syrah](/syrah), [Sangiovese](/sangiovese) and [Pinot Noir](/pinot-noir), make up the majority of the remainder, and there is a tiny amount of white wine produced here, mostly from [Sauvignon Blanc](/sauvignon-blanc) and [Chardonnay](/chardonnay). Established as an AVA in 1999 on account of its unique geology and microclimate, Yountville is home to a number of [California’s](/region/california) big names such as Domaine Chandon as well as some lesser known, small production wineries which are themselves establishing a reputation for excellence. The bold, deeply concentrated wines produced here are known for their balance, texture and ability to be laid down in the cellar for a decade or more.