Napa Valley is the most famous viticultural wine area in the United States located north of San Diego in California. The name derives from the native Americans and means house which is the New World home of the Cabernet Sauvignon, which thrives in this region and gives the Napa Valley iconic status. The region's history dates back to the 19th century, but quality wine production began in the 1960s. The climate in Napa Valley is ideal, having vintage-to-vintage consistency and exceptional quality. Napa Valley has 16 American Viticultural Areas AVA withe the most famous including Diamond Mountain District, Los Carneros, Mt. Veeder, Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena and Stags Leap District.The region has various micro-climates, weather and geography, as well as some of the most diverse soils resulting in several premium grape varietals successful production. The dominant grape is the famous "Napa Cab" as the natives call it followed by the Merlot, Chardonnay, Zinfandel (the local red wine star), Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc. Napa Valley is as well the home of the wines which has stood up to their counterparts from France in the historical blind tasting event 1976 Paris Judgment and have proudly triumphed. Since then, the fame of this extraordinary region has become even greater.