The name Ilona originated in ancient Greece. Over the centuries and through many countries it evolved into Elaine,
my mother’s name."
– Catherine Eddy, Owner
Ilona Howell Mountain Vineyards



Ilona Howell Mountain, Napa Valley


For details on the current vintage of Ilona Howell Mountain : Please click here.

Vineyard Profile:
The Ilona vineyard is located near the middle of the Howell Mountain appellation in the Napa Valley. Some of the most powerful, intense "boutique" red wines out of California are grown in this area, situated in the northeastern hills of the valley. The Ilona vineyard is small - only 10 acres - with very little slope, and is nestled meadow-like on an otherwise rugged terrain.

The Ilona Vineyard sits at an altitude of 1,800 feet and is comprised mostly of compacted volcanic ash called "tufa rock", which provides an extremely stressed environment for the grapes.

The planting was done in 1996 on resistant rootstock using a close vertical trellis system. The primary varietal is Merlot, along with other grapes from the Cabernet family. Row orientation was designed to take advantage of the varying sun angles, especially during the final maturing process.

At that altitude, temperatures in the vineyard remain cool in the spring, delaying bud-break by up to four weeks. Despite this, nights are warmer than on the valley floor, so some of the growing time is recovered, and harvest in the Ilona Vineyard is ultimately just a few weeks later than the valley below. The lengthened hang time adds to the complexity of flavors and aromas in the resulting wine.