Oakville Ranch Vineyards

We met Shelia Gentry at a wine event in Omaha a couple of years ago and joined the wine club, but had not visited the winery yet. We saw Sheila at another event in April and decided to visit the winery. We have made four trips to Napa/Sonoma as well as visits to wineries in Australia, New Zealand, and other areas of the U.S. and visiting Oakville was hands down the best winery experience we have ever had out of the dozens of wineries we have visited. There were several reasons for this: -The property itself. We were given an ATV tour of the grounds. The winery is on the first range of mountains on the east side of the valley and it's incredibly beautiful. -The wines. All the wines were excellent, but the Cab Francs stood out. We love Cab Franc and these were the best we've tasted. Shelia opened up the library and we sampled the 2010 and 1998 Francs which were stellar. What was shocking is that most wineries charge a premium for the library wines, but the 1998 and 2010 were the same price as the 2019. I've included photos of the wine and the cheese tray which matched the wines in it's quality and depth. The last and most important element is the staff at Oakville, highlighted by Shelia Gentry. We learned more about winemaking during the tour and the tasting than we have on any other tour we have ever taken. More significantly, Shelia really connected us to the process of winemaking. To really appreciate that great wines come from loving each individual vine and that great winemaking might be the most personal form of agriculture. If you're looking to experience great wines and spend time with people that truly love what they do, visit Oakville Ranch.

The tour of the property and explanations Sheila gave regarding growing and winemaking were one of a kind! This place is magnificent and the wine tasting was next level. Off the beaten path for sure…..

Most amazing experience in Napa. Took 2 clients here to celebrate a special occasion. Gorgeous, immaculately kept property with phenomenal views of the valley. As soon as we stepped out of our vehicle we were immediately met by General Manager Shelia (and her big smile!). The hospitality provided by our host could not have been more gracious and welcoming. She kept us engaged with her humor and knowledge throughout the tour and private tasting. Everything was outdoors and physically distanced, we felt very safe as we toured the vineyards and relaxed on the terrace by the pool. The wines were also extraordinary! From the refined Chardonnay to the perfectly balanced Cabernets, they were ALL delicious. I wish now Id bought one of each to bring back home. We thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience and hope to come back soon- thank you Shelia!

We had a wonderful experience at Oakville Ranch, great wines, beautiful scenery, very hospitable - we were treated like royalty!

What a wonderful wine.

Really nice place

We met Shelia Gentry at a wine event in Omaha a couple of years ago and joined the wine club, but had not visited the winery yet. We saw Sheila at another event in April and decided to visit the winery. We have made four trips to Napa/Sonoma as well as visits to wineries in Australia, New Zealand, and other areas of the U.S. and visiting Oakville was hands down the best winery experience we have ever had out of the dozens of wineries we have visited. There were several reasons for this: -The property itself. We were given an ATV tour of the grounds. The winery is on the first range of mountains on the east side of the valley and it's incredibly beautiful. -The wines. All the wines were excellent, but the Cab Francs stood out. We love Cab Franc and these were the best we've tasted. Shelia opened up the library and we sampled the 2010 and 1998 Francs which were stellar. What was shocking is that most wineries charge a premium for the library wines, but the 1998 and 2010 were the same price as the 2019. I've included photos of the wine and the cheese tray which matched the wines in it's quality and depth. The last and most important element is the staff at Oakville, highlighted by Shelia Gentry. We learned more about winemaking during the tour and the tasting than we have on any other tour we have ever taken. More significantly, Shelia really connected us to the process of winemaking. To really appreciate that great wines come from loving each individual vine and that great winemaking might be the most personal form of agriculture. If you're looking to experience great wines and spend time with people that truly love what they do, visit Oakville Ranch.

I cannot express what an amazing time we had at Oakville Ranch- well I guess I can because I'm writing a review?? My bf and I wanted to head to Napa for a few days and do something a little different than your typical tasting in a large tasting room on some huge corporate estate. A couple different websites mentioned Oakville Ranch's ATV tour and tasting and so we decided to try it (aka my bf thought he'd get to race ATVs through rows of grapes like some type of Fast and the Furious Napa edition ). First off, the grounds are lovely, intimate, and overlooking all of Napa Valley. Sheila (truly a one woman business miracle it turns out) met us at the ranch, drove us through the vineyard while giving great history and wine education in promised ATV, answered our dumb amateur wine questions, and gave us a personalized tasting experience overlooking the valley. The entire experience was just us 3, very intimate, relaxed, and welcoming and spanned 2-3 hours. We learned about Oakville Ranch, the wine-making process, and how fancy the grapes are (they're sold to fancy winemakers apparently??). If this wasn't enough to lure you- they organically farm, have a small tight knit leadership team made of mostly women, AND this whole experience was only $55/person which is a STEAL considering a tasting alone is more expensive at most other vineyards. The wines themselves were absolutely wonderful- their Cabernets are apparently their rockstars and they definitely tasted like it- we bought three bottles! Thank you Oakville Ranch and Sheila for a wonderful experience- we will definitely be back and send all our friends your way!

We loved this winery! Our first stop in Napa and we were spoiled! High above the valley with spectacular views, our guide Shelia was knowledgeable, friendly, and went the extra mile to even deliver our purchases to our hotel, packaged for travel. Their Cab Franc is world class and was rated 94 points! You have to make an appointment for tastings and tour but it is a do not miss if you are headed to Napa!

I would agree with Kathy M. The scenery is beautiful and if you're lucky enough you may get to sit out on the owners private pool area. Give them a call during the week and make an appointment, you won't be sorry.

Sheila gave an amazing tour with an ATV....what a thrilling experience, and an incredible view. The iron-rich volcanic soil almost glows red. Having our tasting in the greenhouse was such a treat. Reds are clearly the strength here, and every one, especially the Cabernet Sauvignon, showed multi-layered flavors and was well balanced. Some people mistakenly think that a "real" cab has to be so tannic it's punching you in the face. That is an unbalanced wine. This was smooth as silk, as a refined red wine should be.

It's definitely a trek up the mountain, but well worth it. Kristin led our tasting in the greenhouse--the grounds are amazing and the wines are especially good (mmmm, Cab Franc). They are only open by appt. M - F, but it you will be on the Silverado Trail on a weekday call and make an appt.