Oakville Wine Merchant

1881 NAPA WINE HISTORY MUSEUM and Tasting turned out to be an unexpected delight during our day trip to Napa Valley. We stumbled upon this gem quite serendipitously, and what a find it was! The compact museum provides intriguing glimpses into the valley's nascent days, adding depth to one's appreciation of this renowned wine-producing region. The wine tasting was an experience in itself. Not only were the wines top-notch, but the ambiance, which beautifully marries the charm of a museum with the sophistication of a winery, enhanced the entire experience. For those charting out their Napa journey, I'd wholeheartedly recommend adding 1881 NAPA to the itinerary. It's an enriching detour that promises both knowledge and palate pleasure.

So many delicious wines to try. Some really high-quality expensive bottles here. You can try small tastings here of whatever you choose. It can seem expensive initially, but when you think of the cost of the tastings across the valley, it’s really not that bad. My wife and I loved it here.

Stopped in on a Tuesday afternoon with no reservation - 7 adults and 2 babies - plenty of seating and space available. Got to sample a few wines from the tap, bought a bottle from the fridge, and ordered a pizza. Enjoyed our quick visit and would recommend to someone interested in a wine tap experience.

We absolutely loved our visit here, the relaxed atmosphere is great, plenty of seating options and the ability to walk in. You can tie the visit in with a trip to Oakville grocery and enjoy some deli food whilst tasting a variety of wines. The service was super friendly and welcoming also.

Incredible selection of wines from various regions and at different price points. They have self serve pours and you can spend an entire day here trying and learning about different wines. Highly recommend trying a couple vineyards for the experience and coming here to taste wines from all over the region.

My favorite spot! The pizza will not disappoint, definitely recommend.

Prices are ripoff and even one 1 oz tasting was listed in the 30-100 dollars range

Great spot to try hard to find wines. Staff is always super friendly!

What a fantastic market! Oakville Wine Merchant serves up some incredible sandwiches, wines, and market sides and snacks. There's also tons of seating outside where you can eat your meal. I was blown away by the sandwich here. I got the turkey pesto sandwich and it did NOT disappoint. It was stacked fat and layered with tons of turkey and pesto. They also had a lot of other home made foods you could get, like olives, jams, chips, various sauces, and so much more. The employees were very friendly, helpful, and working hard to get the long line of customers' orders. The line went super fast. Parking is conveniently located on site too. The ambiance here is very Napa-ey and historic. I loved it! This was the first place I ate at in Napa and I'm so happy I did. I would totally come back here!

This grocery store is known as the oldest grocery store in California! I stopped by this spot and bought some crackers, truffle cheese, and prosciutto to bring to a wine tasting. If you come here, you have to get the Cremeux des Citeaux truffle cheese! This truffle cheese was by far my favorite truffle cheese I've ever tried! The texture is like Brie's cheese. Cracker, truffle cheese, and prosciutto was such a perfect combo. I definitely have to come back here to buy that same cheese! The prosciutto was also very fresh. The grocery has a meat section where you can tell the worker how much prosciutto, salami, etc., that you want and they will cut it and pack it up for you. They also sell freshly made sandwiches to go here and have a lot of wine selections to choose from. I will definitely be back, especially for that truffle cheese!

65 wines in EnoTech machines!! My friend David and I needed wine to pair with our deli lunch purchased from their adjacent grocery and deli. The wine merchant is located in the beautiful historic white Victorian home next to the grocery. Patrons open a tab at the register and are then handed a digital card to use as a debit card to pay for wine in the EnoTech machines. The price for each wine is priced three methods: 2 ounce taste Half glass Full glass The wines are a variety of reds and whites and the selection is rotated monthly. We loved all of the wines we sampled. Anne and the staff were awesome and guided us to great selections. The sitting room has comfortable sofas and chairs to relax and enjoy great and meet new friends. We randomly started talking with another couple and had a great time hanging out with them and enjoying the delicious wine. We love this place!!!

Being a Napa Valley Chauffeur is my passion ... and as such I need to find other passionate people to help me to create these incredibly memorable experiences for everyone who crosses my path ! Without question the staff at the Oakville grocery and the Oakville Wine Merchant have been a big part of my passion and the level of service I provide ! Today was no different. I had a couple sharing their first time together to the Napa Valley and their 10th anniversary from Ohio and without missing a beat Elizabeth , Hannah the entire staff in the grocery store started their visit here ... Without missing a beat when I introduced Stephen and Stephanie to Andy and Kel ... they had bubbles waiting plenty of information and just really helped me to be as good as I think I am ! LOL IF EVERYONE IN THE NAPA VALLEY WAS AS HELPFUL WE WOULD ALL PROSPER GREATLY ... KEEP UP THE AMAZING WORK AND I WILL SEE YOU SOON !!!

Please do yourself a huge favor and stop to visit Oakville Wine Merchant and the Oakville Grocery store. This wine place gives you the chance to try a variety of wines from all the different wineries! It was exactly what my husband was hoping to find. We tried 1000 Oak, and Nickel & Nickel. It was a really cool place to experience. The grocery store was super crowded but was a good stop for lunch. Loved their zucchini bread the most. You don't need an appointment either, just walk in to this wine place.

We popped in for the grocery but had to stay to taste some wine! I loved the relaxed, walk up vibes. It's a nice break from the official fancy wineries. I always love a good pour your self tasting. You can try any wine you like, each price is there for you to see. You can also get a half or full glass as well. The process is bringing your method of payment to their desk, they exchange it for their own card which is inserted into the different dispensers and you get the total at the end. After all the spending we did I appreciated this more budget friendly option. Still super cute, tons of outdoor space to enjoy as well. The parking can be a bit tricky but we lucked out and found a spot.

This is a beautiful place to stop by when passing through Oakville. It's next to Oakville Grocery and is a fun building to explore. It consists of two floors. The main floor is a tasting room with a polished look and a grand selection of wine to choose from. There's a variety of seating areas for different parties. The centerpiece of the room is a gorgeous Baccarat Crystal Chandelier that hangs between the two floors. The top floor is a museum and has a plethora of history about Napa County throughout the centuries. There are many beautiful tools and equipment on display that were previously used in the wine trade. One can spend hours here if they have the time and soak up all the knowledge on the walls. One of the staff members, Marian, was extremely kind and welcoming during our visit. She gave a brief overview of the place and showed the different selections of wine. She also shared more details about the Baccarat Chandelier and encouraged me to go visit the museum upstairs. It's nice to come across kind people like Marian, that truly adds to the experience of a place. If you're passing by Oakville or on your way to Opus One Winery, be sure to reserve some time to stop by Oakville Grocery and 1881 Napa!

We went to listen to live music here. The spot was cool and relaxing. They offer 3 pour sizes or you can buy the bottle! They have a great selection of wines. There is something there for everyone. The band, Free People was awesome too.

1881 is in actuality the OAKVILLE WINE MERCHANT. It's a unique tasting room that is owned by JCB Aka Jean Charles Boisset who also owns Oakville grocery next door and Raymond Vineyards as well as Buena Vista vineyards plus many other beautiful wineries and tasting rooms all over our beautiful wine country & France. This unique location you can purchase a card and use it to try a half glass or full glass and you get to try from over 50 different selections, you can do a self guided experience and the staff is all to happy to assist you in making decisions about what you may want to try next. I love this place, it's absolutely gorgeous inside, they have this huge glorious chandelier that I'd say was a JCB trademark, I would also say that in every single JCB tasting room or winery there is always a gorgeous chandelier and they're always lavishly decorated. We have had the lucky privilege of having the lovely manager Ali to assist us with our wine sipping needs and purchases. She is beautiful as she is helpful with her never ending knowledge about all these delicious wines. Whenever we're in Napa it is a must to come and enjoy some beautiful reds as well as the sparkling wines. In the back patio area there are tables with umbrellas and you are welcome to bring food in, May I suggest Oakville grocery so many decadent selections that will go beautifully with your wine tasting. My friends and myself we always look forward to our tastings here. I'll be swinging by in a couple of weeks like usual, I hope to see you there! Cheers my friends SYOY

Located next to "the" Oakville Grocery, which of course you would need to stand in line to get in (yes it is crazy popular), the wine merchant is definitely a great place to grab a bottle, or a glass of wine (they have 50+ by the glass options including a Harlan and Opus One ($80 - which is quite a steal considering the current release retail price is $375). Also many wine choices from JCB (which bought Oakville Grocery a while back). Grab a bottle and enjoy the outdoor areas, which could get very crowded on Friday's to Sundays.

This wine museum and tasting room is so much FUN! It is right next to the Oakville Grocery. They have curated tastings, but also "self serve" tastings where you dispense your own wine from a vending machine. You can choose a taste, a half glass, or a full glass. They have wines from each of the Napa appellations. We we g there 3 times during our stay. It's a must do in Napa for sure.

This was such a wonderful stop! We had gone to CIA at Copia to do the wine bar, but they were out of wine and the gal working there told us to go to this wine merchant in Oakville. Boy, am I glad she did! I was immediately greeted by Kell King, and he was beyond lovely! He explained how the tasting worked and set me free. After exploring for a few minutes (there are so many wines to choose from!!) he came and asked me some questions about what kind of wine I like. He then suggested a wine for me to try, and when I tasted it, I was floored! It was perfect for me! I tried a few others, but also got a half glass of that first one and even bought a bottle of it. I think Kell made the experience even better, he made me feel like I was family and he really cared about me enjoying the wine I was tasting and not just trying to get me to buy the most expensive bottle. Next time we are in Napa, we will definitely be back here! Thank you, Kell for a wonderful experience!

Awesome place to taste some different wines with lunch from the oakville grocery next door. Awesome outside area between them. Friendly and helpful hosts. Andy was awesome.

So glad that my husband and I decided to spend an afternoon here. The Oakville Wine Merchant is a separate venue that works in tandem with Oakville Grocery to create the perfect location to unwind and spend a little time in Napa. Taste some wine from all over the valley at your own pace from Oakville Wine Merchant's state of the art dispensing machines and then sit in the courtyard and enjoy a glass after picking up some bites from Oakville Grocery. Everyone at both locations was so friendly, but I can't say enough nice things about Kell at Oakville Wine Merchant. He really set the tone for a wonderful afternoon and helped my husband and I find some wines to take home that we wouldn't have ever come across on our own. To any traveling with little ones, this was a great location. We had our 5 month old traveling with us and Kell had him smiling the whole time. The wine dispensing machines make it easy to end your tasting quickly if your little one's mood happens to necessitate that. You can even buy your favorite bottles to-go. Small added bonus is the fact that there is a changing table in the bathroom. You won't be disappointed if you spend some time at Oakville Wine Merchant.

Lucky to have drive by here, stopped in at the Oakville Grocery, a historical market place right on HWY 29, in the heart of Oakville Appellation, Napa Valley. Wondered to the picnic area which adjacent to the brand new 1881 Napa wine brand/tasting room/museum just soft opening last week. I was stunned by the gigantic gorgeous crystal chandelier by no other but Baccarat. Drop down from the second floor of the Napa history museum and the Appellation history of Napa Valley Wine making business. You can learn so much about the terroir, soil, climate, and the characteristics of each appreciation. It's fascinating and very educational. The more you learn the better you appreciate what is in your class. First floor where the main tasting room, about 3 booths and 4 long tables, they can surely host up 7 groups at once. More tables and white couches in the back side of the main cottage! The good news is that you can grab some pâté, cheese, charcuterie, or sandwich from Oakville Grocery and sitting outdoor and order a bottle of wine from 1871 Napa to chill outside on a nice day! Tasting fee from $45-$175, serving pour or 1-1.5 OZ pour for 4, 6, 8 or all 12 appellation it's up to you. We have a group of 3, so we ordered 3 different flights! Side by side of appellation tasting, so we could compare note, aroma, taste, structure of all. I personally in love with the Oak Knoll nose, creme de cassis, dirt, graphite, so easy to drink and fruitful. The St. Helena appellation was a perfect one to lay down for a few more year, totally cellaring worthy. The Howell Mountain, Stag Leap, and Oakville are a few classic appellation that can do no wrong, ever! Then the Atlas Peak is structure, powerful, mountain fruits and it would pair deliciously with any grilled meat, rosemary lamb chop, or fresh truffle over rib eye, yummy I'm salivating as I'm writing this! All Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2016 is their first vintage produce ever! It's surely a powerful year with ripe fruits! They also a nice and light rosé #RoseAllDay season is here, grab a bottle to go too if I was you! Since we were the only group inside, we got to enjoy the Baccarat crystal glasses designed by JC Boisset himself, with his signature on it. Jean-Charles Boisset is a French vintner and the proprietor of the Boisset Collection. Under Boisset's leadership, the Boisset Collection operates 30+ wineries/tasting room/delis in California, France, and Canada. Boisset comes from a viticultural family. His father and mother founded a winery in Burgundy, France, in 1961. Everything this flamboyant gent touches, it turns into awesome places. 1881 Napa is rustic looking outside like a charming French countryside cottage with white fences & garden; then walking inside, its elegant, gorgeous, and meticulously in details. I really enjoy it and I'm looking forward to make the next appointment to return in a few weeks! Enjoy!

Great wines, great staff. Love that u can fill a debit card and pour your own samples. Then pop over and grab lunch at the grocery for a picnic.

I enjoyed my time at Oakville Wine Merchant. Jack was so kind and helpful. My group and I had a blast tasting wine with him. He liked us so much he shared Christmas cookies. Barry also was so kind to offer us sandwiches during our stay. We will definitely be back soon!

This is a great stop in the Valley for first timers as well as those coming back for the umpteenth time! The museum aspect is fun and self-guided. There are loads of antiques from the early days of Napa wineries and stories as well. Then you get to the wines! There are a myriad for you to choose from! You can get a glass from specific wineries and then there are also the 1881 wines, which are each from an AVA! Our favorites this visit were the 2016 Napa Valley Merlot and the 2016 Howell Mountain AVA Cabernet Sauvignon. Both worthy of a 1/2 case each to be sent home! Knowledgeable and friendly staff! Jean-Charles Boisset of JCB, Raymond, etc. always knows how to do it right in Napa!

I have been coming to Napa Valley for a couple of decades, but now I've found my place. Imagine having once spot to sample the very best of what Napa has to offer. This space in an old Victorian is stocked with machines that allow you to select your varietal and the size of the pour (1, 2 or 4 ounce). The wines are artfully curated. But the best part is of the 40 or so available, four always have scored a perfect 100 (bucket list) and another 4 98 or 99. Those are pricey, but so, so worth it. It's the best of Napa without having to drive. And there is food next door at the Oakville Grocery. The staff is knowledgeable and kind. Well behaved dogs welcome! We will be back again!

We scheduled a visit and had a reservation to the Oakville Wine Merchant and Market/Museum. Something got messed up and our reservation was wrong. it could have been my fault, it could have been theirs. But, Elizabeth, the manager of the grocery did not concern herself with whose fault. She just wanted us to be happy and she went above and beyond to redeem the failed visit by scheduling us another time in the day and making us feel very special. Things happen all the time, but it is how we handle it and Elizabeth handled it like a true professional and we had an amazing visit.

We stopped by the wine merchant yesterday, after grabbing lunch next door at Oakville Grocery. Andy went above and beyond with his customer service, and provided us with great tips. We will definitely be coming back because of him! Thank you and cheers, Andy! -The women looking for the wine glasses

This review is long overdue. I came here over the holidays and had a great experience. Walter is the best! He is so knowledgeable, helpful, and made the experience unforgettable. This is a great place to buy bottles. The prices are very competitive. The building is also a cute museum. I would highly recommend visiting!

If I could give this place a gazillion stars l would. Just because Kel is by far the nicest guy. Spent as much time as we needed with us. Very knowledgeable. He just made our tasting experience so much fun!! If you go ask for Kel and if your wearing a Pink Floyd tee he'll find you.

1881 Napa is a great spot to try a variety of wines. You purchase a prepaid card and then self-serve using their machines that dispense for you. I also liked that if you did not want to do a full tasting yourself you could share the card with others. The space is beautiful with lovely maps of the Napa Valley. For the low key experience, it is easy to use the card and self navigate but the staff were also very friendly and helpful guiding us on options.

Wow, what an experience! I was a history major and am a bit of a history and wine nerd, so 1881 is the perfect tasting room! It is so elegant when you walk in, they have turned the old Victorian house where the family who used to own Oakville Grocery lived into a wine history museum/tasting room. All of the tastings are seated, but you get to walk through the self guided history museum while you drink delicious cabs. Ali poured for us and she was amazing. The cabs are are some of my favorite in Napa! I enjoyed every one I tried and they are reasonably priced for their quality in the Napa area. The bottles are especially beautiful and elegant. They would enhance any wine cellar or dinner table. Definitely stop by and check it out!

This place should be on your "must experience" list. You could actually spend an afternoon or a good part of your day here as you could learn and taste about all of the Napa Ava's. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. The museum is also a good experience. Taste and learn about a few of the wines then walk next door to Oakville Grocery and get a bite to eat, people watch and chillax for a bit. Then go back and experience more. I like how you can taste wines you would not normally be able to taste. Wined out? Ok, go back to the grocery and have a coffee or espresso. Something sweet too, perhaps.

Great museum which provides the history of the Napa, Sonoma, St. Helena areas and much more. Very fascinating and a must before you start your tour of the area.

You can pour your own wine through machines! How cool. This place has a great, modern meets history, vibe and plenty of outdoor seating. The wine by the glass pours are very generous however the automated machine tastings are to the T. I'd recommend this place if you have a smaller group. Only reason I'm unable to give 5 stars is due to the slight awkwardness with the front staff. We did not get the OG, welcoming vibe at this winery. Maybe they were having a day. I'd definitely come back to try their food (wood fired pizza oven) and to try more wine.

I RARELY leave a review but definitely have to for this place. This is our second trip to Napa. Have visited about 12 wineries. This was far and away the most amazing experience. Our Uber driver recommended it. For our tasting the manager Ali took care of us. It was almost like a tour. She stayed with us for over an hour giving us all of the history and information about Napa and the different AVA regions. Highly recommend.

brilliant concept. taste dozens of the valley's best wines in a beautiful comfortable convenient setting with great food from next door at oakville grocery