Oakville

Known for: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot
Climate: Moderately warm; gravelly benchland soils; the "sweet spot" of the valley

Oakville is widely considered the epicenter of Napa Cabernet. The Oakville Bench - a ribbon of well-drained gravelly alluvial soil - runs through the heart of the AVA and is responsible for some of the most collectible wines on earth.

Winery~Town/Area~Website~Notes

Robert Mondavi Winery Oakville robertmondaviwinery.com The winery that defined modern Napa; To Kalon Vineyard wines are benchmarks

Opus One Winery Oakville opusonewinery.com Baron Philippe de Rothschild & Robert Mondavi's legendary joint venture

Far Niente Oakville farniente.com Historic 1885 stone winery; estate Cabernet and Chardonnay of great elegance

Silver Oak Cellars Oakville silveroak.com Exclusively Cabernet Sauvignon; American oak-aged style; highly collectible

Plumpjack Winery Oakville plumpjack.com Bold, hedonistic Cabernet; sister property to CADE

Groth Vineyards & Winery Oakville grothwines.com Estate Cabernet on the Oakville Bench; first 100-point CA wine (1985 vintage)

Nickel & Nickel Oakville nickelandnickel.com 100% single-vineyard, single-variety wines; beautifully restored farmstead