Vineyards
Oakville Ranch is the original mountain vineyard of the sub-appellation that produces the New World's most celebrated Cabernets. Covering just two square miles at the heart of Napa Valley, the Oakville district may be small, but its wines play a very big role in the connoisseur's collection. At 1,400 feet above the valley floor, Oakville Ranch produces fruit that speaks from the appellation's signature red volcanic soil with a mountain accent.
Our vineyards are certified organic and we’re dedicated to growing our grapes in a well-planned program of sustainability, selecting sites best suited to each varietal and focusing our limited production on wines expressive of the distinctive terroir.
In the two decades since Bob and Mary Miner purchased the 330-acre ranch, plantings have slowly increasedfrom an initial 55 acres to approximately 75 acres of primarily Bordeaux varietals and the vineyards have seen a deliberate shift away from conventional farming methods intended to subdue nature rather than to harness its vitality. Vineyard blocks are cultivated to "grow" terraces naturally in conjunction with the vines. A holistic organic approach addresses the needs of the vines on an intrinsic level rather than simply layering on additives.
Less than a quarter of the historic property is planted to grapes, primarily Bordeaux varietals, along with orchards, vegetable gardens and bee hives – all cultivated in harmony with untouched natural habitat sustaining native flora and fauna. Vines are surrounded by wild grasses, native meadows, and unsullied woodlands, while insectaries and avian habitats provide efficient pest control and welcome biodiversity. New vineyards are planted on rootstocks selected for their drought resistance, reducing the need for irrigation. The result has been an awakening of the vineyard's exceptional potential; it has begun producing fruit of the highest quality available in the appellation.