This one Winemaker Shaped America’s Love for Cabernet Sauvignon

Silver Oak was built on California wine legends. On one side, Ray Duncan was introduced to, and lured into, wine growing around 1970 (as the modern wine industry in Northern California was burgeoning) by his longtime friend Jack Novak of Spottswoode fame. On the other, Justin Meyer—a monk with the Christian Brothers order and wine apprentice to storied Father Timothy—left Christian Brothers’ St. Helena operation at Greystone Cellars around that time. With a handshake, Meyer joined Duncan to found Silver Oak debuting with the 1972 vintage. The early brand might have been grounded in Alexander Valley (and later Napa Valley, with the 258-acre former Oakville Dairy farm Duncan had purchased), but with AVA status yet to be legally formalized, the bottles could say only “North Coast.” Regardless, when that 1972 Cabernet was released, it won a gold medal at the California State Fair in 1977 (yes, that’s an unusually long lead time, and a pattern Silver Oak follows still, to give their wine time in both barrel and bottle to resolve into a luxurious sip the moment it’s released), launching the wine at the top of the wave of pioneering wineries overcoming US wine drinkers’ taste for the ubiquitous, anonymous red and white blends favored through the 1960s.

Defining sustainability

Silver Oak has considered sustainable methods important since its inception. The Duncan Family states that the company's livelihood and future livelihood depend upon the "ecological viability of the land" and contribute to better-quality grape and wine.



Their new winery in Oakville, built using reclaimed materials, features 1464 solar panels which provide far more energy than the winery needs and result in 292,000 kilowatt hours sent back to the municipal power grid. The building itself was designed to increase energy efficiency and features a fermentation room with a natural air conditioning system. In the vineyard, Silver Oak practices Integrated Pest Management to regulate harmful pests and have installed nesting boxes in their vineyards for bluebirds and owls to help control pests.

In 2016, Silver Oak's Oakville winery became the world's first production winery to be granted LEED Platinum Certification – the highest level of certification granted by the U.S. Green Building Council for efficient energy use. In 2018, the Alexander Valley winery achieved LEED Platinum certification for its new Alexander Valley facility, the first in the world to attain it in the category of "new construction."

Visiting Silver Oak

We had the pleasure  to visit Silver Oak's Alexander Valley winery which was designed for a timeless identity. Stepping inside we discovered a glasshouse library displaying library vintages dating back to the 1970s, an American oak barrel chair, and a history gallery. The winery is wrapped in hand-quarried limestone with a chipped face reclaimed from an 1800s flour mill in Coffeyville, Kansas. It took our breaths away.

Experience the Wines

Silver Oak offers multiple ways to taste Silver Oak Cabernets. These wines are crafted with one goal – to produce delicious, elegant wines. Savor current releases of our Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignons and Twomey Anderson Valley and Prince Hill Pinot Noirs.

Have a silver tasting and tour with a glass in hand, guests will be taken on a guided communal tour of our winery production area and cellar while tasting our current release Napa Valley and Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignons.

Discover the endless possibilities of pairing wine with food. Created by the Silver Oak Culinary Team, the seasonal four-course Wine & Food Pairing is a fun and educational experience at a communal table.

A Perfect Gift

A special occasion calls for a special bottle of Silver Oak. Celebrate the moments and people who matter most with a personalized bottle of the Cabernet. From custom bottle etching to a photo inlay, their Customer Care team can help you create a truly one-of-a-kind gift. They also have pre-etched bottles that add a personal touch to your Silver Oak Cabernet.

We order Silver Oak's Cabernets with our company logo etched on the bottles. We use them as a gift to our dear clients and referral partners. We also serve them during our special events like our holiday parties.