Oakville

Overview

Oakville is perhaps best known for its legendary Mondavi winery and its signature Opus One wine, but plenty of other fine wineries call the region home. Conditions vary across the region, but growing conditions are often close to perfect. In the benchland formed by six streams flowing down from the Mayacamas, the soil is gravelly and well drained. Farther east towards the Napa River, however, the soil is more alluvial with a higher content of silt and clay. Unlike nearby Rutherford, Oakville refuses to specialize in any one variety. Instead, Oakville is known for its excellence across the board. The region’s Cabernet Sauvignon is exceptional, but cool mornings and fog are perfect for Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc as well.