Silver Oak Cellars

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Silver Oak Cellars is a family-owned California winery that focuses on Cabernet Sauvignon. It was founded in 1972 by Ray Duncan and Justin Meyer and today operates two wineries: Oakville in Napa Valley and Healdsburg in Alexander Valley. The Duncan family leads the company with David Duncan as President and CEO and his brother Tim Duncan as Executive Vice President. Daniel Baron has served as Director of Winemaking since 2001.

Vineyards and wine
- Silver Oak sources grapes from estate vineyards in Napa Valley and Alexander Valley, plus independent partner growers.
- Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon mainly comes from Soda Canyon Ranch in the Napa area.
- Alexander Valley sites include Miraval (80 acres), Red Tail (45 acres), and other vineyards; they also own Jump Rock (18 acres) and Navone (8 acres) in St. Helena.
- In 2012, Silver Oak bought Sausal Vineyard (113 acres) in the Alexander Valley to expand Cabernet production. In 2018 they added Big River and Crazy Creek vineyards.
- The winery is known for producing a single, flagship wine: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (no blends).

Winemaking
- All Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon is aged in American oak barrels.
- Napa Valley wines use only new American oak and age about 20 months before bottling, then spend additional time in bottle.
- Alexander Valley wines use a mix of new and once-used American oak and age about 14 months in bottle.
- In 2000, Silver Oak partnered with A&K Cooperage to supply barrels, and in 2015 the company purchased A&K, forming The Oak Cooperage to control its barrel production.

History highlights
- The idea came from Justin Meyer; Ray Duncan bought Franciscan Vineyards and asked Meyer to plant and manage vineyards and a winery. Silver Oak began in 1972 with plans to make a single wine, focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon.
- The first Napa Valley vineyard was planted in 1972, and the winery in Oakville began construction in 1981, with completion in 1982.
- In 1994, Daniel Baron joined as winemaking director, a role he has held since 2001.
- In 2001, Justin Meyer sold his share to Ray Duncan. Meyer died in 2002.
- On New Year’s Day 2006, a flood hit the Oakville winery, followed by a fire in February that destroyed the dairy barn. The winery was rebuilt and reopened in 2008 with significant sustainability features, including reclaimed stone, solar power, and a relocated water tower.
- The tasting room includes a glass-house library built from white oak.
- In 2012, Silver Oak acquired Sausal Vineyard in Alexander Valley; in 2017 they purchased Ovid Napa Valley and began a partnership with the San Francisco Giants.
- In 2017, they also announced the acquisition of Ovid and a major expansion in Napa Valley fruit sourcing.

Sustainability and technology
- Silver Oak has been committed to sustainable practices since its founding.
- The Oakville winery (Oakville) uses 1,464 solar panels and is designed to be energy-efficient, with water reuse and a natural cooling approach.
- The Oakville facility is LEED Platinum-certified (EB:OM) for energy efficiency; the Alexander Valley facility earned LEED Platinum in 2018 for new construction.
- The vineyards employ Integrated Pest Management, use cover crops, and monitor soil moisture to conserve water.
- Some Silver Oak vineyards have Fish Friendly Farming Certification, supporting habitat and water quality improvement.
- The Oak Cooperage project gives Silver Oak full control over its barrel production.

Reception
- Silver Oak has been described as a cult Cabernet Sauvignon producer by industry outlets and received praise from critics for its powerful, velvety wines aged in exclusive American oak.
- The winery has been featured in various travel and wine guides and has gained recognition from outlets such as Wine Spectator, Oprah’s Favorite Things list, and other major publications.

Website
- www.silveroak.com

Silver Oak Cellars remains noted for its singular focus on Cabernet Sauvignon, its sustainable winery practices, and its expansion through carefully chosen vineyard sites and strategic acquisitions.