Total Trail Miles: 15.0
The Oak Knoll District AVA is cooler climate region at the southern end of Napa Valley composed of primarily gravelly volcanic soils. The appellation produces eighteen unique grape varietals including Albarino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Semillion and Viognier. Oak Knoll Reds tends to be elegant in style expressing flavors of cassis, tobacco and spice.
Vineyards: 27
Total Area: 9,864 acres
Planted Area: 453 acres
Percent Planted: 4.6 %
Start your day trip at the Hendry Ranch on the southwestern edge of the appellation. This 114 acre vineyard has been farmed by the same family since 1939 and currently produces ten varietals on 47 separate blocks. If you have the time, make a point of scheduling one of Hendry's comprehensive tours.
Head east on Redwood to Dry Creek, Orchard and Solano Road before crossing Highway 29 at Oak Knoll Avenue - the entrance to Trefethen is on the left one mile in. The Trefethen family bought this historic estate in the late 1960's and renovated the original gravity flow winery to store, house and showcase their wine. The estate is known for producing elegant, food friendly wine and situated on a unique parcel of the valley that supports cool and warm weather varietals.
Continue east on Oak Knoll Avenue until you reach Big Ranch Road, Monticello Vineyards is on your left one-quarter mile in. This winery is owned by the Corley Family and represented by the architecture of their native Virginia home – a miniature recreation of Jefferson's Monticello. The Corley’s produce premium wine from five vineyard sites including their Oak Knoll estate. Taste wine with or without an appointment. Monticello is one of the few wineries that offer a comprehensive tasting of aged wine.
Continue south on Big Ranch Road until it terminates at Trancas. Make a left, another at Silverado Trail and then head north for three miles until you see a row of architectural columns marking the entrance to Darioush. Persian owner Darioush Khaled created this 22,000 square foot winery to offer a unique experience and show case his Bordeaux style wines within an elegant setting. The tasting room is flooded with natural light and large enough to handle the many attracted by the estates significant physical presence in Oak Knoll.
Dine at Bistro Don Giovanni in Napa (707) 224-3300.
Winery Option: Biale
Darioush | Oak Knoll AVA
