Our History

Dating back to the 1850's, Capt. Joseph Osbourne planted (what are believed to be) the first European "noble" varietals on his 800-acre Oak Knoll Ranch. This ranch and the surrounding area expanded wine and grape production during the wine boom of the 1880's and in 1886 the first major winery was constructed by the Goodman family on the Old Emerson Ranch. Hampton McIntyre, who also constructed the Inglenook, Greystone and Leland Stanford wineries, built the winery named Eshcol. The Eshcol Winery produced some of the wines that established Napa as the premier wine area of California in the 1888 wine competition at the state viticultural convention. Prohibition and the depression slowed the growth of the wine industry in California but in the 1960's Oak Knoll returned to life as wineries such as Trefethen and Monticello Cellars were established.

For well over a century, our region has been recognized for crafting wines of exquisite depth and purity. From their lively aromatics to their lush, graceful flavors, OKD wines have earned international recognition for their vibrant sophistication. Honoring the region's rich history and distinctive terroir, the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley earned official status as a distinct American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 2004. Today, OKD wines are celebrated and sought after by wine lovers everywhere.