Saddleback Cellars

Take a photo op on the “wine barrel” horse or the tractors that are parked on the property.

Saddleback Cellars is an unpretentious, small winery nestled in the heart of the Oakville District. Sitting on 17 acres (15 of which is planted in vines), Saddleback Cellars is the passion of winemaker, Nils Venge who, with three decades in the wine business, has been a major presence in the Napa Valley.  He was, in fact, the first person to obtain a perfect 100 score from wine critic Robert Parker Jr. for his Cabernet Sauvignon at neighboring Groth Winery.

Saddleback is casual, fun and informal.  The word “boutique” is as close as this winery comes to taking on aires.  One has the distinct impression that here, it is said with a smile and perhaps a quiet chuckle.  You leave pretension behind as soon as you make the turn onto Money Rd. and if there is an over-riding philosophy here it seems to be:  “Make terrific wine and have a great time.”  The two are anything but mutually exclusive.

The tastings can be, weather dictating, indoors around an antique oval wine tank top or outdoors next to the crush pad.  There are picnic tables, vine-facing chairs and market umbrellas with several wines to taste and enjoy.  Speakers hum with good ol’ country music to match the western atmosphere.  The “floor” outside the winery is bark and earth.  “We are as close to the earth as we can get, just as mother nature intended.”    By Charles Neave

Varietals
Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc, Viognier, Chardonnay, Rosé, Merlot, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon

History
“I bought the property in 1976. I started the winery six years later, though after the first crush I had to keep the barrels at neighboring Silver Oak for a year (due to the restructuring and bonding of our building).”  Today the winery produces around 6,500 cases annually, made from a number of different varietals.

Fun Fact
Known as "The King of Cab," Nils Venge can be seen on any given day tasting with new friends that come to visit him at the winery.  Who knows, you just may be the lucky first to try the upcoming release of his greatest wine yet – the 2007 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon!