One Day: Oak Knoll

As the first district just north of the city of Napa, this district is often by-passed in a rush to get to the well known districts of Oakville and Rutherford.  For those on bicycles, this district is full of nearby winery treasures.  While most folks with adequate fitness can cycle thirty miles or more in a single day, doing so while drinking any amount of alcohol is a challenge and can be dangerous with the amount of traffic on the main highway, so it is best to stay close by.  Because it attracts fewer visitors, you can expect to find calmer moods at the tasting rooms in Oak Knoll.

Oak Knoll wineries described below

Darioush (Silverado Trail)  www.darioush.com

Located just on the Silverado Trail, Darioush features Persian-inspired architecture.  The glass-topped tasting bar provides a visual spectacle in the center of the tasting room, with a graceful modern waterfall providing a backdrop.  Darioush makes red and white wines in a plush style, including one of the valley’s few Shiraz wines.

Trefethen (Highway 29)  www.trefethen.com

Perhaps the easiest winery to find in the Oak Knoll district, Trefethen Family Vineyards is located at the corner of Oak Knoll Avenue, though you’ll need to drive a distance down their driveway to get to the winery operations and tasting room.  Inside you’ll find well preserved original woodwork and artifacts from the turn of the century.  Best known for their Cabernet and Chardonnay, they also make a Merlot and a dry Riesling. 

Robert Biale (Big Ranch Rd. off of Oak Knoll Ave.)  www.robertbialevineyards.com

Tucked away in the middle between Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail, old vine Zinfandel grows at this relaxing estate.  In mild to warm weather, take your tasting outside to enjoy among the vines under a covered patio.  Here you’ll find Zinfandel, Syrah, and Petite Sirah straight up and in a number of combinations.

Ideology Cellars at Silenus (Solano Ave. parallel to Highway 29)  www.ideologycellars.com

Just off the west access road running along Highway 29, you’ll find the Silenus tasting room which hosts a number of different wine brands.  Ideology welcomes you to taste their Cabernet and Merlot blends and their Chardonnays made in different styles.  The tasting room features clever use of glass, both indoors and out.  Check out the barrel room visible from the tasting room.