When it comes to exceptional winemaking, few names resonate with the same depth and passion as Silver Oak. Nestled in the picturesque Alexander Valley, they have carved out a reputation that is as enduring as the legacy it upholds.
Upon arrival, I couldn’t help but marvel at the breathtaking landscape that surrounds Silver Oak Alexander Valley. The rolling hills, bathed in warm Californian sunshine, provide an idyllic backdrop for cultivating world-class grapes.
But it is not just the wines that make Silver Oak Alexander Valley a destination for wine enthusiasts worldwide. The winery’s commitment to sustainability and community involvement sets it apart.
Silver Oak embraces environmentally friendly practices, from water usage to salvaged building materials, ensuring that the land they call home remains vibrant and thriving for generations to come.
About Silver Oak Alexander Valley
Location
Healdsburg’s Alexander Valley in Sonoma County, California
Tasting Fee
$55 per person
Sustainability
LEED Platinum Certified, Living Building Challenge Certified, Sonoma Green Certified
Accessibility
Single story tasting area with no steps from the parking area. Tours require some travel on uneven terrain.
In Three Words
Elegant, Modern, Green
Our Visit to Silver Oak Alexander Valley
I visited at the very end of a rather sleepy Sunday in early June without a reservation, which nowadays is pretty much verboten. Approaching the tasting room from their long drive, my jaw was already on the floor. I promise I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that this might just be the most architecturally stunning place I’ve been.
Walking in, we were greeted with warm smiles by the hostess and welcomed to a table without any sour feelings despite our lack of preplanning. She noticed me admiring just about every angle, and explained that the site was re-built after a wildfire in 2018 with the intention to simply frame the natural beauty that surrounds it.
Their efforts certainly paid off. Today, Silver Oak Alexander Valley is recognised for both its impeccable design as well as the sustainability efforts that went into building and maintain it. To name just a few – the wood is all reclaimed from spent oak barrels, the insulation is comprised of shredded old denim, and the building runs on a grey water system.
As we sat admiring the view of gently swaying vines in the distance, I learned that they are managed by state of the art technological monitoring systems in order to make informed decisions to be able to conserve the most water possible. They call this ‘precision viticulture’, and beyond the ecological and conservation benefits, it also helps them produce consistently damn good wine.
And damn good it was. The starter tasting consists of three pours and a side of the most delicious buttery breadsticks, although they also have options for longer tastings with food pairings harvested from their on-site garden as well as plain old wine by the glass.
I’ll admit that it’s a little commercial (a part of me grimaced at the merch shop displayed prominently by the entrance) but not in the ‘disneyfication’ kind of way that the old timers often bemoan – my visit still felt intimate despite its great market presence and popularity.
The TLDR? It’s simply stunning, and I can’t wait to return to Silver Oak Alexander Valley again.
