13 Oak Knoll District AVA DESIGNATED 2004 The Oak Knoll District AVA is home to Napa’s most diverse wine-growing region. Boasting 18 different grape varietals, this appellation is primarily known for its chardonnay. The AVA’s location in the southern, cooler part of Napa helps this thin-skinned grape thrive. LAIRD FAMILY ESTATE The Laird Family Estate was established by Ken Laird, who started with a 70-acre parcel of land in Calistoga full of worn-down prune trees. He partnered with Robert Mondavi to learn about the viticulture business and transformed his orchard into a 50% gamay and 50% cabernet sauvignon vineyard. Today, Laird Family Estate produces a variety of whites and reds including multiple chardonnays and sauvignon blancs to malbec and syrah. The estate is one of the dog-friendly tasting rooms you and your four-legged family members can visit. SILENUS WINERY Bruce Newlan, a rocket scientist from San Jose, purchased a walnut orchard in 1968 which later became Silenus Winery. Silenus produces craft wines dedicated to the Oak Knoll AVA. On a visit to the winery, you may see bluebirds that frequent one of the 25 birdhouses the team installed. Bluebirds can eat up to 85% of the pests that can cause problems in vineyards, eliminating the need for the winery to use pesticides.
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