Saddleback Cellars was founded in 1978 by acclaimed winemaker Nils Venge. Known as the "King of Cab, " he is the first American to achieve a 100-point score on his 1985 vintage of Reserve Cabernet, granted by wine critic Robert Parker Jr. Nils' Cabs still command 90+ point reviews.
Saddleback is now much the same as it was when Nils founded it; sitting off the Oakville Crossroad on quiet Money Road, a dead-end lane in the lauded Oakville District of the Napa Valley AVA.While our first love is Cabernet, which is produced from our 14-acre estate fruit, we also produce unique varietals from select vineyards throughout Wine Country.
Saddleback is now much the same as it was when Nils founded it; sitting off the Oakville Crossroad on quiet Money Road, a dead-end lane in the lauded Oakville District of the Napa Valley AVA.While our first love is Cabernet, which is produced from our 14-acre estate fruit, we also produce unique varietals from select vineyards throughout Wine Country.
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Saddleback Cellars was established in 1976 in the heart of the Napa Valley by Nils Venge. Nils is universally regarded as one of the foremost pioneers of the Napa Valley wine industry, garnering the first 100-point wine score on his 1985 vintage of Reserve Cabernet produced for one of our Oakville neighbors.
Saddleback Cellars is a small winery located off the beaten path Money Road, off of Oakville Cross Road in the heart of Napa Valley. We manage our own estate vineyard of 14.8 acres. The estate vineyard contains 8.4 acres are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.9 acres to Chardonnay, 1.75 acres to Merlot, 1.1 acres to Pinot Blanc, 0.3 acres to Pinot Grigio and 0.3 acres to Zinfandel.
Nils Venge has been heading up winemaking at Saddleback Cellars since he planted the vines here in Oakville in 1978. With associate winemaker, Lars Bjorkman, you can count on traditional winemaking techniques that assure well-balanced, quality wines. If your area is experiencing extreme weather: On request, we can provide temperature-controlled shipping.
Nils and Lars are exceptional white wine vintners. Well-known varietals, such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, are specially sourced and produced with the utmost attention to achieve remarkable flavor. Even better, unusual varietals produced in small lots, such as Vermentino, Albarino and Aleatico Rose, are finding their way into the hearts of Saddleback fans around the country.
If you have any questions/concerns or can't find a wine, please call the winery at 707.944.1305 or shoot an email to info@saddlebackcellars.com. Nicely rested and ready, our 2011 Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet 3-liter bottle represents 4 bottles of wine: perfect for celebrations and a distinctive gift.
Reviews (10)
Marilyn Koutsonikolas
Jan 27, 2022
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I really, really love this place. This is a winery for wine lovers. Do you get me? You’re not going here to snap perfectly manicured grounds (although, they are lovely) or million-dollar interiors, it’s humble, it’s good - real good. Nothing is taking away from the wine.
Why is the wine good? Well, #1 the selection is diverse (not many places in Napa do a stellar Tempranillo, Vermentino, Montepulciano), #2 It was founded by Nils Venge… The KING of Cab, #3 …just trust me, the wine is delish.
Seating is outdoors, by the vines. You can also bring your pup, which is a plus!
Tastings are
Why is the wine good? Well, #1 the selection is diverse (not many places in Napa do a stellar Tempranillo, Vermentino, Montepulciano), #2 It was founded by Nils Venge… The KING of Cab, #3 …just trust me, the wine is delish.
Seating is outdoors, by the vines. You can also bring your pup, which is a plus!
Tastings are
Kendra Frautnick
Oct 23, 2021
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Cate Jennings
Oct 16, 2021
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Where do i begin? This place is AMAZING!!! This was my first wine tour to start off my first ever wine tasting and it was by far the best! The wine was hands down amazing obviously! But our wine expert Angie was so so knowledgeable and personable! She had us cracking up the whole time while still educating us on the process of everything and the back story to the wine. If you are considering adding this place to your list YOU WONT REGRET IT! Thank you saddleback for providing the best wine and the best people to make your experience 10/10!!
Cristiana Lucchetti
Oct 11, 2021
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We went there in a group of 11 people.
Downsides: They decided to have us seated at one table in spite of the fact that there wasn’t enough space for everyone. The person who took care of us during the tasting acted as if he didn’t feel like taking care of us. He was evidently annoyed by questions, rushed us to finish our wine and worked as if he were trying to get through a chore list.
Upsides: The wine was good to very good, they had an interesting choice and the tasting menu was well structured and varied. You get 6 small tastings for 35 dollars per person. The setting is, of course, beautiful
Downsides: They decided to have us seated at one table in spite of the fact that there wasn’t enough space for everyone. The person who took care of us during the tasting acted as if he didn’t feel like taking care of us. He was evidently annoyed by questions, rushed us to finish our wine and worked as if he were trying to get through a chore list.
Upsides: The wine was good to very good, they had an interesting choice and the tasting menu was well structured and varied. You get 6 small tastings for 35 dollars per person. The setting is, of course, beautiful
Matthew Gaiennie
Jun 29, 2021
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Good Evening,
I visited your winery today with my wife. This is our fifth trip to napa in 6 years. We had an amazing day until we came to Saddleback. The hosts at Far Niente and Sequoia Grove raved about the wines at Saddleback. Regrettfully, we didnt end up trying the Cab because your host neglected us during the 1.25 hrs we were there. We left $60 on the clipboard and called later to verify it was recieved. Our host sampled the wine 4x in the time that she poured 3 wines for us. I dont need anything in return just want to give you a heads up for the sake of future guests.
Update...the GM is
I visited your winery today with my wife. This is our fifth trip to napa in 6 years. We had an amazing day until we came to Saddleback. The hosts at Far Niente and Sequoia Grove raved about the wines at Saddleback. Regrettfully, we didnt end up trying the Cab because your host neglected us during the 1.25 hrs we were there. We left $60 on the clipboard and called later to verify it was recieved. Our host sampled the wine 4x in the time that she poured 3 wines for us. I dont need anything in return just want to give you a heads up for the sake of future guests.
Update...the GM is
Peter Hall
Jun 09, 2021
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Rick, Angie & Steven , are always accomodating and friendly! Todays clients , lost their lunch spot ....though very busy, they made room even with bottling going on and limited space and no reservation!!!
As the Napa valley chauffeur, they know things can change on the drop of a hat....for them to work with myself to keep things rolling , speaks volumnes of Saddleback Cellars and thats besides the great wines!!! CHEERS!!!
As the Napa valley chauffeur, they know things can change on the drop of a hat....for them to work with myself to keep things rolling , speaks volumnes of Saddleback Cellars and thats besides the great wines!!! CHEERS!!!
Paul Cooper
Jun 01, 2021
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Went to saddleback a few weeks ago with my parents during their visit. It was one of our first wineries to visit after covid and it was an amazing experience. Our host Angie was great, super helpful / knowledgeable and made it one of the best tastings I have had in the valley. The view and rustic ambiance was really fun and enjoyable. To top it off the wines were really tasty. Will definitely go back and i highly recommend to others!
Molly Reviews
May 23, 2021
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This was a delightful and unpretentious tasting with some of the best wines in the valley. Mary hosted us and was knowledgeable, professional, and very fun to talk to. Her passion for wine and especially Saddleback wine was contagious and the whole experience felt fun rather than stuffy. While I've visited several dozen wineries in Napa, this was a first for my companion and Mary welcomed him into the wonderful world of wine tasting with open arms rather than intimidation. We will be back!
Alaina Pinto
Apr 20, 2021
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Lisa Kelly
Jun 29, 2019
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