Oakstone Winery is a premium winery located in the heart of the Fair Play wine district. Specializing in Gold Medal-winning wines, we feature classic varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Pinot Grigio, Petite Sirah, and others. The Best Wine is on the Back Roads! Our sister label, Obscurity Cellars, was founded in 2001 to showcase obscure, lesser-known varietals.
Enhance your wine tasting experience with some of the best wine made from these unique varietals-Estate Malbec, Alicante Bouchet, Tempranillo, Charbono, Mourvedre, Dolcetto, and Petit Verdot. Our intimate tasting room on the back roads is the perfect spot to taste premium wines while viewing future vintages from our second floor deck.
Enhance your wine tasting experience with some of the best wine made from these unique varietals-Estate Malbec, Alicante Bouchet, Tempranillo, Charbono, Mourvedre, Dolcetto, and Petit Verdot. Our intimate tasting room on the back roads is the perfect spot to taste premium wines while viewing future vintages from our second floor deck.
Services
Oakstone has the best people here who love to interact with you, and your friends and family, and share their knowledge about our wines, our vineyards and our area. Join us for wine tasting in our 2nd floor tasting room with a beautiful view of the surrounding estate vineyards and countryside. Wine tasting is complimentary for Club Members!.more.
Tyler joined Oakstone in 2018 as a Cellar Assistant and was quickly promoted to Assistant Winemaker. His background in biochemistry and love for wine were the perfect combination for developing his skills alongside veteran Winemaker, Steve Ryan. Tyler is currently studying Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis.
It was re-established in September of the same year at the Obscurity Cellars winemaking facility at 6470 Irish Acres Road, just 1/4 mile away. After the move, John and Susan sold the winery to Steve and Liz Ryan, trusting them to carry on the tradition of excellence of both Oakstone Winery and Obscurity Cellars.
De Cascabel Vineyard- The oldest vineyard on our estate property is the DeCascabel Vineyard of Cabernet Sauvignon that was planted in 1981 by Ron Mansfield of Gold Bud Farms. Cascabel means rattlesnake in Spanish, and the vineyard is named for the nest of baby rattlesnakes found when the workers were turning a large granite boulder over when planting the vineyard.
An elegant estate-grown white wine, with delicate floral aromas, flavors of pear and melon, with a slight green apple finish. The latest edition of our most popular white wine, with bright peach aromas, lush pear in the mid palate, and delightfully soft, lingering finish. This wine pairs beautifully with lighter fare or spicy foods!
Reviews (25)
Shauna Manana
Sep 30, 2021
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Diane Pratt
Apr 30, 2021
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Neil Cahill
Apr 27, 2021
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Sharon Henifin
Mar 29, 2021
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Gary P.
Mar 18, 2021
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Sometimes I'm reluctant to give an exceptional review because everybody will swarm the place however, this winery deserves more stars than are available. We had a fantastic tasting facilitated by our knowledgeable host TYLER. Every wine we tasted was noteworthy and it was actually difficult to decide which ones to purchase. Do not bypass this small winery when visiting the Fair Play area!
Ron Ronald
Sep 23, 2020
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Justin L.
Feb 18, 2020
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I came here with my fiance on valentines day. Tyler was a fantastic host, it was great chatting with him about the different grape varietals popular in the Sierra Foothills. I learned quite a lot about alicante bouchet, a pretty rare varietal grown at Oakstone Winery.
For anyone checking reviews, definitely give this place a visit on your next trip. The wine is fantastic and the view from their patio deck is absolutely stunning. We couldn't ask for anything more.
For anyone checking reviews, definitely give this place a visit on your next trip. The wine is fantastic and the view from their patio deck is absolutely stunning. We couldn't ask for anything more.
Stephen Nicholas
Sep 26, 2019
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David Noon
Aug 26, 2019
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LOVE their wine. Not sure where to start. Doesn’t matter which varietal or blend...we always look forward to opening another bottle. Sipping on the deck...what a fantastic view. Some reviews of wineries only seem to recommend the people, without saying much about the wine. Not Oakstone. The wines are fantastic, the views are great, AND the people are awesome.
They are also home to Obscurity Cellars. Some of my favorite wines, but sometimes they are sold out😢😢😢 cause they are soooo good.
They are also home to Obscurity Cellars. Some of my favorite wines, but sometimes they are sold out😢😢😢 cause they are soooo good.
Chuck W.
May 22, 2018
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Oakstone is a gem of a winery, producing simply outstanding reds from the higher elevations of Amador and Eldorado area. Not only are the wines high quality but the gentleman behind the bar shares his dry sense of humor when he doesn't think you are listening. Well worth the trip to taste some of the best California has to offer.
Douglas L.
Jul 02, 2017
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Anohter visit to Oakstone winery yesterday. We tasted and bought. That's what it's all about isn't it?
The winery is owned and operated by Liz and Steve Ryan. We love that it's family run with great wines but small enough to have a good vibe about the place. It's fun being in this friendly atmosphere and learning about their wines. Steve is the winemaker and really knows his stuff. The view is drop dead gorgeous, too.
We're recently quit a couple of the larger wineries to concentrate on smaller more intimate places.
The winery is owned and operated by Liz and Steve Ryan. We love that it's family run with great wines but small enough to have a good vibe about the place. It's fun being in this friendly atmosphere and learning about their wines. Steve is the winemaker and really knows his stuff. The view is drop dead gorgeous, too.
We're recently quit a couple of the larger wineries to concentrate on smaller more intimate places.
Frank M.
Dec 14, 2016
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Authentic, that was the word that went though my mind as we drove away from Oakstone Winery this past Sunday. It's a word that proves elusive to most wineries, but not at Oakstone.
After spending 15 years in the wine industry managing the Direct to Consumer business of wineries in Napa/Sonoma, the thought of going wine tasting is not generally high on my list. I tend to focus on the experience first and wine second, that's not to say that I don't have high expectations for both. Oakstone Winery gets five stars for both.
We have a friend who loves tasting wines in the foothills
After spending 15 years in the wine industry managing the Direct to Consumer business of wineries in Napa/Sonoma, the thought of going wine tasting is not generally high on my list. I tend to focus on the experience first and wine second, that's not to say that I don't have high expectations for both. Oakstone Winery gets five stars for both.
We have a friend who loves tasting wines in the foothills
Taylor K.
Sep 25, 2016
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What another beautiful winery in el dorado. I'm beginning to love the wines in this area and I very much enjoy the since of friendliness these wineries exude.
The charbono wine was my favorite. It was fun tasting all the different wines the had. And learning all about the winery and how they started the obscure label.
Please go and check them out!!
The views are great, the balcony is picturesque to taste on and Liz and Steve make you feel right at home!
Thank you! I will be returning
The charbono wine was my favorite. It was fun tasting all the different wines the had. And learning all about the winery and how they started the obscure label.
Please go and check them out!!
The views are great, the balcony is picturesque to taste on and Liz and Steve make you feel right at home!
Thank you! I will be returning
Sean Bird
Sep 11, 2016
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Liz and Steve are there most genuine and enjoyable to hang out with. Their wine is among the best in the state, and their company makes coming even more of a joy. They also have the most amazing deck and a view you could stare at all day long. Although all of their wines are great--no exaggeration--my favorites tend to be their huge petite syrahs! They're jammy and complex. If you are in Fair Play you must go to Oakstone.
Scott M.
Jun 05, 2016
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The owners, Steve and Liz, always make us feel like old friends when we stop in. Beyond the atmosphere, Steve is one hell of a winemaker. We joined the wine club years ago and we always look forward to the club releases. The events they hold are a good time and we usually meet interesting folks. If you are in the Fairplay area, you should do yourself a favor and stop in at this little gem of a winery. You will be glad you did.
Sean B.
Feb 07, 2016
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Connie M.
Jul 08, 2014
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Another awesome wine tasting room. There was a little party going on here with catered food for the holiday weekend. Again owners are super friendly as was everyone. They have a beautiful view of vineyards. They also have this cool sign your name board of visitors past. I did leave "my I was here" mark. Lol ! Good pours on tastings. Gotta have the Barbera which I purchased.
Peter G.
Sep 04, 2012
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Melissa B.
Feb 07, 2011
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How can you not stop at a winery on Slug Gulch road??? Hilarious!!! I was here for the 2011 Barrel Tasting and what a gem this spot was. Everyone was super sweet and patient explaining the weather affects on the grapes and how it changes the wine. I was in love with the Meritage here...very affordable and pleasant. Thank You Oakstone! Cant wait to be back!
Josh D.
Sep 27, 2010
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Great place with affordable wine. Tasting is free and they taste about 20 different ones including some that aren't on the menu. John, one of the owners is pretty funny as well if you get a chance to say hello you should.
They also serve some pretty awesome chipolte salsa.
The only reason that I didn't give this a 5 is that there are a lot of other wineries in the area that offer comparable and better wines.
However, for 9.95 check out their Slug #22 which is a blend of four grapes, it's very well done for the price.
They also serve some pretty awesome chipolte salsa.
The only reason that I didn't give this a 5 is that there are a lot of other wineries in the area that offer comparable and better wines.
However, for 9.95 check out their Slug #22 which is a blend of four grapes, it's very well done for the price.
Jia C.
Feb 16, 2010
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Christina H.
Sep 13, 2009
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I absolutely love the wine here! Not only is the wine great but the people who work here are really fun! The owner John is a kick and when we were there he did a mystery wine tasting where whoever guessed the wine correctly, won it. It's nice to be around people who obviously enjoy what they do and want you to enjoy yourself during your visit. Every single wine I tasted was great. The only wine I didn't care for was the mystery wine that wasn't even made there! If I could have afforded it, I would have brought home 2 of everything! I only managed to walk out with some sauces and
J. K.
Jul 24, 2008
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I was surprised just how many great little wineries are appearing in the Placerville area - and Oakstone is a favorite for the Mrs. and myself.
How many tasting rooms do you know of where the owner / vintner is there pouring? It's an added bonus that lets you know he's not only interested in his passion, but interested in your enjoyment of his wines as well. John Smith is not only very happy to pour for you, but is just as willing to tell his wine's story to a seasoned oenophile or neophyte alike. He had a very special relationship with Robert Mondavi as an amateur winemaker. The
How many tasting rooms do you know of where the owner / vintner is there pouring? It's an added bonus that lets you know he's not only interested in his passion, but interested in your enjoyment of his wines as well. John Smith is not only very happy to pour for you, but is just as willing to tell his wine's story to a seasoned oenophile or neophyte alike. He had a very special relationship with Robert Mondavi as an amateur winemaker. The
Scott S.
May 01, 2008
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Mims M.
Oct 23, 2006
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Every time I'm 100 miles near this place, I always stop in for a few bottles/boxes of superior wine. Even got a couple of crates of Meritage for the Ultimate Commitment Ceremony a couple of years' back. One can never go wrong here...even their table wine - Slug Gulch Red - is better than the average swill others serve.
