A Visit to Howell Mountain: O’Shaughnessy Winery

Dec 31

Written By Diana Kienle, Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW)

With Christmas day, lovingly celebrated with family, in the rear view mirror, it was time for a quick visit to Napa Valley. This is a time of the year that is relatively quiet in the valley with many wineries closed for a break until after the New Year. I needed to pick up some wine at O’Shaughnessy Winery, so we headed up Howell Mountain. O’Shaughnessy is one of my favorite wineries on Howell Mountain, and Howell Mountain itself is a specific appellation and one of the AVAs of the valley.

More about O’Shaughnessy in a minute, but let’s talk about the terms “AVA” and “appellation.” AVA stands for an American Viticultural Area. Specifically, an AVA is an officially recognized appellation; and an appellation is defined as a “geographically based growing region that shows unique characteristics of soil, climate, historical relevance and more.” Throughout Napa Valley, there are several AVAs, and Howell Mountain is one. An AVA’s distinctions influence the grapes and, ultimately, the wine. What distinguishes Howell Mountain is a climate that is slightly warmer and drier overall due to strong afternoon sun influence. The elevation ranges from 600 feet to 2600 feet, and the principal varieties grown are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel and Cabernet Franc. It’s a short 20-minute drive up Deer Park Road (from Silverado Trail) to Howell Mountain.

O’Shaughnessy Winery is just one of many fine wineries on Howell Mountain. Picture yourself here: This is Luke, who is the commercial director for the winery. Imagine relaxing, sipping a well-crafted cabernet and enjoying the view.

During any visit here, you are warmly welcomed and treated to the winery’s current releases. This is an appointment-only winery – so call ahead and make a date and time to enjoy the relaxed ambience and the wine. It is well worth it. This is a family-owned winery, and their wine can be found throughout the U.S. (I have purchased it myself from Binny’s in the Chicago-land area.) This winery is off the beaten path yet always worth the trip for the view and the wine. They predominately are known for their cabernet – which they sell out each year. O’Shaughnessy Cabernet is a quality wine that is well-priced for the value. The winemaker is Sean Capiaux; and, while he is masterful with cab, he also has a passion for Pinot Noir, which I’ve been able to purchase in Texas. The Pinot bears his name on the label. (Yes – I visit wine stores in my travels and always appreciate what is available throughout the country.)

Here are more pictures from our visit to O’Shaughnessy.