User:Saddleback Cellars

Saddleback Cellars is an 18-acre vineyard estate located in Oakville District, Napa Valley AVA in California, owned and operated by renown winemaker Nils Venge, who began working in Napa Valley after graduating from UC Davis with a degree in Fermentation in 1968. Nils Venge became "The King of Cabernet" after he was the first American winemaker and viticulturalist to produce a wine that merited a 100-point score from critic Robert Parker, Jr in 1988.

The Saddleback estate, located at 7802 Money Road, Oakville, CA, was purchased by Venge in 1978 as a walnut farm; it was subsequently planted to approximately 8 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, with acreage also dedicated to the following varietals: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio.

Saddleback Cellars Online for Appointments or Purchase continues to produce award-winning and highly rated Oakville and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, estate-grown Pinot Blanc, Napa Valley Chardonnay, and additional varietals of acclaim, primarily sourced from Napa Valley, but also Sonoma County, and hosts tasters by-appointment-only in their small, rural setting in the center of Napa Valley. The wines are primarily available via the winery, with limited US distribution to bars and restaurants.

Nils Venge also continues to consult in winemaking with Keenan Winery (Napa Valley), and co-owns Envy Winery (Napa Valley), and wholly owns Cougar's Leap winery, home to Black Rock wines (Lake County).