Promontory Wines

Promontory Wines

On the southwestern borderlands of Oakville, there is a wine estate that covers a watershed and supports an expanse of oaks and pines. The land ripples with small hills, which enhances the neat rows of vineyards. This is where Will Harlan, a man who helped create the fruity, rich Napa wine style of the 1990’s, has established Promontory Wines.

This was land that Will wanted for 25 years when it was owned by Girard Winery. Its elevation, over 500 feet, and excellent Oakville soil make for rich wines he knew could be as good as the ones he was making at Harlan Estate not far away. Granted, it has 40 percent slope, but grapes love heights. Then, in 2008, he found out this promising piece of land was for sale. He naturally snatched it and put a wooden winery up on a knoll of the western hills. He has been creating rich Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines from it ever since.

The only way to see the magic that made Will jump for the property is to make an appointment. This will get you not only a chance to explore this uncharted bit of wilderness/vineyard but a thorough introduction to their wines. Promontory staff will gladly show members around and discuss their wine-making philosophy. The philosophy is particularly interesting as it is based on the ideas “do-nothing farming,” an approach that cuts out tilling and weeding, and they have had to make many adjustments to perfect the vineyards.

Should you get to see the winery, you will find that it looks a lot like Harlan Estate, and is in fact created by the same architect. The machinery and furnishings are meant to complement the Arcadian feel. There are little round tables made of wood and iron to sip your wines at, and there are always panoramic views of the mountains.

Will Harlan’s status, wine, and land make this a special treat for the dedicated wine enthusiast. Be sure to give them a call or email them for a visit.

You can email the winery to reserve a tour and tasting. You should contact them three weeks before you plan to visit.