On Oakville Cross Road you will find the Californian Mission-style building that is home to Groth Vineyards and Winery. The winery building has a bell tower, fountain, courtyard and grand staircase. Inside is an upscale, stylish interior punctuated with dramatic, brightly colored paintings by Suzzanne Groth.
The appointment-only facility offers visitors a very special wine-tasting experience that may include a tour of their state-of-the-art facility. Tastings are hosted by a member of
the staff, and are sit-down affairs held in their elegant, spacious tasting areas. A long granite-topped table, with comfortable upholstered chairs and seating for 12 people, dominates the tasting room. The tile floors, graceful archways, giant fireplace and windows – either looking down into the winery or out over the vineyards -- create a serene and relaxed environment in which to enjoy their wonderful Oakville wines.
Groth produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay from Napa Valley's Oakville AVA. In special years they will make a "Reserve" bottling of Cabernet Sauvignon from a small lot in their 121-acre Oakcross Estate. They also own and operate the 44-acre Hillview Vineyard south of the winery, a prime source for their Chardonnay and Merlot grapes.
French oak barrels are used in making both their whites and reds. The Chardonnay is fermented in new oak barrels, while the Sauvignon Blanc uses “experienced” barrels that are four to five years old, and are mostly inert. The red wines are fermented in stainless steel, and then see up to two years’ time maturing in both new and older barrels.
