Oakville is one of the most celebrated of wine districts within Napa Valley. Some of California's most famous coveted labels are located within its confines, most notably Robert Mondavi Vineyards. The other big names that you will recognize are Screaming Eagle, Opus One. Far Niente and its sibling, Nickel and Nickel Other great wine producers include Harlan Estates, and Silver Oak, to name but a few.

The current pandemic has caused wineries to shut down their tasting rooms to the public, but this has created an opportunity to wineries to avail themselves of an even wider audience by way of the internet. To that end, renowned author of The Wine Bible, Karen MacNeil, hosted a twice-weekly series on Tuesdays and Thursdays entitled #TasteWithKaren-The Great Wines of Oakville, Napa Valley. Those who registered for the series through the website at oakvillegrowers.comgot to hear firsthand from the creators of Oakville's most notable winemakers. For example, Session #1 featured Oakville Ranch winemaker Jennifer Rue, Session #3 featured captivating presentations by TOR Wines Owner and Winemaker Tor Kenward and Groth Vineyards and Winery President and CEO Susanne Groth, featuring tasting discussions of TOR Cabernet Sauvignon, Tierra Roja Vineyard and 2016 Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, respectively.

These are the wines that are coveted by wine lovers worldwide. They enjoy a premiere status in the pantheon of winemaking and the series, #Taste with Karen, affords a unique opportunity to learn about these great wines and their history, which, in some cases, dates back to the earliest days of the state's wine making, when California was still a Mexican territory.

A brief overview; Oakville appellations is located north of Yountville and Stags Leap District in Napa Valley. Two of Napa's most highly regarded vineyards, To Kalon and Backus, are located in Oakville. The appellation is two miles wide and extends to 600 feet up the Vaca Mountains to the east and the Mayacamas Mountains to the west. Oakville red wines are typically described as rich and full-bodied with cassis, black currant, black-licorice, and cedar flavors.

Those who love California wines found the series a fountain of information. For more information on #TasteWithKaren-The Great Wines of Oakville, Napa Valley, visit oakvillewinegrowers.com.