REGION: California

O’Shaughnessy Estate was founded in 1996 by Betty O’Shaughnessy Wools and Paul Wools and sits at 1,800 feet on the hallowed slopes of Howell Mountain. In addition to Howell Mountain, the family owns vineyards on Mt. Veeder and in Oakville to complement their distinctive style. While the focus of their production is about Cabernet Sauvignon, the estate is known for its commitment to balance by planting and blending small percentages of the other seven of the historic Bordeaux varieties into their varietally-labeled Cabernet Sauvignon including Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Carmenere, St. Macaire, and Gros Verdot.

When Steve Kistler founded Kistler with Mark Bixler in 1978, his ambition was the same as it is now, to make Burgundian- style wine from Sonoma’s cool climates. Occidental is where Steve finally decided to put his roots after 35 years of working with vineyards throughout Northern California.