Home - Sylvie Estate

ONE CRAZY, BEAUTIFUL RIDE.

Small-lot Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon from the sweet spot of Oakville’s legendary “Magic Mountain.”

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We set about farming one small family vineyard, slightly more than half an acre nestled in the sweet spot of east Oakville’s “Magic Mountain.” With a block of vines this scant, most people would simply sell their fruit to the neighbors. And in the past, we did sell our fruit to the wineries down the road.

It didn’t take long for us to be seduced by this beautiful place. The iron-rich volcanic soils from an ancient landslide, the sun aspect, the cooling afternoon breezes… How could we not explore the possibilities?

Lopez Vineyard, Oakville, California
Established 1989

After all, we’re scientists and artists, dreamers and tinkerers – risk takers. So in 1994, we decided to experiment with some of our fruit. A friendly winemaker down the road took us under her wing and helped us make a handful of cases in our garage. And that was when we tasted it, the potential that’s had us scheming ever since.

Besides, we’ve got some truly iconic neighbors. So, we figured if we could, we should.

We took the leap in 2010, jumping in headfirst with winemaker Kurt Niznik, who, after telling us how crazy we were asked, “when do I start?” He called in Kendall Smith, an old friend, to fine-tune the organic farming, and she brought in Ruben Rubio to attend to every tendril. As the years progressed through trials and triumphs, we’ve developed a team driven by the challenge and exponential rewards, thirsty for more.

With Kurt Niznik's Expertise and Guidance, Sylvie has been taken from an improbable dream to an exceptional reality, and he has complete creative control. When and if a vintage is worthy of becoming Sylvie is strictly for Kurt to decide. His decade-long relationship dedication to our vision has manifested in delivering fine wine of natural beauty – without compromise.

We farm our 30 rows as organically and earnestly as we can with an understanding of what each vine can give us. We observe and respond. Obsess over every detail. Aim for that singular expression of fruit: pure, in perfect balance, delicious. Then, we make our wine, all four barrels of it.

We have one aim, one shot. The result is a cabernet sauvignon as eloquent as it is rare, as thrilling to make as it is to uncork – possessing all the grace and soulful character to be called Sylvie.

OUR MUSE, SYLVI RINTANEN, DANCED THROUGH LIFE with unfading vigor and grace.

A great wine captures an unfiltered expression – a singular place, a fleeting moment. Youthful energy gives way to depth and nuance, dancing through the years, revealing a uniqueness and beauty that can only come with time.

We invite you to join us on this crazy, beautiful ride.

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Sarita Sylvie Lopez’s grandmother, Sylvi, dances in the rare sunshine of her native Finland circa 1945.