Silver Oak Wine Dinner in San Diego
An exclusive Silver Oak Wine Dinner at Stake Chophouse took place March 8, featuring acclaimed wines paired with a multi-course menu for $250 per person. The event catered to wine enthusiasts seeking the intersection of great wine, food, and storytelling from the winemakers. These premium dining experiences are becoming increasingly popular in major metropolitan areas.
Silver Oak, founded in 1972, carved a unique niche by dedicating itself solely to Cabernet Sauvignon. Founders Ray Duncan and Justin Meyer pioneered the aging of their Cabernet exclusively in American oak barrels, a departure from the more common French oak, to achieve a smoother finish. The winery is now managed by the sons of co-founder Ray Duncan, David and Tim Duncan. This second-generation leadership continues the founding philosophy of "we have yet to make our best bottle of wine," emphasizing continuous improvement. Silver Oak has a strong commitment to sustainability, with both its Napa Valley and Alexander Valley wineries being LEED Platinum certified for their environmental design and construction. The Oakville winery was the first commercial winery in the world to earn this high-level certification. Laura Oskwarek is the fourth and current winemaker in Silver Oak's history, continuing a tradition of overlapping tenures to ensure consistency. She follows Nate Weis, who, after 11 years, recently became the General Manager and Senior Winemaker at Beaulieu Vineyard in March 2025. Stake Chophouse & Bar, located in Coronado, is one of only three steakhouses in San Diego to receive Wine Spectator's "Best of Award of Excellence," an honor it has held for a decade. The restaurant boasts a wine list with over 1,700 selections. The kitchen is led by Executive Chef Matt Sramek, who curates a menu featuring premium cuts like USDA Prime, American Wagyu, and Japanese A5 Wagyu, alongside fresh, sustainably sourced seafood.
