How a Chance Encounter in Fiji Made a Kansas Couple Part of the Silver Oak Family

We are constantly amazed by the Bottle Stories we hear from our fans. The opportunity to be a part of people’s lives and their special moments are what drive us at Silver Oak. This beautiful Bottle Story came to us from Silver Oak fans, Terry and Ruth Ann.

Thank you, Terry and Ruth Ann, for sharing your Bottle Story.

Picture it: California in the mid-80s. The air was thick with anticipation as my college buddies and I set out on a spring break adventure unlike any other. Traveling from the University of Kansas with Napa Valley as our destination, our mission was clear: to indulge in the finest wines and create memories that would last a lifetime. Little did I know, this escapade would lead me to a discovery that would shape my life forever—the beginning of what would soon become our lifelong love for Silver Oak.

Amidst the many wineries we visited, one stood head and shoulders above the rest—the venerable Silver Oak. From the moment our lips touched the glass, we knew we stumbled upon something extraordinary. It was silky, smooth and oak-infused perfection. We couldn’t wait to get our hands on as many bottles as we could. However, as college students, the reality of the price point meant this wine was reserved for special occasions and celebratory moments. Yet, this experience served as our initiation into the world of fine wine, leaving an indelible mark on our palates and hearts.

Fast forward through the years—marriage, children, and plenty of life changes—Silver Oak Cabernet remained a constant presence in my life, and it soon became a cherished part of my wife Ruth Ann’s life as well. We made it a tradition to gift Silver Oak Cabernet regularly, and every Christmas, those same college buddies received a bottle as their present.

“We often jokingly referred to ourselves as the unofficial Silver Oak brand ambassador of Kansas.”

Terry B.

In December 2017, we decided to celebrate our wedding anniversary and the holidays in Fiji. Little did we know, fate had woven a remarkable encounter into our vacation. The Duncan family of Silver Oak, hailing from Napa, California, was at the same resort. Meeting Sally, wife of founder Ray Duncan, plus David, Tim and the rest of the Duncans felt like a dream come true. 

Sally, with her knitting needles in hand, welcomed us into the fold, and our two families bonded on the same dive boat, sharing laughs and adventures. Excitedly, Ruth Ann and I shared our genuine love for Silver Oak. It was important to us that they understood our admiration was no mere lip service—we proudly display the “Life is a Cabernet” license plate holders, a testament to how deeply the wine has become intertwined with our lives. 

Throughout our time in Fiji, Ruth Ann and I found ourselves embraced by the warmth and generosity of the entire family. The night we celebrated our anniversary, Sally approached us at our dinner table with a bottle of Silver Oak, insisting on a toast to our special day. This gesture of kindness spoke volumes. 

Then, Sally presented us a parting gift—a hand-knitted scarf for Ruth Ann to keep warm back home in Kansas and asked if we were coming to Release Day. To our discovery, this was the biggest Silver Oak event of the year, and we had never been! We were stunned and thrilled to accept the invitation. 

We arrived at Sally’s house the night before Release Day and were greeted warmly yet again. Among friends—both old and new—Ruth Ann and I felt like honorary members the next morning at Release Day. From that moment on, attending this event has become a biannual tradition of ours. We realized that it’s not just about the wine but about the stories it inspires, the friendships it forges, and the moments it crystallizes.