CHAPTER 3

Passing the Torch

1992-2002

1992

Geyserville winery opens

“We had reached maximum capacity and needed to split the Napa Valley and Alexander Valley production,” recalls Silver Oak president Tony LeBlanc. “Originally a white wine facility, our first few vintages at Geyserville were made in white wine fermenters.”

1994

Daniel Baron becomes the second winemaker in Silver Oak history

“I was working at Dominus at the time and happened to see a ‘Help Wanted’ ad in the local newspaper that Justin had posted looking for a successor. We worked together for six years to ensure the continuity of Silver Oak.” – Daniel Baron, Silver Oak winemaker (1994 to 2017)

2002

Ray’s youngest son, David, joins Silver Oak

“I figured out the perfect person to run the winery,” said Ray to David, who responded with “Who?” “You,” his father replied. As David recalls, “we crumpled up the next 35 years of our lives and moved out to California.” (Not an easy decision as his wife Kary was the Assistant Chief of Medicine at the University of Denver)

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We Rebuild
2006-2012