Silver Oak Winery & Paravel: A Seamless Union of Sustainable Craftsmanship and Luxury

What happens when you fuse fine wine, fashion and sustainability? You get the holiday collaboration between Silver Oaks Winery and Paravel, the luxury travel and lifestyle brand, and a luxurious, eco-friendly wine-inspired line of travel products.

Silver Oak Winery

Silver Oak Winery, located in Oakville,  is a renowned American winery, established in 1972. CEO and Chairman David Duncan has played a pivotal role in the winery’s continued success and growth. His leadership has been instrumental in not only preserving but also elevating the reputation of Silver Oak as one of California’s top Cabernet Sauvignon producers, known for its consistency, quality, and eco-friendly initiatives.

As a producer of premium wines, Silver Oak focuses exclusively on producing Cabernet Sauvignon in their two Estate Wineries (Alexander Valley and Napa Valley), a practice that has allowed them to perfect their approach to the varietal. They continue to be distinguished, aging wines in American Oak barrels and extending the barrel aging process (around 24 months, then further in the bottle for another 15-20 months before release), allowing for a more distinctive flavor profile and great complexity. While the wines are balanced and approachable now, they also demonstrate the capacity to age gracefully. Silver Oak has been a leader in sustainable winemaking, with both of their wineries being LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified. They emphasize environmentally friendly practices such as water conservation, renewable energy, and sustainable viticulture in their vineyards and production facilities, ensuring that Silver Oak’s winemaking practices have a minimal environmental impact. Today, Silver Oak remains family-owned, managed by the Duncan family, continuing the vision of creating premium, approachable wines. 

Paravel

Paravel is a luxury travel and lifestyle brand known for its stylish, sustainable, and eco-friendly travel goods and accessories. Founded by Indré Rockefeller and Andy Krantz in 2016, Paravel emphasizes functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability in its products, which range from luggage to travel accessories (packing cubes, weekender and fold-up bags, etc.), all eco-friendly products, vegan and recycled materials, carbon neutral shipping and sustainable manufacturing practices. For example, their Aviator suitcase is notable for being the first carbon-neutral suitcase, made with recycled polycarbonate shells, recycled zippers, and lining from plastic bottles. By incorporating these principles, Paravel positions itself as a brand focused on reducing its environmental footprint and promoting sustainability, while maintaining style and luxury.

I had the pleasure of participating in the launch party for this collaboration. I was able to speak with both Managing Director’s, David Duncan and Andy Krantz, to hear first hand about their inspiration. This partnership was born out of the desire to celebrate American craftsmanship and sustainable innovation, while bringing family and friends together. This exclusive event was definitely celebratory, but intimate. Incidentally, the launch also fit well with the “Come Over October” campaign, which encouraged wine lovers to invite friends, colleagues, and family to “come over” during the month of October! 

Silver Oak‘s two flagship wines exhibit rich fruit flavors, smooth tannins, and the ability to age well. No doubt about it.

Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a light, elegant profile. Between the two, this one is less tannic, softer, rounder and smoother. It is definitely approachable and fruit forward, with ripe cherry, raspberry, and red currant, complemented by darker black cherry notes. In alignment with Silver Oak’s style, this wine is aged in American oak, imparting flavors of vanilla, coconut, and sweet toasted oak. The oak is well-integrated, adding a richness without overpowering the fruit. Some herbal accents add freshness and complexity. Long finish with a hint of chocolate.

Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon on the other hand, is rather opulente and more full-bodied. Ripe, dark fruit flavors like blackberry, black cherry, and plum tantalize the palate. Lots of juicy fruit, with a slight jammy sweetness. American oak aging contributes to the notes of cedar and nutmeg, harmonizing bold fruit with the oak influences. The firm tannins provide a smooth, velvety mouthfeel and a long and lingering finish with dark fruit and espresso notes. This wine is bold and rich, with lots of depth. I consider this a pensive wine, one to pair with food or to sit and ponder life. It is full-bodied and structured with balanced acidity, making it both approachable in its youth and suitable for aging.

While learning about this project, we sipped Silver Oak wines and dined on delicious fare by famous Chef Yann Nury at his private residence. What a treat! While stellar on their own, we enjoyed a specifically curated menu by Chef Nury to pair with both estate wines.

Considering both brands’ commitment to sustainability, the partnership between Silver Oak and Paravel only makes sense, balancing fine wine, fashion and forward-thinking functionality.