O'Shaughnessy Estate Winery

O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery, a beacon of winemaking artistry nestled in the scenic Napa Valley, was established in 1996. It has since emerged as a distinguished name in the wine industry, thanks to the vision and passion of its proprietors, Betty and Paul O’Shaughnessy, and their dedicated team.

Betty O’Shaughnessy, originally from Minnesota, grew up in a rural farming community, an experience that instilled in her a profound appreciation for the land and its bounties. After a successful career in real estate investment and development, as well as owning and teaching at a cooking school in Minneapolis, Betty’s entrepreneurial spirit and love for food and wine led her to Napa Valley. In 1990, she acquired a parcel of land in Oakville, complete with vineyards and a home site. This marked the beginning of a journey that saw the expansion of O’Shaughnessy’s vineyards to Howell Mountain and Mount Veeder, further diversifying the variety of grapes and enhancing the winery’s portfolio.

Paul O’Shaughnessy’s journey also began in the Midwest. His initial interest in wine, which started modestly in New Mexico, blossomed into a passionate pursuit through college and his law career. His path eventually intertwined with Betty’s at a wine tasting, setting the stage for their shared vision at O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery. Together, they focus on producing the best possible wine from their exceptional vineyards, while enjoying a rich family life with their children and grandchildren.

At the helm of winemaking is Sean Capiaux, the founding winemaker and president of the winery. Capiaux’s illustrious career spans over thirty years, with experience in prominent wineries worldwide. A graduate of California State University, Fresno, with a degree in Enology and a minor in Chemistry, he honed his skills at Jordan Winery in Sonoma County, Houghton Winery in Australia, Pine Ridge Winery in Stags Leap, and Peter Michael Winery, among others. At O’Shaughnessy, Capiaux crafts world-class mountain Cabernets, utilizing modern equipment to produce wines that are naturally fermented and bottled unfined and unfiltered, thus highlighting the distinct character of the vineyards.

The winery’s viticulture is overseen by Alan Peirson, a California native with a background in art history and a multifaceted career that includes roles in winery and vineyard management, design, and horticulture. His tenure at Peter Michael Winery and involvement with Sage Vineyards on Mt. Veeder, where he developed and managed an estate vineyard and wine program, has equipped him with invaluable experience for his role at O’Shaughnessy.

O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery’s vineyards span across Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder, and Oakville, each contributing unique terroir characteristics to their wines. The winery’s commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices ensures the health of the land and the quality of their grapes. Specializing in Cabernet Sauvignon, the winery also produces Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and blends of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, each embodying the essence of Napa Valley’s rich winemaking heritage.

In conclusion, O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery stands as a testament to the synergy of passionate stewardship, expert winemaking, and the unique terroir of Napa Valley. From the visionary journey of Betty and Paul O’Shaughnessy to the expert craftsmanship of Sean Capiaux and the viticultural expertise of Alan Peirson, the winery continues to create exceptional wines that are a true reflection of the Napa Valley’s legacy.