Wine Portfolio

Laura Oskwarek

Winemaker, Silver Oak

Laura has worked at Silver Oak Napa Valley since 2009, and over the last decade, she has played a critical role in improving analytical protocols, creating quality control methodologies and streamlining operations. No detail escapes Laura’s attention, from crush to bottling, and even how our wines are shipped around the world to arrive in perfect condition.

Originally from Connecticut, Laura performed her undergraduate studies at Simmons College in Boston where she earned degrees in Biology and Chemistry and developed a scientific focus on microbiology, culminating in her thesis on cross contamination in conjunction with Proctor & Gamble.

Laura thought her focus on microbiology would lead her to a career in medicine, but her life would soon take a different path. While continuing her medical education in Denmark, Laura fell in love with “the warmth and bonding that happened at home and the dinner table over a bottle of wine.” Immediately upon her return, Laura enrolled in the Enology and Viticulture program at the University of California at Davis, and the rest is history.

Outside of harvest, Laura considers December through February to be her most critical time of the year. It is during this time, with Silver Oak VP of Winegrowing Nate Weis, the team crafts the Silver Oak Napa Valley blend. Silver Oak wines are blended before barreling, and as many as 180 permutations of the blend are evaluated before settling on the final decision.

While winemaking is cyclical, it is the diversity and creative space that Laura cites as her favorite reasons for working at Silver Oak. “Winemaking isn’t a one person show,” says Laura. “And the team you’re surrounded by matters as much as the grapes—the variety of experiences, ideas and diverse backgrounds—is what helps us push our craft to the fullest extent.”

Laura resides in the Napa Valley with her husband Phil and their two young daughters.

Country born: United States

Years in the wine industry: 15-20 years

Winemaking Philosophy:
“Winemaking isn’t a one person show,” says Laura. “And it’s the people who matter as much as the grapes—the variety of experiences, ideas and diverse backgrounds—is what helps us push our craft to the fullest extent.”