Oakville AVA is known for its success with Bordeaux varietals, which have produced wines of rich texture, firm tannins, and notes of mint and herbs.

The portion of the AVA between State Route 29 and the Silverado Trail is a mix of clay and well-drained sandy loam.

Wind and fog arriving from San Pablo Bay can affect the morning and evening hours, but their effects are limited by the intervening Yountville Mounts.

[4] H. W. Crabb planted the first vineyard here in 1868, on 240 acres (97 ha) of land close to the Napa River that he named To Kalon, Greek for "most beautiful".

The historic To Kalon Vineyard, owned by the Robert Mondavi Winery, Andy Beckstoffer and four other owners, is still producing grapes today.