Oakstone Winery was opened in March of 1997 by John & Susan Smith and operated on Slug Gulch Road until July 7, 2012, when the original winery building was destroyed by a fire of undetermined origin. It was re-established in September of the same year at the Obscurity Cellars winemaking facility at 6470 Irish Acres Road, just 1/4 mile away. After the move, John and Susan sold the winery to Steve and Liz Ryan, trusting them to carry on the tradition of excellence of both Oakstone Winery and Obscurity Cellars.
Steve and Liz Ryan lived in El Dorado County since 1989 and have been wine lovers for nearly as long. After a 14 year trucking career with his wife as owner/operators, (they hauled wine!) Steve sold all the equipment and joined Oakstone in 2003 as a cellar worker and tasting room attendant. By 2007, he had worked his way from assistant winemaker to winemaker, and Liz joined the team in 2008 as business manager.
Now, a 3rd generation of owner/operators will carry on Oakstone’s legacy. The Russell family purchased Oakstone winery in June 2021. As the new owners of Oakstone Winery and Obscurity Cellars, Courtney and Dustin invite you to join them for good wine, good friends and good times.
