Olabisi Tasting Room

Napa California Two Winery Tasting Room

The Olabisi Tasting Room showcases two Napa wineries: Olabisi and Trahan. Ted Osborne, Olabisi’s owner (along with his wife, Kim) began his wine industry education with a harvest job at Napa’s Cakebread Cellars. From there he worked at wineries in Australia, South Africa, and Bordeaux, finally returning to Napa. Before starting Olabisi Osborne was winemaker at Piña Brothers.

Trahan Winery was started by Chuck Custodio, who was happily embarked on a career as an engineer when he “discovered” wine. Before too long he had left engineering behind to take wine classes and gain experience in the industry by working at a Napa Valley winery. Together with his soon-to-be-wife Janna and his mother, Liz, he started Trahan Winery. The first vintage, the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, was released on Chuck and Janna’s wedding day in 2004.

The tasting room is on the small side, but has a laid-back, comfortable feel—almost like being in someone’s home. That’s probably because at least one of the owners is always on site, welcoming visitors and pouring wines. If you come early, your tasting will be quiet and intimate. As the day wears on, however, the tasting room becomes increasingly high-energy, crowded, and fun.

Fascinating Fact:

Olabisi is an African girl’s name. It translates as “Joy Multiplied.”

Amenities: Wine Club
Founded: 2002
Signature Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Verdot, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah
Wine Tasting: No appointment needed
Hours: Daily, 11–6

Olabisi Tasting Room
974 Franklin Street
Napa, CA 94559
707-257-7477

website: www.olabisiwines.com
website: www.trahanwinery.com

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Suzie Rodriguez writes about travel, food, and wine from her home in the wine-country town of Sonoma, California. You can follow her travels and musings at The Culinary Gadabout.

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