Oak Leaf Vineyards
February 12, 2008
It has been indicated that the industry should keep an eye on a player that just entered the field last year, Oak Leaf Vineyards, a brand of The Wine Group in San Francisco. Oak Leaf sold around 500,000 cases in its short time on the market. The wines are available at Wal-Mart, where they sell for $1.97 a bottle.
The idea of a super affordable table wine caught on rapidly. A wine that was drinkable and at a price that would allow wine to be served at the dinner table more often and in more households seemed to be what consumers wanted.
Seeing a trend in the making and being consumer-oriented, super-retailer Wal-Mart has entered the low-priced wine market. The wine is Oak Leaf and it sells for the amazingly low price of $2.97. Because of federal wine laws and other considerations, the Wal-Mart name will not appear on the label, but Oak Leaf is exclusive to them and will only be available at Wal-Mart stores. The wine is currently on the shelves and is being featured in all Wal-Mart stores where wine may be sold.
The questions now are, “How many more major retailers who sell wine will be looking for an inexpensive brand to feature,” and “Will the present glut of wine grapes eventually run out and send prices skyrocketing?” We are sure that there must be many retailers who will wish to capitalize on this trend. No matter, it looks like for the time being, the public will be the real winners in this one.
Over all it seems that Charles Shaw “Two Buck Chuck” Finally has some competition.
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Oak Leaf Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
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82 Responses to “Oak Leaf Vineyards”
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Just tried this merlot with some shrimp for two. Might not be what you would do with shrimp, but we like it.
It’s about time that a person (that interested in wine) can purchase a good quality wine at a very affordable price. Granted, you may not impress the lady, but for a good table wine with great taste, this wine is hard to beat for the price. I do not think it will stay at this price for long and that’s a shame. Thanks to Oak Leaf for making such a nice affordable wine.
I have been a wine lover for 35 years and have had some extremely fine, expensive, wines. I have tried this new Oak Leaf and find it surprisingly good for an every day table wine. Whether it is Merlot or Cabernet, I have found this to be an inexpensive addition to our dinner table. My wife is fond of the Pinot Gregio and she is difficult to please. Keep up the good work. I just hate to see it spoiled by a severe price increase that’s inevitable.
Great Wine for the price we bought Three cases for the wine cellar!
[…] indicated that Oak Leaf Vineyards is part of The Wine Group and not Gallo, as I had indicated. From Cheap Wine Critics: It has been indicated that the industry should keep an eye on a player that just entered the […]
Love the Oak Leaf Pino Grigio. It can’t be beat.
Everyone we have served it to cannot believe the cost of the wine.
Keep putting out great wines like this.
great for the price and very smooth
I purchased one bottle of each of the Oak Leaf Wines available at Wal-Mart and was pleasantly surprised to like them very much. Now I would like to know where I can buy some more.
Forty years ago when I first began drinking reds, nearly all of it came from France…. and with the exception of the Grand Crus, we Americans pretty well got stuck with what the French called ‘vin ordinaire’. You never knew what a bottle would taste like till the cork was popped and often as not got a nasty surprise. Oak Leaf is an American ‘vin ordinaire’: a little rough (the Merlot is at any rate), but palatable enough to drink with an ordinary meal. At least with todays wines, even the least expensive, there is a consistency from year to year.
Well im on a super tight budget and I needed my wine
I could not believe there was a bottle for $2.97 AT WALMART!!! I almost didnt buy it. Thank god I did because I found a new favorite, it tastes great, smells good, and is $2.97 a bottle AMAZING!!!
I have tasted a lot of different wines including some very very expensive ones. Oak Leaf Cabernet is one of the best I have tasted., We love it…..
I love the Oak Leaf White Zinfandel for the price! I would like to know where I can purchase it by the case.
After consuming several bottles and several flavors of this Gold Medal award winning spirit. I give this a 10.
I never give wine a 10. I almost always as a rule try different manufacturers & flavors and only occasionally try the same one more than once.
For some reason I’ve been in a holding pattern with OakLeaf.
I appeals to me. As a matter of fact i just completed a bottle of Merlot it’s my 5th total over the last 30 days and to top it off I prefer all the flavors room temperature to chilled. how very interesting that is. A 1st. I have contacted the vineyard suggested that they increase their price without question. this is not just a every day table wine. It is my thought that once word gets out amoungst the winetasting comunity that this could stand to be put in the $20 to $50 dollar range as far as I’m comcerned. I’ve consumed a case over the last 5 to 6 weeks I really like this label folks. purchase it now. before the price goes up.
I think it’s a great deal.
Not bad but remember you get what you pay for. Dont drink too much or you will get a cheap wine hangover. Besides that I would say it is worth it. The Cab ranks a 7 for me.. Merlot is pretty bad and I would stay away and spend the extra money for Barefoot or better..
Originally got a variety of Oak Leaf wines for a house party of about 75. But, after all of that, we decided we really love the Pinot Grigio. My wife and I go through about a case per month. The best affordable table wine we have found as of yet
My wife and I like to have a glass of red wine at our evening meal. We bought a bottle of the Oak Leaf Merlot at our local grocery store and tryed it. We have been drinking red wines for quite some time now and can appreciate the experience of a good wine. Well, we were pleasantly surprised and went back and picked up a case of this. It’s quite a releaf to fine a buy like this in todays economy.
I found this wine at Wal Mart like everyone else and thought as cheap as this is it can’t be good !! But much to my suprise the wife and I love it !! We were only buying a couple of bottles at a time but now we buy 6 to 10 bottles , its all good to us , for those of you who don’t like it , don’t buy it !! and please Oak Leaf keep the price down !
Yeah yeah its from wal mart but, not only is is cheap, its tastes pretty good too. I’ve tried a couple of the REDS, and wasnt very pleased. But I am a pinot grigio drinker and find that for 3 bucks, its pretty good. I mean a case is about 40 dollars. I always buy it for just a glass or two at night. Of course go a bit fancier if you are having a dinner party or etc, but otherwise…it’s a great little deal. At least the pinot.
I dont know about purchasing by the case. You look crazy in wal mart with 12 bottles, but hey, its a deal right? Ive done it.
Ya you would definitly look like a fruit loop walkiing around with 3 cases of wine… I mean how do you even ask for them in wal-mart? Excuse me Good wal-mart patron… Could you get me a case of your cheapest wine?
Good wine, all the way around, the price and the taste. Tried more expensive wines and Oak Leave is just as good. I’ve been to winery’s and done several wine tasting and these are good wines for a much cheaper price. Why pay $15.00 for a bottle when you can get one comparable for $3.00.
I really love them … all! We don’t have a bottle shop in my small mountain town and i’m happy! I have nooo problem buying several bottles. And, I think it’s also sold at Rite-Aid drug stores. Cheers!
This wine rocks! If you choose not to buy this wine, then you are really dumb. I have been to many festivals all over the world. From Germany to Brasil and this wine is the tops. Plus its a nice buzzz.
Like many of you I walked by it going to Walmart and decided to try the Merlot, I was pretty impressed. I have had and tried many wine and this isone of the best cheap wine I ever had. Im french and Im difficult when it comes to wine, this is a wine “sans facon” perfect for a simple dinner with some friends along with other wines and cheese, or simply an everyday of the week wine with dinner,its nothing fancy yet good Enjoy
Tried several varietals of Oak Leaf. I Poured them all down the drain. A thin wine that would not be a value at half the price. I am a believer in quality low price wines but this was not worth drinking. Other brands like Barefoot are a better value even though they cost a few dollars more.
I don’t understand all the negative feedback. Oak Leaf’s Pinot Grigio is far superior to Chuck Shaw or even Barefoot when used to scrub that stubborn ring around my bathtub.
When my friend and I first discovered Oak Leaf at “WalMart”, we thought - wow, 2.97, are you kidding. Those who know us will say we are the “wine experts” - we really are not but that is our drink of choice. We both have tried it both the chardonnay, pinot grigio, and the merlot. All seem very good to us and for the price its a steal! Like the others I would hate to see the price increase especially in this day and economy.
The Oak Leaf is a major hit with me and my friends…..we buy ours from CVS (drugstore) 3 for $10! I always keep on hand!
I wanted to fill my wine fridge I just recently purchased and I bought a bottle of the Pinot Grigio. I thought what the heck lets give it a try. I opened it and smelled the wine first and was found of how it smelled. I took my first sip and thought WOW this is a good wine for how much I paid for it. I definitley will be buying it again!! I just hope they don’t turn around and make it expensive!! :0) Thanks Oak Leaf!
this is the best cheap wine i have ever tasted. walmart ran out
Had Oak Leaf White Zinfindel last night with dinner. Delicious! And in these difficult economic times, it is actually cheaper to drink than soda pop! Hooray!
We had a private blind test wine tisting with 6 friends. 6 reds from 2.97 to 16.oo and the Oak leaf was the full groups choice.
Recognise that not all peoples taste is the same. We buy at least 4 bottles a week.
[…] […]
It’s my favorite Merlot of all the cheepies (and the not so cheepies). I would like to buy 10 cases at a time. I’m aware that all people would not like it as much as me… (different strokes for different folks), but thank you Wallmart for bringing me this fine wine for such a cheap price.
I love Oak Leaf wines. I was a big fan of Two Buck Chuck but Oak Leaf wines just taste better. I’ve introduced several friends to this wine and they are now fans as well. It’s excellent for inexpensive, everyday wine!
Look at the wine-snob haters!
Oak Leaf is on par with two buck, and I firmly believe it’s much smoother than barefoot (Cabernet). Thin? a little, but it has a decent leg; it’s not a wine for investment (if that’s what you are looking for, you probably lost your shirt to Bernie Madoff or R. Allen Stanford);
this is a table wine that’s meant to be opened and enjoyed…which I WILL. And those of you too embarrassed to buy a case of it, don’t be ridiculous…the Walmartys would look at you in awe, thinking you know some secret, and what do THEY know about your business? I find it humorous that Walmart public perception is an issue. That’s just silly.
Oh, as of two nights ago, there were three giant empty sections in the wine aisles. Yup, only ONE bottle of merlot left on the shelf, so SOMEONE likes it!
I started drinking Oak Leaf In Florida. We moved to Kansas and I have to travel to Missouri to buy it because of the laws that prohibit wine sales at the WalMart stores in Kansas. I had told my friends and family about this great, inexpensive wine and then I saw on the cover of Oprah one month ” The $3 wine that will surprise you.” I was excited to see that even Oprah appriciated it! I hope the price stays the same. In this economy we can use a few breaks on our little “extravagancies.”
I was in Wal-Mart yesterday and was looking at the wine display of Oak Leaf wines which I hadn’t heard of. Also was not sure about that low price. I was going to purchase one bottle to try. I got to talking to a lady that was buying 20 bottles for a party. She said she had bought them before and was surprised at how good they tasted. So I bought a bottle of each. My husband and I shared a bottle of the White Zinfandel last night and it was very nice. Glad I ran into this lady.
Not a bad wine for the price. I prefer the cabernet over the merlot, as it is a little harsh. Overall, very nice!
Oak leaf has become my favorite wine, the first time i tried it was cause a friend of mine got it , after having a glass of pinot grigio wich is my favorite, I asked what kind of wine is it?? It is the one that Walmart sells, really???? Im a wine drinker and this brand is very good!!! I even tried shiraz is great as well, no crazy about the ones are blend, thank you for this prices I always have wine at home and now i like to share it!!!!!
This Sh-t. is one step above jug Sh-t. Aroma? If you hold your nose you can get it down. I’ve tried the Cab and Chard. Only wine amateurs drink Pinot G and Merlot. And there is a apparently a lot of wine ignorant people here who can’t tell the difference. Well you are talking WAL MART. And the type of person that shops at WAL MART is one step below the Costco customer. They probably live in the slums, and they consider McDonald’s a Restaurant.
McDonald’s is not a Restaurant? Bull poop!
I have been making wine for about 10 years and it is amazing that Oak Leaf can make this wine at this level of quality for this price. I have never been impressed with ultra cheap wine (boxed, screw on lids and such) but this one is pretty good and great fo the pice.
First time trying this wine, and I can’t get enough of it. The color is beautiful and the taste I love. I will be buying this one again!
You know, I really like this wine. I actually purchased this wine to make German gluvine (sp.) warm wine. There was a little left and my girfriend and I tried it and to our amazement it was rather tasty for the dollar. If you either looking for a new favorite or a couple bottles to get you through this tough economic time with a little more cash in your pocket, this is the wine for you. Remember, 15 dollar reds here in the US are at bargin basement prices ($2) in France. There may be something here!
I, like others, couldn’t believe the price so I bought a bottle of Sauv Blanc. For $3…why not? Haven’t tried it yet, but will update.
PS - Dr. No, consider going back to “grammar”-school.
I have been a ‘red winer’ for years and this is certainly a welcome addition for every night with dinner. I, as were most, was pleasantly surprised.
Dr. No, I also shop at Costco and on rare occasions, drive through McDonalds (rare only because of the healthy lifestyle I attempt to maintain other than the occasional McDonald’s binge).
I guess those who feel the need to belittle must be overcompensating for something…..shame on you for being so condescending to those who enjoy saving money in this economy.
I’ve had many many many high end red wines and this little $2.97 bottle of Cab is a keeper! I will be the one you see in Wal Mart proudly asking for it by the case so I will always have it on hand.
Hey, every dollar saved on wine is a dollar to spend at Costco and McDonalds!
We drink way too much of this stuff–usually the Merlot or Cab, but now they’ve added a Shiraz to the lineup and that is quite decent also. The wine does not compare to some of the better mid-range wines in the $10-15 range but can’t be beat for an everyday table wine. The added bonus is the looks you get when you plop a case into your cart right next to the super-sized family pack of toilet paper.l
The Oakleaf Vineyards wine are an excellent buy. I believe that it is comparable to wine in the 10-15 dollar range. Great everyday table wine
I enjoy buying Oak Leaf in the box, however, I have been unable to find it in a Merlot. Is it available? Thanks - Ray
I think the oak leaf is a good cheap wine. When I went into walmart I could not believe the price. My favorite is the Pinot Gregio.Please dont go up on the price.
I have been trying for almost a month now to purchase cases of Merlot, Chardonnay and White Zin at our Wal-Mart and have just gotten the runaround. They finally said they’d order it in and call me, well, I haven’t heard a word. I spoke to the assistant manager tonight and he’s “going to call me back’. Yeah, right. What’s the deal anyway?? I can go into ANY Wal-Mart in AZ and purchase it for a dollar cheaper than here in WA where I can’t even get it!
Thanks,
Jan
This is clearly the best valued table wine that I have tried. I have traveled around the world and have had much more expensive wines that were not as good. I have been trying many different wines for over 26 years. This is a great deal!!!!
This wine is really the only reason I go to Wal-Mart. It is so much better than Two Buck Chuck. Definitely a good taste for the price!
Great wine. Don’t forget to serve properly, red is room temp.(get one for 25 cents. wine coaster) use pretty napkins or coaster, white is chilled for 30 min. accept the compliments Enjoy and remember more that half is in the presentation.
We were intorduced to Oak Leaf when I saw a lady at WalMart buying several bottles. For $2.97 I was sold. Brought one bottle. Now buy it all the time. Our idea of ‘good wine’ was something with a cork in it rather than a screw top. I guess we are drinking ‘the good stuff’ now. Dr. No I believe you to be a’ wine snob’.
surprice to find wine at wallmart, Love the price, and the taste is not bad, Felicidades!!!
Several months ago my husband and I got together with our good friends who are also our wine drinking buddies. We were outside on their patio and they served glasses of red wine. I noticed how smooth this wine was and told them it was really good and what was it. They looked at each other, as if to say “should we tell them?” After trying the merlot & cabernet we decided to start buying up until we had what we needed for our daughter’s upcoming wedding - cabernet, chardonnay and their white zin. Our friends have ordered special personalized wine bottle labels for them and there is absolutely no doubt everyone will enjoy these wines. Our favorite is the cabernet but our daughter loves the white zin just as much as the Beringer white zin. Nice to have affordable options that also have quality appeal.
Not bad
I don’t care how oak leaf wines are made. They’re cheap as hell and delicious. I can afford to have wine every night of the week.
You can not ask more for a wine that price. Thanks to The Wine Group for their initiative to release a really cheap and good wine.
Since we shop Walmart all the time, we must try the wine. We were pleasantly surprised when we tried the first bottle. Since it is so affordable, we’ve purchased it on a weekly basis. Best of all it is a pleasure to the palate, and the price isn’t bad either! Our favorites are Merlot, Shiraz, and Chardonnay, but are on our way to try the others.
What can I say~ For the price it is a GREAT table wine~ Italy basically!
The wine is great! has a wonderful and bitter/tart taste, for the ladies. pls condider white zinfandel, chardnay the green bottle for real wine drinkers, who wants the party effect! and merlot for the quality of wine . they are all great! keep up the wonderful work ! the wine is great . shutter homes has nothing on you . their wine is so wattery compared to yours.
I drink a glass of wine almost every night and used to drink 2 buck Chuck ’till I started getting migraines the size of California and the taste got pretty bad with newer crops back in ‘05-’06. I discovered Oak Leaf last year and the taste is really wonderful! I mostly drink the reds but the occasional Pinot Grigio/Chenin Blanc blend is so great (notes of pear, apple, and a buttery finish). Plus I do NOT get migraines from Oak Leaf (unless overly dehydrated, in which case any alcohol would cause them).
I buy it by the case as much as possible - no price discount, just easier to transport and less restocking trips (and if you’re going to Wal-Mart worried about what others think, just look around - it’s just the real people in the world being themselves
Barefoot is my other drink of choice if I’m not in a Wal-Mart, but even that has given me wicked migraines before from just one glass.
Go Oak Leaf, and thank you!
We found it in Walmart…..love it as an inexpensive great flavored wine…..in this ecomony…it so fits our budget without compromising the taste…..thank you Oak Leaf….please keep it at its budget price and we will help to keep you in business…..
GREAT TASTE! ……..GREAT PRICE!……..MOST IMPORTANTLY NO HANG-OVERS!!! I USE TO BUY EXPENSIVE WINES AND ALWAYS GET A HANG-OVER THE NEXT DAY (JUST HAVING TWO GLASSES)…3 YEARS AGO MY BOSS’S WIFE TOLD ME ABOUT OAF LEAF & I’VE BEEN DRINKING IT EVER SINCE!
I tried my first bottle of Oak Leaf Cabernet last week and was expecting it to be disgusting because of the price, but I said “what the heck, I’ll try it” and I’m glad I did. Just bought 10 more bottles tonight. Love it!!
we have tried wines from all over-cheap to expensive. oakleaf is our wine of choice, either the cab. or chard. our walmart can’t seem to keep it in stock; so oakleaf must be doing something right! we also wish we could get walmart to stock by the case-but, we get nowhere with the store managers in Ga.
To all to the wine snobs out their that are paying way to much for their juice I say— you are fools for not checking out The Oak Leaf
This is good old made in the USA wine, that kick ass, .
let face it most of us real wine folks know that this good stuff and will give allot of wine a run for the money once the word get out
Keep drinking it and they will keep makeing it,,,
Nice to stay in touch with someone who did so much for me.
who did so much for you?
I buy Cab at Wal-Mart here in Arizona, I love the wine, and it is a great price. I hope the price doesn’t increase. Last year it was 1.97 a bottle a real steal. It is now 2.97. Great wine!
Trish
I have been a satisfied Oak Leaf buyer for well over a year. That is, up until now! I have a box of chardonnay that is totally unacceptable; it is un-drinkable in its flavor, aroma, and overall rating. You might want to check this “batch” ..the numbers are: 00609 09:42 R23, expiration date: Jan, 06.2010. I thought I had found a replacement for “Two Buck Chuck”, but you have lost a customer.
Hello I am trying to find out how to buy a case of white zinfandel and send to my mom in Colorado. Please if some one could help me figure this out I would be greatful. Thank you!
Have tried all the Oak leaf wines. Like the Cab Sav and Sav blanc the best. “I’m not drinking that f***ing Merlot”. The Chardonnay had a little too much formaldyhyde in it for my taste. Great wine for when you get off the B shift and want to sit around and talk to the cat before cashing in.
I just finished the white zinfande from Oak Leaf and WOW! I was really, REALLY surprised! It can’t be beat for a good table wine and the price, well, don’t let the price fool you, this is a great wine!
Just bought my first two bottles of Oak Leaf. Sitting here easing down the Melot which seems very smooth for an inexpensice wine. We haven’t opened the bottle of White Zinfandel yet, but if it’s anywhere close to the surprise I’m having with this Merlot, I’ll certainly go back for more………and I don’t care how stupid it may look at Wally World.
My husband & I love our wine! We do know a good tasting wine when we taste one. We have tried all different wines and I have to say I really do like Oak Leaf. We first tried it at a friends house and thought it was good so asked where she purchased it and not being a regular shopper of Wal-Mart had to go just to try it again. It is higher in sulfites (so a litle bit more of a headache if you drink alot) but overall it tasted great as an everyday wine, along with the great price, you can’t beat it.
Oh and by the way, we wont drink 2 buck chuck. It is horrible in my opinion.
I have finished all my Oak Leaf reserves and it wasn’t easy. I prefer to pay an extra .30 per 1.5 liter and go for the Liberty Creek. Something about the Oak Leaf just says to me ‘drink this if you want to get cancer’. But I’ll keep it in mind next time the drain is clogged.