History of Oak Family Vineyard & Ranch Estate
Cecil Wiley Oak's original cabin still standing
Cecil Wiley Oak's original cabin still standing
Oak Family Vineyard & Ranch Estate covers over 71,965 acres of hills, mountains, lakes, and prairies in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Northern California. From cliffs to rolling valleys covered with Oak, Manzanita, and Pine trees along with many other plants and a wide range of animal life.
The Oak Family researched their story back to 1742 when Carl Cecil Oak, one of four Blacksmiths in town — the youngest at 17, was forced into the treacherous wilderness to the north, an area that everyone just went around, by the other three. Carl navigated his way through the dense forest and rough terrain to eventually find fertile valleys and self-sustaining resources. Establishing a dwelling and growing crops, he was able to never go into town except for the one time to win the heart of his dream girl, Marjorie Camiel Weimer. He told her about this Garden of Eden hidden inside the wilderness. Of course, she did not believe him at first.
Cecilia & Richard Oak
played by Lori Grback & Gary L. Conover
Photo © 2011 - 2022 Mark Hoffman and Aria Pictures
Agnes Eva-Jean Washington [we can never get a picture with Samuel, he is always busy, and hides from the camera]
played by Cynthia Gatlin
photo © 2011 - 2022 Patricia Collins & Aria Pictures
They raised a family of four and educated them. Carl taught them about how to live in harmony with their surrounding wilderness. Marjorie taught them about reading, writing, and mathematics. They would go into town to attend events and visit Marjorie’s family and to show off the grandchildren now and then. Carl spent his last years navigating a perimeter of the wilderness and setting up boundaries to mark their territory and set a claim to the land before his death in 1802. Since there were very few that would enter the “Haunted Woods” — as many people call it — and those that did would turn back or never return at all. No one opposed the claim. If they only knew what they were missing things might have been different. The family states that Carl walked every acre of the 71,965 acres that he claimed and would have been more, but Marjorie became sick, and Carl stayed by her side, and after she passed, he gave the deed to his youngest son Cecil Wiley Oak.
Oak Family Vineyard & Estate Ranch landscape
Actual location is Lucchesi Vineyard & Winery Grass Valley
Photo © 2012 - 2023 Doug Hammer and Aria Pictures
In the spring of 1818, tired of the torturous path into town, Cecil began the construction of a winding leveled wagon path down the Miner’s Cavern, which exists today as the primary way in and out of the Estate.
With hundreds of streams and creeks throughout the property and many lakes, there is no shortage of water for the abundant flora and fauna that call Oak Family Vineyard & Ranch Estate home. The Yuba River, once known for its gold panning from 1830 - 1925, also runs through the property.
Cecil made his income off of making available his vast forest to builders of all likes, as well as leasing gold claims along the streams and his part of the Yuba River. Local lore — and papers found in the attic — state Cecil asked for an ounce of gold for every 10 ounces the miner’s panned — and they found plenty. Some have often pondered why Cecil did not mine the property himself?
In 1947, Richard James Oak was born to Albert Simon and Mary Bessie Oak. At the age of 18, in the spring of 1965, Richard purchased 300 acres of the family estate — some say it the family gave it to him, but the records show a little of both. Richard planted grape varietals with help from his friend Samuel George Washington educated in viticulture. Richard went to college to earn his degree in viticulture and business, which is where he met and married Cecilia Ann Hanson, yes, the brother of Gary Donald Hanson, whom Richard was also good friends with before meeting Cecilia.
Oak Family Family Richard, Cecilia, and Michael - 1970
played by Gary L. Conover, Lori Grbac, and Jacob Ambrosini
photo © 2011 - 2022 Patricia Collins & Aria Pictures
They sold their first Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Noir grapes in 1968, which was only 120 tons, but for the ranch, it was the first step into realizing their self-sufficient lifestyle. A much more abundant harvest came in 1970; by then, they had several other varietals that they offered. That same year, Michael Robert was born to Richard and Cecilia, making it 12 generations of Oak’s residing on the property since 1818.
Since its beginning, Oak Family Vineyard & Ranch Estate has raised the bar for quality, flavor, and value, plus the pure joy of sharing a grape or two with friends and family.
Oak Family Teresa, Richard, Michael, and Chardonnay - circa 2011
played by Gretta Sosine, Gary L. Conover, Michel Klemp, and Karly Avva
photo © 2011 - 2022 Patricia Collins & Aria Pictures
Cecilia passed away from cancer in 1989, and Samuel Died in 1991. Gary Donald Hanson took over more responsibilities and in 1998, Marilyn, Gary and Marie’s daughter, began helping out on the business end.
In 2004, an order for 70 percent of their product came from a company in New York; this was an unusual request, but they paid a premium and did not haggle over the price.
In 2011, we added two new additions to the Oak Family, Teresa Marie, wife of Michael Robert, and Chardonnay Syrah, their daughter. Michael returned from his extended journey away to share the joyous news.