Detert Family Vineyards has a long and notable history in Oakville, even though Detert Family Vineyards wines debuted with the 2000 vintage. William Ferdinand Detert was a German immigrant who arrived in California in 1866 and opened a gold mine. By the beginning of the 20th century he had purchased 22,000 acres of ranch land in Lake, El Dorado and Amador Counties. His nephew Richard Detert – great grandfather of the current owners -- moved to the US in 1909 to help manage the property. In 1954 the family sold the ranch to purchase 50 acres of the legendary To Kalon Vineyard, renaming their portion Detert Vineyard. For the next 50 years the Deterts sold grapes to Robert Mondavi and other producers. Today the Deterts produce Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from their prestigious vineyard. The winemaker and co-founder is Tom Garrett who also makes wine for his Dakota Shy winery. The wines are generally available by mailing list only.