Our Story
Steve and Vicki Shoemaker
Greetings from the vineyard! 3 Oaks Vineyard is owned and operated by Steve and Vicki in Clovis, CA.
They both grew up in the Fresno area, and after being gone because of Steve's military career for over 20 years, came back to the area to be closer to his mom in 2005. Steve's background as a Green Beret and Counter-Terrorism expert had him spending many years overseas and allowed him to travel the world; but after retiring there was a need for a place of solace and mending, which they have found at their current property, 3 Oaks Vineyard.
After much deliberation on what to plant on their newly acquired land, during a family trip to California Adventure in Disneyland, Steve wandered into the Napa Valley exhibit and said "I know what we are going to plant!", as he pointed to the grape vines. In 2007, after many wine-filled discussions, they cleared the 100+ aging almond trees on their new property and 3 Oaks Vineyard was born.
These days, you'll most likely find Steve hanging out with "his vines", and the vineyard chickens, or in the barn, working some magic with his wines. .
Steve had a background in agriculture and biology before entering the Army, so his wines were pretty good right away, but when he completed his Post Graduate Winemaking Certificate from UC Davis, his wines jumped in quality substantially. As a result, his first wine, "Wine Stalker", submitted to the 2019 San Francisco International Wine Competition, won a Silver Medal, and then in 2020, Escape and Faith were submitted, winning bronze and silver medals. So, far 3 for 3 is not bad for a "micro-winery", from Clovis in the Central Valley. The list keeps growing each year as well!
What is significant about 3 Oaks Vineyard, it was decided early on that the focus would be on authenticity, This is expressed by ecologically caring for the land and what it produces and creating authentic wines without additives, just real good wine for real people.
The grapes produced in the deep sand on the back of the property contain a "mineral" component, while the grapes from the sandy loam in the front of the vineyard create smooth flavorful wines. There is an excitement to discover what the sandy-clay in the newer front vineyard will create. The land is treated with respect by using exclusively "sustainable farming practices". In practice, Steve enjoys the excitement of what each year's vintage will create and what the wines will become in the barrels.
After a long day in the vineyard, both Steve and Vicki enjoy sitting on their back deck and enjoying the sunset and watching critters (rabbits, foxes, squirrels, doves, hawks and the occasional chicken that doesn't want to turn in for the night, etc.) in the vineyard. There is always so much going on in the vineyard all year round, but it is a blessing to be able to slow down and enjoy it!
We hope that you enjoy the fruits of our labor, as much as we loved creating 3 Oaks wines for you.
Cheers!