Good Everyday Wine for Every "Grand" Day!
Our Philosophy
Welcome to Monkey Island Winery, located at the beautiful Royal Horse Ranch. Re-established in 2017, our winery is born from a lifelong passion for fine wine and a deep connection to the Grand Lake area. We are dedicated to crafting a delightful selection of approachable, high-quality wines perfect for celebrating life's simple pleasures and grandest moments.
Our Wines: A Taste of Grand Lake
We take pride in creating a diverse portfolio of wines that reflect our unique corner of Oklahoma. Our process combines carefully selected juices with the bounty of our own land. We ferment and bottle a range of varietals, featuring our estate-grown Cynthiana/Norton grapes from our home vineyard, alongside delicious fruit wines made from locally sourced Monkey Island Pears, Peaches, and Blackberries.
Our Story: From Vine to Wine
Our Story: From Vine to Wine
Our journey to winemaking began long before the winery opened its doors. In 2004, we established “Grand Lake Vineyards” with an initial planting of Cynthiana/Norton, Chardonel, and Cabernet Sauvignon vines. Fueled by a passion for viticulture, we expanded our vineyards significantly over the next few years. This deep-rooted history in grape growing is the foundation of our commitment to creating authentic, expressive wines.
Meet the Winemaker: Val
Val Saamer
The heart and soul of our winery is Val, whose remarkable career in the food and wine industry spans over five decades and has taken him from Boston to Chicago and finally to his home on Grand Lake. His expertise is the guiding force behind every bottle we produce.
A Lifetime of Culinary & Wine Expertise:
Val began collecting wines in 1970 and later taught Dining Room Service for the prestigious Johnson and Wales Culinary School. He honed his skills opening a high-end Italian restaurant in Providence, where he curated the wine list.
Nancy Saamer
The partnership between Nancy and Val is the cornerstone of their success. While Val’s expertise is poured into the art of winemaking, Nancy masterfully manages the business operations and cultivates the customer experience. Her dedication to hospitality and her keen eye for detail are the perfect complements to Val's winemaking talents. Together, they have transformed Royal Horse Ranch into a premier destination on Grand Lake.
Chicago's Elite
He elevated his wine knowledge in Chicago, managing the acclaimed “Wine Room” at the “95th Restaurant” in the John Hancock Building. A career highlight includes hosting the pre-auction dinner for Christie’s Auction House alongside the legendary Michael Broadbent, handling historic wines dating back to the 1800s.
Grand Lake Legacy:
For over 23 years, Val has been a fixture in the Grand Lake culinary scene, lending his expertise to renowned local establishments like the “Shebang” Restaurant, the “Greenery Room” at Shangri-La Resort, Arrowhead Yacht Club, and Cherokee Yacht Club.
Val's hands-on winery training at Summerside Vineyards and Winery, combined with his lifelong passion, ensures that every wine from Monkey Island Winery is crafted with an expert touch. Alongside his wife Nancy, he is the proud co-founder of Royal Horse Ranch and its associated businesses on Monkey Island.