In Napa wine country, where the views are iconic and the vintages rare, Shadybrook Estate Winery manages to surprise. Located just ten minutes from downtown Napa, this refined, family-owned estate in the Coombsville AVA offers tasting experiences that are personal, immersive, and undeniably transportive.

At the heart of it all is the winery’s Overlook Experience, set on a sunlit rise above the vineyards, with sweeping vistas of the rolling Coombsville hills. Guests are welcomed into a private cabana, where five small-production wines—primarily estate-grown Bordeaux varietals—are poured alongside a curated selection of cheeses, charcuterie, and seasonal accompaniments. The pairings are thoughtful, the pace is leisurely, and the ambiance is quietly luxurious. It’s the kind of setting that encourages guests to slow down and savor both the wines and the view.

The Overlook, however, is just one of several experiences that make Shadybrook unique. For those curious to go deeper, the estate features its Cave Series Experience, a limited offering centered around the launch of their new Cave Series wines. Hidden in the hillside behind The Overlook, the 16,000-square-foot cave is both a working barrel room and an atmospheric tasting venue. Led by a dedicated ambassador, guests begin with a barrel sampling of future vintages before moving into a private tasting space, where a multi-course wine and food pairing awaits, curated in partnership with winemaker Rudy Zuidema and famed Chef Ken Frank of La Toque.

Guests looking for a more casual introduction to Shadybrook’s portfolio may opt for The Perfect Pairing Experience, a hosted tasting of the guest’s selection of Shadybrook Estate or Rapp Ranch wines, served with their seasonal board on the Grand Terrace. It’s ideal for first-time visitors, larger groups, or anyone simply craving a view with their vino.

True to its ranching roots, Shadybrook also offers a handful of outdoor adventures with Napa Valley Trail Rides. The Ultimate Ranch Experience begins with a guided horseback ride through estate vineyards, followed by a seated tasting on the terrace. For couples, the Ultimate Romance Experience adds an intimate twist—offering the choice of a private firepit or cabana seating after a scenic trail ride, including a curated flight of wines and a sweet local dessert to finish.

And for those planning life’s biggest question, the Ultimate Proposal Experience offers an unforgettable setting. A private horseback ride winds toward Proposal Hill, where panoramic views set the stage for the moment itself, captured discreetly by a professional photographer. Afterward, the couple enjoys a celebratory tasting by the firepit, complete with a bottle of Shadybrook Cabernet Sauvignon (signed by the winemaker), two logoed Riedel glasses, and a custom cake for two.

At Shadybrook, wine is just the beginning. Whether you come for the views, the horses, or the perfectly chilled glass of Platine, you’ll find that hospitality here runs deeper than the caves, and lingers long after the last sip.

For more information: www.shadybrookestate.com

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