Nestled in a private valley within the eastern hills of the Coombsville AVA of Napa Valley, Shadybrook Estate stands as a testament to the artistry of winemaking. The estate’s sun-drenched Rapp Ranch Vineyards are where rows of vines burst with leaves cradling clusters of ripening grapes grown in an ancient volcanic caldera on hills at the base of the Vaca Range. At the heart of this viticultural haven, the winery beckons visitors to a winery Yelp named “best winery in California.”
Built a decade ago, this state-of-the-art winery’s architecture echoes country club sophistication to provide an ideal setting for wine enthusiasts to savor award-winning wine and food pairings on a tree-lined 4,000 square foot outdoor tasting patio overlooking the property’s 83 acres of vineyards and gardens. There is also an indoor tasting room bathed in natural light that showcases the winery’s gleaming commercial kitchen. The ambiance of Shadybrook Estate sets the stage for guests to imbibe the wines against a backdrop of a vibrant sunset, casting a golden glow over the vine-covered landscape. Guests are sure to depart with lingering memories of their visit.
Shadybrook Estate’s newest two-hour tasting experience takes place in a 16,000-square-foot working cave. Tailored to those seeking a deeper connection with the winemaking process, this experience begins with a vineyard tour through rows of meticulously tended vines while a guide explains the winery’s commitment to sustainable and biodynamic practices that create a symbiotic relationship between the soil and the vines. The journey culminates in the estate’s luxurious private cave tasting room, where the rich aroma of aging wines signals the culmination of nature’s alchemy. Guests will taste the estate’s current release and library Shadybrook Estate wines, all paired with a selection of caviar and accompaniments.
The knowledgeable staff guides guests through a curated selection of Shadybrook’s finest varietals, each bottle bearing the essence of the valley’s terroir. With the brightness of a classic white Bordeaux, the Shadybrook Estate Platiné Blanc (a blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc) is an exquisite Napa Valley expression of a bouquet of orange blossoms, toasted almond and white peach leading to a clean and balanced palate of lemon custard, lychee, brioche, and a floral tease of honeysuckle.
The Estate V Red Blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec proves that Winemaker Rudy Zuidema knows how to perfect wine with Bordeaux varietals. This wine introduces the palate to cocoa, dried cherry, sweet pipe tobacco, and rhubarb, and has been awarded such accolades as a gold medal from the American Fine Wine Competition.
Shadybrook Estate is not merely a winery but a sensory symphony, an ode to the marriage of the land, sun, and skilled craftsmanship. Here, every bottle tells a story of a sun-soaked secluded valley, a labor of love, and the timeless joy of sharing exceptional wines with kindred spirits.
