The story of Shadybrook Estate is a testament to Alice and David Alkosser’s enduring passion for the land and their deep love for fine estate wines. Their journey began with a profound appreciation for wine and a commitment to understanding its roots. After traveling the globe and exploring various wine-producing regions, they found their hearts drawn to the enchanting allure of Napa Valley in 2005.
In 2009, Alice and David stumbled upon a magnificent vineyard property nestled in the hills of Coombsville. It was here that they envisioned creating a sanctuary where their dreams could flourish. Determined to bring this vision to life, they acquired two adjacent parcels, setting the stage for something extraordinary. With a commitment to excellence, they immediately implemented top-tier viticultural practices and sustainable methods to elevate the estate’s vines to new heights.
By the time the 2010 harvest arrived, the Alkossers had succeeded in persuading Rudy Zuidema, a revered winemaker in the valley, to experiment with the fruits of their newly acquired vineyard. The results were nothing short of spectacular. The wine that emerged surpassed even Alice and David’s expectations, capturing the attention of the market and marking the beginning of a success story that continues to unfold.
In the fall of 2013, Alice and David sought to enhance their offerings by introducing white grapes to complement their red Bordeaux varietals. Their search led them to a unique 156-acre ranch, with 84 acres of vineyard, located at the foot of Howell Mountain’s eastern slope. Renowned for producing award-winning wines, this acquisition perfectly aligned with the growing prestige of the Shadybrook Estate brand.
As Shadybrook Estate Winery continued to grow, the need for a dedicated home to nurture its expanding production became increasingly apparent. In February 2016, the Alkossers seized the opportunity to acquire the historic Rapp Quarter Horse Ranch, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Napa Valley’s Coombsville AVA. The property featured a state-of-the-art winery, an inviting indoor tasting room, a commercial kitchen, and an elegant 4,000-square-foot outdoor tasting patio overlooking 12 acres of premium vineyard. It was the perfect setting to establish the next chapter of Shadybrook Estate Winery.
The vision for the estate extended beyond the original acquisition. When the adjacent, neighboring winery on the northern portion of the historic ranch later became available, they moved quickly to reunite the Rapp Ranch, restoring the original 83-acre estate to its former grandeur. This significant expansion added more than 35 acres of premier Bordeaux varietal vineyards, a remarkable 16,000-square-foot wine cave, and an additional full-scale winemaking facility. Together, these assets elevated Shadybrook Estate into one of Coombsville’s most distinctive boutique wine estates, providing both the vineyard resources and production capabilities necessary to continue crafting world-class wines while preserving the property’s rich agricultural heritage.
The Alkossers’ commitment to exceptional vineyard sites extends beyond Coombsville. Including in Pope Valley, the Alko Ranch Vineyard, a unique mountain-influenced site that contributes depth, character, and complexity to select Rapp Ranch wines, and most recently, they expanded their vineyard holdings with the acquisition of Rancho Carneros, a promising new vineyard located in Napa Valley’s renowned Carneros region. Planted exclusively to Burgundian varietals, Rancho Carneros represents an exciting new chapter for the winery. The vineyard’s inaugural fruit will be showcased for the first time in Shadybrook Estate’s 2024 vintage wines, offering guests and collectors a glimpse into the future of the estate’s Chardonnay and Pinot Noir program.
Today, these exceptional vineyard properties—spanning the cooler hillsides of Coombsville, the rugged beauty of Pope Valley, and the windswept vineyards of Carneros—provide the foundation for Shadybrook Estate’s unwavering pursuit of excellence and its commitment to expressing the unique character of Napa Valley’s most distinguished growing regions.
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