Black Stallion Winery is a winery that started out virtually – meaning they did not own a physical winery or property (their first release dates from 2002). The main tasting facility opened to the public in May 2007.
They are located off of the southern part of Silverado Trail in the Oak Knoll Appellation. We visited several times during the construction (tasting was in a trailer at that point – how far they’ve come since then!) as well as after the “new winery” officially opened. Look for the large statue of the black stallion in the front – don’t actually park here – the main parking lot is located in the back of the winery accessible via another driveway off of the Silverado Trail.
The winery site used to be horse stables and an equestrian center called the Silverado Horseman’s Center and had a long rich history before shutting down in the 1990’s. There was an indoor riding track with an outdoor arena that seated up to 3000 people. The original equestrian center (behind the tasting room building) has now been remodeled for winery production uses. Historical information about this and the Silverado trail hangs on the wall near the tasting counter.
Also of note is one scene in the movie, Apocalypse Now was filmed here. Director Francis Ford Coppola has had a long time connection to Napa. Black Stallion was owned by two brothers Terrance and Michael Maglich until they sold to the current owners in 2010, Delicato Family Vineyards.
This winery has no affiliation with the Black Stallion movie – so no souvenirs for this movie are sold here – although for marketing purposes this would not be a bad idea! You can however purchase some artsy looking horses as well as rusted iron “good” luck horseshoes! This is the only Napa winery we have seen selling horseshoes inside the tasting room – although it certainly fits when you take into account the properties history.
The inside is plush with high ceilings and is tastefully decorated. A large circular tasting bar can accommodate large numbers and on the weekends and even many summer weekdays it can be very crowded inside. Part of the reason for the crowds is Black Stallion has made an incredible marketing effort to bring people here for tastings. One end of the tasting counter looks out the window onto their vineyards. There is a fancy sit down tasting room right next to the tasting counter and sometimes we’ve seen people sit here rather than at the bar.
A special reserve tasting is offered and includes the Bucephalus, a high end red blend – which if you know your ancient Greek and Roman History you will recognize Bucephalus as the black horse that Alexander the Great always rode into battle. Private tastings can also be scheduled ahead of time. Choose 4 wines from their list of 8-10 reds and whites. Nice Pinot Grigio – their Sauvignon Blanc seemed to be an off dry wine (some residual sugar left when the fermentation was stopped). Their sweet wine Muscat Canelli tends to sell out quickly due to limited production. As of press time, they make a dark colored Rose of Merlot, a Merlot, a Syrah which screams out for BBQ, and a Cabernet Sauvignon.
The estate wines come from the young vines on the property – these were originally planted when the winery was built. Note the signed demonstration vineyard on the side of the winery near the parking lot. This is one of the few demo vineyards in the Napa Valley that is labeled row by row depending on the varietal planted.
What most visitors do not see when they stop here are the gardens in the back of the winery complete with a walking path. There are several benches located here – on a warm spring or summer day this is a great place to sit and relax. There are also raised beds with vegetables here.
They recently acquired additional adjoining acreage and will plant these to vineyards as well, and in addition hired a full time winemaker (as of 2008). As of press time their total production is about 4000 cases which isn’t all that much for physical winery of this size. Unlike many area wineries, all their wines are sold only at the winery or online (they have no distribution).
Visit: www.blackstallionwinery.com
Would like to purchase your Cabernet and Pinot Noir