Shadybrook Estate Winery

Shadybrook Estate Winery is located at Rapp Ranch in Coombsville, east of the city of Napa. Proprietors, David & Alice Alkosser first purchased property in Napa Valley in 2005 in Coombsville, prior to it being an approved viticultural area. Both have enjoyed fine wine for many years having furthered their education through travel to some of the world’s most well-known wine regions. Alice became interested in wine while studying Food Chemistry at UC Davis, while pursuing her degree she also took viticulture and oenology classes. After graduating she worked for a number of prominent food companies including Hunt Wesson and Gerber’s Baby Foods.

David graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a degree in engineering and began working as an industrial engineer post-graduation. He and Alice met, married in 1980 and built their own real estate business including real estate development.

As Alice recalls, “In 2005 our intent was to simply purchase a small home with maybe two bedrooms and two bathrooms overlooking someone else’s vineyards”. Their plan went accordingly but the allure of owning their own vineyard piece of Napa was too strong. They acquired two adjoining parcels of land for a total of 25 acres; 12 are planted to several clones of Cabernet Sauvignon and the remainder to the four other primary Bordeaux red varieties.

Initially they decided to sell the grapes to other producers – however after being introduced to winemaker Rudy Zuidema they jointly decided to make a barrel of wine from each block in the vineyard to better understand the quality of their grapes. They were also approached by other premium wineries to purchase their grapes. Alice remembers a call one day from Rudy that went something like this, “I’m sorry but you cannot sell these grapes any longer”. Fearing the quality of the grapes might be an issue, Alice questioned Rudy. “You have no choice”, Rudy said, “you need to make wine”. In reality, Rudy quickly realized the quality of their site was excellent and it would be a shame if the the Alkosser’s didn’t make their own wine.

The first vintage of Shadybrook Estate was from 2010. Rudy has made their wine since day one. Three years later they expanded their efforts in Napa Valley with the purchase of the 156-acre Secret Rows Ranch in Pope Valley from winemaker Mitch Cosentino. This three contiguous parcel property is now known as Alko Ranch and still houses the original building that Cosentino used for his CE2V wines. Shadybrook also uses some of the grapes from this property in their Shadybrook Wines. This ranch was aptly named in reference to a ‘secret’ cutting taken from Italy many years ago.

Original CE2V Winery on Alko Ranch

Alko Ranch, Pope Valley

Rapp Ranch
On February 1, 2016, the Alkossers purchased an additional 25 acres tucked away in the hills of Coombsville. Their purchase included the existing Chateau Lane Winery located only about 2 miles from where they both live. They purchased this property from the D’Ambrosio family who at that time were producing wines under a brand called Verisimo and also Essere Franco. Verisimo wines are no longer being produced; Essere Franco was purchased by a group of Canadian based partners and these wines are also no longer being produced.

This unique property includes a winery, 12 acres of vineyards and an equestrian center including horse stables, related facilities and an Olympic sized indoor horse arena. The ranch is named after its founders Gerald (Jerry) and Nancy Rapp; Jerry and his brother Fred owned and operated what was California’s first Holiday Inn near San Francisco International (SFO) on 6-acres of land. It featured a full service restaurant and a cafe; it opened in late 1962 and the family sold it in 1982. Jerry’s son Phil Rapp remembers his father busing guests from the hotel to Candlestick Park for San Francisco 49ers football games. And at times 49ers players riding along.

Phil Rapp is the reason why his father entered the business of raising cutting horses; at age 6 Phil showed an interest in these particular horses and spent the rest of his lifetime dedicated to riding cutting horses. Adopted at birth, Phil later learned that his biological mother rode with him until she was 6 months pregnant.

His parents had prime seats for watching roping events at the Cow Palace in Daly City (near San Francisco), a still existing indoor arena and events center. Incidentally the Cow Palace hosted the first National Cutting Horse Association-approved cutting show here in 1949. During one horse event there young Phil asked his parents if he could meet Jerold Camarillo, a ProRodeo Hall of Fame member inducted in 1979. Jerold referred him to talk to his brother, Leo Camarillo, who had been inducted into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1975. Phil attributes Leo’s wife Sharon for helping encourage his early love of horses. At age 13 Phil remembers he already had a vision to become the best cutting horse rider in the country.

Jerry purchased his 24-acre Napa property in 1978 from the Simpkins family, long time residents of Coombsville whose namesake Simpkins Vineyard is located a short drive from Shadybrook Winery. The Simpkins purchased this property from the Gasser family; reference Gasser Foundation. Phil remembers the day they moved in very well – September 1, 1979; the family heard a loud volley of guns firing. Jerry called over to Al Simkpins, and Al simply replied, “Oh don’t worry, its just the first day of dove hunting season”.

Jerry built a premier Quarter horse breeding facility which for many years produced a number of champion cutting horses. Ultimately it became one of the largest ranches of its kind on the west coast. According to an article in the August 25, 1981 issue of The Napa Valley Register, the Rapp’s had 38 horses on the property that year. They also maintained a herd of cattle numbering nearly 100 animals.

The ranch held two production sales in 1983 and 1984, but an economic recession led to a decline in demand and fewer sales during their second sale in 1984. An article in the August 15, 1983 issue of The Napa Valley Register noted that the Rapp’s auction that year earned $600,000 in sales. Some of the Rapp horses that year were valued at 2 million dollars each. The event attracted more than 800 buyers from around the country including some well-known personalities such as William Shatner of Star Trek Fame.

Jerry became friends with Shatner because the actor was also involved in raising cutting horses. Phil remembers when he was about 10 years old, asking Shatner what it was like to use the Phaser Pistol, referring to his time on the Star Trek episodes. Rapp Ranch also attracted a number of notable visitors from Texas, including Texas rancher Helen Groves (referred to as the “First Lady of Cutting” and Allan Funt, the creator and host of Candid Camera. Ultimately, the family decided to hold a complete dispersal sale in 1985, selling nearly all of their horses and retaining only a handful of horses.

One of the most significant moments in Phil’s long career centered on a horse he never wanted. In 1984, his father purchased a four-year-old broodmare named Tapeppyoka Peppy, despite Phil urging him to buy a different horse. Jerry was convinced she had exceptional potential -and he was right. Tapeppyoka Peppy became one of the foundation mares of the ranch’s breeding program. She passed away in 1996 and is buried at Phil’s Rapp Ranch in Texas, but her legacy lives on. Her bloodlines have now continued through seven generations of horses.

Another key figure in the ranch’s success was trainer Todd Bimat, who joined Rapp Ranch in 1985. He quickly became an integral part of the operation, serving not only as a trainer but also as a mentor to Phil. The partnership helped propel the ranch to one of its most successful years, highlighted by the numerous awards they earned in 1986. Phil fondly recalls traveling to competitions throughout California in the ranch’s truck, emblazoned on both sides with “Rapp Quarter Horse Ranch.” The family affectionately nicknamed it the “Circus Truck” because it was such a familiar sight on the road. By the late 1980s, before relocating to Texas, Phil had begun training his own horses, laying the foundation for the successful program he would later build.

Rapp Ranch, Weatherford Texas

Phil went to college at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. Ultimately he settled in Texas in 1994; since 1996 he and his family have operated the 183-acre Rapp Ranch located about 20 miles outside of Weatherford Texas, the cutting horse capital of the country. Phil and his wife Mary Ann purchased their original 80-acre property in 1996, and the first horse was worked on the ranch on July 16, 1998. Since then, the operation has expanded by an additional 103 acres. Before becoming an equine facility, the property was a peanut farm.

Horse training officially began in 2000, the same year the main arena was constructed—what Phil jokingly refers to as “his office.” A second arena was added in 2008 to accommodate the ranch’s continued growth. As of July 2026 at the time of our visit, the ranch was home to 221 horses, with approximately 65 to 70 in active training at any given time. Like in the wine industry, attention to details are an extremely important part of their operations, from how and when the young horses are weaned from their mothers, health and nutritional needs, the intricacies of training and how much exercise the horses receive.

Phil is in the NCHA Rider Hall of Fame Open Division and is the NCHA all time money earner. He served as President of the National Cutting Horse Association in 2018 and 2019. A prominent mural in downtown Weatherford features the likeness of several cutting horse riders including Rapp. Pretty heady stuff with his early success coming while growing up on his parent’s Napa property.

Reflecting on his career, Phil says the greatest rewards have been the people he has met, the loyal customers he has worked with, and the countless opportunities the horse business has created. His work has taken him around the world, judging international competitions and conducting cutting horse clinics. Among the many relationships he has developed is one with Arcese Group, one of Italy’s largest trucking companies, whose ownership have developed one of the top breeding programs in the industry. Both of Phil’s children are also actively involved at Rapp Ranch.

Weatherford, Texas
Weatherford, Texas, is located about 30 miles west of Fort Worth and serves as the county seat of Parker County. Founded in 1855, the city combines a rich ranching heritage with a vibrant historic downtown centered around the beautifully restored Parker County Courthouse. Visitors can stroll tree-lined streets filled with locally owned boutiques, restaurants, antique stores, and historic buildings while enjoying the welcoming atmosphere that has made Weatherford one of North Texas’ most popular destinations. The city is also known for its numerous festivals, western traditions, and proximity to both the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex and the scenic countryside of Parker County.

Weatherford proudly carries the title of the “Cutting Horse Capital of the World.” A prominent mural painted in 2024 is located on the side of a building in downtown Weatherford, featuring images of several cutting horse champions including Phil Rapp. A life-size cutting horse bronze cast statue is also located in downtown Weatherford, built by local artist Kelly Graham.

For decades, the community has been home to many of the sport’s leading trainers, breeders, veterinarians, and champion horses. Cutting horses are specially trained to separate a single cow from a herd while preventing it from returning, a skill rooted in the traditions of working cattle ranches. Numerous competitions, training facilities, breeding operations, and equine businesses make the horse industry a major contributor to the local economy, drawing competitors and enthusiasts from across the United States and around the world. The area’s native sandy loam soil is particularly well suited for training these exceptional horses.

Weatherford is equally famous as the “Peach Capital of Texas,” a designation bestowed by the Texas Legislature. Parker County’s warm days, cool nights, and fertile soils produce peaches celebrated for their sweetness and flavor. The second Saturday of every July, thousands of visitors gather for the Parker County Peach Festival, one of Texas’ premier one-day festivals, featuring fresh peaches, homemade cobblers, pies, ice cream, local produce, artisan vendors, and live entertainment. During our visit, we found fresh Parker County peaches sold at the Weatherford Farmers Market, an indoor/outdoor market open all year.

Alko Equestrian Center

Visitors to the Napa Valley who enjoy both horses and premium wines take note of this property. Rather than dismantle the existing equestrian facility the Alkosses embraced the idea of creating an experience for guests that incorporates elements of both lifestyles. Guests can choose to take one of several horse rides on trails around the property ranging from 30 to 50 minutes, passing next to their vineyards while taking in the bucolic views of the rolling vineyard covered hillsides.

The horse riding begins with a visit to the tack shop where you will be outfitted in leather boots and a helmet, followed by a practice run on the small dirt riding track. Then you head towards the vineyards. The pace of the ride is relaxed and geared towards your riding ability. Casual riding enthusiasts may have ridden horses a number of times but perhaps never rode a horse through an obstacle course. A longer ride includes a fun obstacle course inside the Olympic-size indoor arena where you learn how to steer your horse through a variety of obstacles and challenges.

A sizable modern stable is on site and includes several state-of-the-art features such an app that is connected to each of the horse’s water troughs – providing data to a phone on every stall each horses’ water consumption over a specific time period.

Following a horse ride, tasting is held outdoors on their 4,000 square foot outdoor patio (weather permitting) or indoors.

Shadybrook Estate is one of the Napa Valley’s better kept secrets; despite being only about a 10-minute drive from downtown Napa, the property feels far removed from any urban setting.

The Ultimate Romance Package is popular for couples celebrating a variety of special occasions ranging from anniversaries to those wanting to us this experience to propose to their loved one. The package includes a private horse ride with a guide, barrel samples of wines, and time spent at a private perch in the winery with a small table where you will enjoy a variety of cheeses and charcuterie, including seasonal fresh items grown on the property and a homemade dessert.

For more information about the Alko Equestrian Center, please visit: www.alkoequestriancenter.com and for more information about Napa Valley Trail Rides at Rapp Ranch, visit: www.napavalleytrailrides.com

The Cave at Shadybrook Winery (formerly Italics Winery)
In 2022 the Alkossers purchased the neighboring Italics Winegrowers property from the previous owners, the Martin family from Texas; the Italics brand and existing inventory was not included in the sale. The first wine produced from the estate following their purchase was a rosé.

This winery was originally founded in 1995 by commercial pilot turned vintner Bill Frazier who we first met with years ago and was our initial introduction to the property. Bill sold the winery in 2011; for a short while it became Zhang Winery, a Chinese based company who then in turn sold it to the Martins. The Zhangs expanded what was a smaller cave system into now 16,000 square feet – and made a number of practical and visual improvements to the winery.

Italics Winegrowers was founded by Mike Martin from Texas; his family produce business began with a small 20-acre grapefruit orchard in the south part of the state. Over time they became one of the largest distributors of produce in the state of Texas (including citrus, onions and melons). By the time they sold their company, Rio Queen Citrus, Inc. in 2012, they owned over 7,000 acres. At the time of the sale, patriarch of the family, Ken Martin was the chairman of the company (Ken passed away August 7th, 2019) and Mike Martin was their president.

The surrounding vineyards are planted in very rocky soils. Microclimates can vary dramatically even on their property. Sometimes dramatically different temperatures are measured between the high and low parts of their vineyard (without a significant elevation difference). During the same time period the temperatures varied by as much as 10 degrees. Through a series of piping projects completed in 2015 and 2016, the County of Napa can provide more recycled water for use in both Carneros and Coombsville. With water usage always a concern, their vineyards use reclaimed (non-potable) water purchased from the County of Napa.

Shadybrook uses part of the 16,000 square foot cave for hosting visitors as part of the Shadybrook Estate 2-hour cave tasting experience. This experience includes a vineyard tour, followed by a tour of the the cave and finishing with a private seated tasting inside the cave which includes both current and library wines.

Exterior

Cave

Vineyards

Select Wines
Shadybrook wines have done well in a variety of tasting competitions. In reference to their horse heritage, Alice told us about their trifecta win at the 2016 San Francisco International Wine Competition. Among 4,600 entries, their 2013 Shadybrook Estate Malbec won a Double Gold Medal, the 2013 Shadybrook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon took a Gold Medal, and the 2014 Shadybrook Estate Platiné Blanc earned a Silver Medal.

Shadybrook
Whites
Chardonnay
The 2021 Shadybrook Estate, Cave Series Chardonnay Carneros, Napa Valley is medium to deep gold in color; the alluring and layered bouquet smells stone fruited, i.e., apricot, nectarine and yellow peaches. And honeyed with additional layers of honeycomb and honeysuckle, creme Brulé, toffee vanilla and butterscotch. It smells Californian and very ripe but is not oaky or buttery. Rich, sweetly fruited and ripe, this wine tastes like baked pineapple, golden delicious apples, orange mango, papaya, apricot, lychee, golden kiwi and a refreshing lift on the finish both from its lively acidity but also from a light note of citrus. Finishes with a note of toasted hazelnut and a light associated oak influenced spice. Only four barrels were produced of this beauty. Pair this with something from the sea, perhaps lobster or crab.

Patine Blanc
The 2021 Shadybrook Estate Patine Blanc (meaning white platinum in French) is a thoughtfully produced wine. It is a blend of 91% Sémillon and 9% Sauvignon Blanc; the Sémillon was aged for 15 months in 100% French oak puncheons while the Sauvignon Blanc was aged 15 months in 100% neutral French oak barrels. Each variety is aged separately until the final blending decisions are made much closer to bottling. This wine is deep gold in the glass; the abundant bouquet airs aromas of orange peel zest, lemon drop hard candy, Golden delicious apple, honeysuckle, caramel, honeycomb, pineapple and vanilla bean. The bouquet sports flavors of mandarin orange, pineapple, custard, vanilla, lychee and yellow mango. It’s texture is gentle and rounded but not as creamy as perhaps previous vintages. A burst of brightness along with lasting fruit shows on the finish. This beautiful white overdelivers for the price.

The 2013 Shadybrook Estate Platine Blanc is 72% Sémillon and 28% Sauvignon Blanc. This is a unique blend of the two varieties where in Napa at least, if a Sauvignon Blanc is blended with Sémillon, the Sauvignon Blanc is usually the dominant variety. This wine is modeled upon the white wines of Graves where Sauvignon Blanc is the lesser variety in the blend. And in 2016 and subsequent vintages, Sémillon was added to the label as every year it is at least 75% varietal. Aromatically this wine opens nicely as it is allowed to breath. It shows scents of melon (cantaloupe), grapefruit and honeysuckle. The feel on the palate is creamy and rounded with richness of flavor but not the weight of viscosity. The finish is clean with flavors that linger for quite some time – along with some nuances of almond and hazelnut. Texturally there is a similarity across vintages (we have tried several vintages of this particular wine).

Reds
Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2020 Shadybrook Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville is deep ruby and opaque; ripe but also bright, its aromatics trend more red fruited than dark showing raspberry, red licorice, spicy plum skin, mulberry, Persian mulberry and a hint of cocoa powder. The oak is a very light complement here. Balanced and easy drinking five years post vintage, this wine tastes like Santa Rosa plum, dark raspberry, boysenberry, mulberry, red cherry, licorice, dark olive and a finishing savory note of dried sage, a hint of pepper, smoked cedar, and cured meats. Balanced from start to finish, this wine finishes with dusty, chalky and gravelly textured tannins. Their grip is like a light to moderate handshake, felt more on the front of the palate than the back and persisting beyond the fruit.

The 2013 Shadybrook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon shows a core of beautiful, layered aromas on the bouquet (desert in the glass)! Boysenberry, blackberry, chocolate and huckleberry notes show along with a minerality note and as this wine breathes a dusty aroma is revealed. On the palate broad fruit flavors show including blackberry and blueberry with meaty grippy and slightly dusty tannins. This wine does well with a variety of cheeses and charcuterie meats (provided with your tasting) which helps smooth out the tannins. Fairly well balanced. This is a good example of the power of Cabernet Sauvignon in the ‘right’ year from the cooler Coombsville region. The Shadybrook Cabernet Sauvignon is handpicked and fermented in small lots – each kept separate during the aging until the final blend is created prior to bottling. The grapes for this wine are from a vineyard about a mile east of the winery.

Malbec
The 2013 Shadybrook Estate Malbec is a very limited production wine, with only 70 cases produced from a mere third of an acre planted to these vines, underscoring its rarity and small-lot focus. This bottling was blended with 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, adding both structure and aromatic complexity. The bouquet is driven by darker fruit, with notes of blackberry and ripe plum interwoven with a subtle smoky character reminiscent of cigar smoke, along with hints of toasted cedar that lend additional depth. The aromatics are energetic and continue to evolve with air, revealing layers of both fruit and savory nuance. On the palate, the darker fruit profile carries through, supported by an earthy undertone that adds dimension. Both wood-derived and grape tannins are present, contributing structure without overpowering the wine; importantly, they are well integrated with the fruit, creating a balanced and cohesive expression that highlights both power and polish.

V Blend
The 2014 Shadybrook Estate Estate V Blend marks a milestone for the winery, as it is the first vintage to incorporate all five primary Bordeaux varieties, with Cabernet Franc serving as the dominant component, all sourced from estate vineyards. The bouquet is inviting and expressive, led by predominantly black fruit aromatics including blackberry, layered with a subtle dusty nuance and a hint of cigar smoke that adds depth and complexity. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, offering a harmonious mix of fruit flavors such as dark cherry and licorice, supported by a gentle thread of savory character. There is a smooth continuity from entry through the finish, where a touch of mocha emerges, adding a refined richness. The tannins are well integrated, providing structure while maintaining a soft, approachable texture that feels polished and balanced. Overall, this blend captures both the varietal diversity and cohesion of the estate, delivering a wine that is layered, composed, and highly drinkable.

And in 2020, Shadybrook produced Monetin, a Mevushal Kosher Cabernet Sauvignon. There are very few Napa Valley wineries/brands who produce some Kosher wines; those include, Hagafen, Marciano Estate, ONE Hope, Lerner Project, Mayacamas Winery, Padis Vineyards and potentially winemaker Morgan Maureze will be making Kosher sparkling wines.

Rapp Ranch
The 2020 Rapp Ranch Chardonnay Carneros Napa Valley is deep gold in color; the bouquet offers a honeyed note including of honeycomb and honeysuckle, apricot, crème Brule, vanilla, tapioca, corn tassel, caramel, dried almond, hazelnut, walnut skin and toasted oak. This wine reveals both primary fruit flavors and secondary barrel influences including pineapple, yellow peach, apricot, red apple and cantaloupe along with caramelized sugars (reminded us of the crust of crème Brule), honeycomb, toast, vanilla wafer and layers of ripe citrus. This wine is bright across the palate from a refreshing acidity which complements the intensity of flavor and lightly creamy texture. The fruit-filled finish is long and accompanied by a light note of toasted oak. This is a rich and intense showing of this variety but all its attributes are in balance. This wine was aged for 26 months in 65% new French oak barrels.

The 2020 Rapp Ranch Pinot Noir Carneros Napa Valley is medium ruby in color; the well-layered bouquet is fruit forward and immediately expressive upon opening. It offers scents of cherry cola, dark raspberry, sweaty baseball mitt leather from wearing on a hot sunny day, creosote bush, melted milk chocolate, dried mushrooms, dark olive, old cedar box, dried sage, mocha and espresso. The palate is bright and alive and offers flavors of red cherry, crushed pink peppercorn, licorice vine, raspberry jam and a lingering note of sweet tobacco spice (like chewing a pipe tobacco). The tannins are smooth, integrated and their presence is like a gentle kiss from a loved one. This wine was aged for 26 months in 15% new French oak and 85% neutral French oak barrels. This Pinot Noir showcases a simultaneous character and ripeness of the variety.

The 2019 Rapp Ranch Cutters Reserve Napa Valley (the name is in homage to the history of cutting horses on the ranch) is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Petit Verdot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot. This wine was aged for 29 months in 65% new French oak barrels. It is dark ruby and nearly opaque in the glass; the bouquet is generously proportioned between ripe fruit and barrel influences. So is the palate. This wine offers scents of blackberry, vanilla, chocolate, darker baking spices, pepper, and a note of espresso as it continues to evolve. The palate reveals flavors of blackberry, boysenberry and dark plum. The mouth watering finish is brimming with fruit along with a subtle note of chocolate and a final light nuance of dried tobacco leaf. The rounded and smooth tannins are integrated nicely. If we were to categorize this bottling into any sort of style, it would simply be labeled as a crowd pleaser.

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For more information, to schedule a visit and tasting, to purchase wine or to join either their Shadybrook or Rapp Ranch wine clubs, visit: www.shadybrookestate.com

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