Black Stallion Estate Winery: A Napa Valley Legacy

Black Stallion Estate Winery, located on the Silverado Trail in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, is more than just a winery; it's a destination where history, terroir, and the art of winemaking converge. The 32-acre estate, once home to the Silverado Horseman's Center, a prominent equestrian facility, now produces exceptional wines that capture the essence of Napa Valley's diverse appellations. The estate's transformation from a horseman's center to a winery is a story in itself. The Silverado Horseman's Center, established in 1963, featured an indoor riding track, training rings, breeding facilities, and an outdoor arena that could seat 3,000 spectators. For decades, it was a hub for equestrian activities, hosting horse shows, breeding events, and training sessions. Today, remnants of the original horse stalls are still visible, adding a touch of history to the winemaking production area. In 2007, Black Stallion Estate Winery opened its doors, paying homage to the property's equestrian heritage. The name "Black Stallion" evokes the spirit of the magnificent horses that once roamed the grounds, while the winery's architecture and landscaping reflect the rustic charm of early California. Century-old olive trees, natural grasses, and Mediterranean plants adorn the estate, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. The Indelicato family, a third-generation winemaking family with roots dating back to 1924, acquired Black Stallion in 2010. Gaspare Indelicato, an Italian immigrant, planted his first vineyard in Manteca, California, laying the foundation for what would become Delicato Family Wines, one of the leading family-owned wine producers in the United States. The Indelicato family's commitment to quality and their passion for winemaking have been instrumental in Black Stallion's success. Black Stallion's winemaking team, led by Ralf Holdenried, crafts wines that showcase the unique characteristics of Napa Valley's various terroirs. The winery sources grapes from a variety of vineyards, carefully selecting individual blocks and rows to create wines that are both bold and elegant. Black Stallion is particularly known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, which is crafted in small case lots and available at the winery and in select wine shops and restaurants. Visitors to Black Stallion Estate Winery can enjoy a variety of tasting experiences. The tasting room, housed in a beautifully designed building, features a large circular tasting bar where guests can sample the winery's current releases. Outdoor seated tastings are also available on the Garden Terrace, offering stunning views of the vineyards and surrounding landscape. For a more in-depth experience, guests can book a private tour and tasting, which includes a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process. Black Stallion also offers unique wine and food experiences, such as the Vineyard to Table Lunch, which combines a walking tour of the estate with a three-course meal paired with Black Stallion wines. The Perfect Pairings experience features small bites matched with limited-production wines, highlighting how thoughtful wine pairings can enhance the aromas, flavors, and textures of both the wine and the food. Seasonality is key to the culinary experiences offered at Black Stallion, with Chef Tom Sixsmith creating dishes that showcase local produce and the estate's own garden. In addition to its tasting experiences, Black Stallion hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live music performances, wine and oyster weekends, and special releases. The winery also has a wine club, which offers exclusive benefits such as discounts on wine and merchandise, complimentary tastings, and invitations to special events. Black Stallion Estate Winery is committed to sustainable practices, ensuring that its winemaking operations are environmentally responsible. The winery also supports the local community through various charitable initiatives. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual wine drinker, Black Stallion Estate Winery offers a memorable Napa Valley experience. From its rich history and stunning setting to its exceptional wines and warm hospitality, Black Stallion is a destination that will delight all your senses. Visiting Black Stallion Estate Winery is the best way to understand the philosophy behind its winemaking. After touring the demonstration vineyard to better understand the difference between grape varieties and the winemaking journey from grape to glass, guests at Black Stallion can taste through different selections of the estate's wines alongside cheese and charcuterie boards. Multiple settings – the garden and front terraces or the estate's sprawling gardens – provide a variety of backdrops for the tasting sessions. Black Stallion Estate Winery has been named 2023 AMERICAN WINERY OF THE YEAR by Wine Enthusiast. Black Stallion wines showcase the best of Napa Valley's diverse wine growing regions by carefully selecting grapes from an array of vineyards that reflect different Napa Valley terroirs. In some instances, it's a single vineyard block or a single row within a block. We blend the best lots to craft world-class wines, brimming with rich flavors and gracious, mouth filling textures. Black Stallion Estate Winery is a place where history, terroir and tradition come to life. But even those who can't visit – or can't wait – can open a bottle of the estate's Heritage Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay – the perfect affordable luxury, and a window onto the fascinating journey started by Gaspare Indelicato 100 years ago.