In 2009, and with their children grown and involved in their own careers, Alice and David Alkosser began to realize their magnetic attraction to the Napa Valley. They had visited the Valley often over the years and each time they yearned to own “a property just for the fun of it with a picturesque view of someone else’s vineyards.” Then they discovered what would become Shadybrook Estate in the Coombsville area with its magical hillside panorama and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valley below. Upon purchasing the first of three contiguous properties they immediately dedicated themselves to the restoration and rehabilitation of the vineyard under the able leadership of viticulturalist Tom Prentice and vineyard manager Mario Bazán. Then with the purchase a year later of the second vineyard property to the south, the process continued with the same team in place and an ambitious plan to replant that vineyard to augment the varietal and clonal diversity of the original. The third property to the west was purchased in 2012 and plans are underway to plant an additional vineyard that will be compatible with its two siblings. With firm contracts on the fruit in place Alice and David also decided to experiment with the 2010 vintage in making their own wine. Allen Balik was brought on board to oversee the jump from grower to wine producer and Rudy Zuidema became the winemaker. With the whole team now in place Shadybrook Estate was launched with the 2010 vintage. At the same time Alice and David set off on a dramatic plan to rebuild the house on the original property visualizing a grand wine country home complete with a cave, swimming pool and three magnificent “casitas” for friends and VIP guests to share with them the magic of their Shadybrook Estate. Now firmly in the wine business as both growers and vintners Alice and David are living their dream and watching what was once a search for a “fun” property to enjoy transcend into a 21st century journey in the Napa Valley wine industry. Alice is back to her “tasting” roots but with wine instead of chocolate and David has fulfilled his love for real estate and the land with the bonus of a glass of wine in hand.
