The Best Horseback Riding Tour in the Napa Valley for the Wine Enthusiast

The Napa Valley is one of the best equestrian travel destinations in Northern California - with miles of natural beauty, vineyard vistas, and gently rolling hills with a surprise around every bend. Saddle up for a horseback ride with Napa Valley Trail Rides. Trot along scenic paths and vineyards overlooking the historic Rapp Ranch Estate and surrounding hills of Coombsville. After the ride, make your way to the Shadybrook Estate tasting room to enjoy locally crafted wines and stock up on your favorites. Ready to sip and ride? Here’s all you need to know for an adventure to remember. 

The Historic Rapp Ranch Estate

Originally premier breeding and training grounds for quarter horses, this Napa Valley estate became world renowned beginning in the 1980s, when it consistently produced some of the top award-winning international competitors in the sport. After a transfer of ownership, Rapp Ranch underwent several renovations including the building of a winery facility, a commercial kitchen, an indoor tasting room, outdoor tasting patio, and the addition of 12 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. After the Alkosser family acquired the property in February 2016, they decided to combine the history of the ranch with their state-of-the-art winery to create a unique experience for those traveling to wine country.

Trail Rides and Terrace Tasting Experiences

Enjoy the Napa Valley’s fresh air with one of the many trail packages Rapp Ranch offers. Meet your knowledgeable guide at their visitor center and take the walk over to the Western Barn, where you will be paired with a quality trained horse picked especially for you. Take a scenic guided trail ride at a relaxing pace through the vineyards and enjoy the beautiful views of the quiet country.

These riding experiences are suitable for all skill levels, but you can opt for a 30-minute ride if you want to take it slow. We recommend the Ultimate Ranch Experience, which includes a horseback ride coupled with their estate wine tasting. After your guided trail ride from a rancher’s perspective, lounge in their patio garden as you are served a perfect pairing of four estate wines with an assortment of cheese, spreads, fruits, and nuts. You can extend your experience by including a tour of the crush pad, tank room, barrel room, bottling line, and commercial kitchen. Or for a special occasion, the Ultimate Romance package includes a private ride for two, tour of the winery, a chance to meet the winemaker, an upcoming vintage sample, and a private wine pairing experience in their Winemaker’s Overlook of cheese, charcuteries, and a custom dessert.

Shadybrook Estate Wine Tasting

After your outing, hop off your horse to taste four Shadybrook Estate wines bursting with flavor. Taste the terroir of Coombsville Napa Valley, with diverse soil compositions, depths, and sun exposures which yield a dynamic range of flavors indicative to wine country. Their winemakers practice small-lot fermentation methods that guarantee the perfect balance in their highly-crafted wines. Visitor favorites include their lemony Platiné Blanc and their Coombsville Cabernet with notes of juicy plum, blackberry, mocha, chocolate, and maple.

Napa Valley Trail Rides is located a short drive south from Wine Country Inn off of the beautiful Silverado Trail, at 100 Rapp Lane. Make sure to book your reservation in advance and tell them we sent you!

Ready to saddle up? Let Wine Country Inn be your home base during your Napa Valley adventure. Our boutique hotel delivers comfortable amenities and authentic accommodations set right in the heart of the Napa Valley. Take advantage of the season by booking our Cabernet Season special offer for a minimum of two nights. Receive discounted nightly rates, St. Helena’s ‘Little Book of Big Experiences’ for two, a split of wine and assorted in-room beverages, complimentary wine country breakfast, and weekend wine tastings hosted by a local vintner.