Shawn Brynildson

Shawn Brynildson relies on two guiding principles in winemaking: respect and adaptation. The first originates in the vineyard, with his dedication to capturing the purity of the distinctive terroirs. The second involves flexibility from year to year, evolving with the season and maximizing the character found in every vintage.

Working with vineyards throughout the Napa Valley, Shawn has built relationships with winegrowers over many years allowing him to become intimately familiar with the growers and their fruit. Each vintage, Shawn produces eight to 10 Napa Valley AVA-specific Cabernet Sauvignons- each with their own style and expression. Born in Ames, Iowa, Shawn moved to California when he was just one year old. His earliest memory connected to his wine career was a high school class that demonstrated how sensory science applies to everyday life. Here, he was introduced to the relationship between blind smelling and sensory associations and learned how aromas could evoke memories. Shawn continued pursuing science at the University of California, Davis, where he studied chemistry with the intention of becoming a doctor. However, after taking a few wine classes, Shawn was hooked, and eventually switched majors, graduating with a degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis.

Upon graduation, Shawn joined the Louis M. Martini Winery, where he worked a harvest before moving to Delicato Family Wines in Manteca, Calif. As the Enologist. In 2011, Shawn joined Black Stallion Estate Winery in Napa Valley as an Assistant Winemaker in 2012. In 2025, Shawn was promoted to Senior Winemaker for Black Stallion Estate, with a passion for crafting expressive, small-lot wines that showcase the depth of Napa Valley.