History

History

The inspiration for the Black Stallion Winery name came from the rich history of the property. A sprawling equestrian center was located on the winery grounds over 50 years ago; the “Silverado Horseman’s Center” covered 32 total acres. The original facilities featured an equestrian center with an indoor riding track and an outdoor arena that seated 3,000 spectators, the actual site where Francis Ford Coppola filmed a memorable scene from Apocalypse Now. The property also included a half-mile racetrack, recreation buildings, a private paddock, riding trails and a stallion breeding station. The indoor riding track featured 36 horse stalls and a grandstand for training, boarding and riding events. Remnants of the original horse stalls are still visible on the stone walls of the facility, which is now being retrofit to house the winery’s production operations.