Our Story

Dakota Shy is the story of a remarkable team brought together through our passion for the wines, history and vineyards of Napa Valley.

Our story began in 2012 when two friends and business partners, Tom Garrett and Todd Newman, who had previous years of working under other winemaking legends came together to make their own mark on Napa Valley. They set out with a goal to craft wines that could stand alongside the best the world has to offer. Their dream grew to include a first-class winery estate in the heart of Napa Valley and partnerships with 16 unique and exceptional Napa vineyards.

With one stage of the dream achieved, Todd Newman left to pursue other interests while winemaker Tom Garrett remains in place to lead our talented team as we dream even bigger.

With deep roots in Napa Valley and over a decade of producing outstanding Cabernets at Dakota Shy, Tom leads as we strive for greater quality in our wines and to provide extraordinary hospitality to everyone who visits the Dakota Shy property.

For us, Dakota Shy evokes the American Dream. Having built an incredible business from the ground up that supports our families, brings pleasure and provokes memories for our Dakota Shy family across the US – we know we are living that dream.

The Team

Building a team of incomparable talent was critical to ensuring the success of Dakota Shy. We sought to create a diverse team whose individual skills and personalities formed a powerful equilibrium, allowing us to craft impeccable wines and deliver them in a hospitable and innovative environment. This team thrives on collaboration, with no one confined to a single role. Whether it’s lending a hand at dawn during harvest or offering support when needed, our diverse skills create a dynamic and familial experience.