As of right now, Napa County tasting rooms cannot reopen, but when they do, the team at Inglenook is ready. Inglenook has re-imagined its tasting experiences and looks forward to hosting visitors with white glove service in the estate’s spacious courtyard and private cellars. Plans and circumstances continue to evolve, and the health and safety of Inglenook’s team and guests are always at the forefront.
Inglenook was founded in 1879 and the stunning chateau on the organically-farmed estate was built in 1887. The chateau and estate are ideal for visitors seeking privacy from other parties and a relaxing respite from recent events. Tasting appointments will be by reservation only, with a limited number of guests allowed on the estate. Visitors will be welcomed through the gate with convenient contactless entry and parking spaces have been thoughtfully organized so that guests can remain a respectful distance from each other as they get in and out of their cars.
The gracious Inglenook team is donning white gloves and masks to protect guests and offer the impeccable, warm service for which Inglenook is known. Depending on what the guidelines will be for Napa County tasting rooms, Inglenook anticipates that visitors will be able to opt for an indoor or outdoor tasting – and both options are beautiful. Imagine tasting on a sunny day alongside Inglenook’s iconic fountain in the winery’s open, breezy courtyard – or tucked into a cozy private cellar or salon inside the spectacular historic stone chateau. Inglenook anticipates being able to offer private luncheons, crafted by Chef Alex, with tastings as well. Chef Alex draws upon the bounty of the organically-farmed estate and culinary garden to create memorable coursed meals that pair perfectly with Inglenook’s wines.
Wine will be served on a tray, and individual, eco-friendly, disposable spittoons will be provided. Small bites that pair with Inglenook’s wines are also available, and contactless payment will be provided. Behind the scenes, guests can be assured that the Inglenook team will be thoroughly cleaning all high-touch surfaces hourly and that every detail has been planned, including a safe flow of foot traffic within the chateau that minimizes contact and maintains a comforting distance among people.
Reservations can be made by calling 707-968-1161 or by emailing reservations@inglenook.com. Much more information on Inglenook’s tasting experiences can be found at www.inglenook.com/visit.
Here are photos of Inglenook’s courtyard and private cellars and salons.
About Inglenook
Founded in 1879 by Gustave Niebaum as Napa’s first estate winery, Inglenook boasts an illustrious heritage, a renowned legacy of innovation and an outstanding portfolio of award-winning wines that have defined and established Napa as a world-class wine region. From Gustave Niebaum to John Daniel, Jr. to Francis Ford Coppola, Inglenook’s three principal stewards have shared a strong sense of vision and an unwavering passion to create a wine estate that hearkens back to the European tradition, producing original, distinctly Napa wines that rival the best in Europe. It remains the largest contiguous estate on the famed Rutherford Bench, Napa Valley’s finest area for producing spectacular Cabernet Sauvignon.
Inglenook is best-known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and its premier wine, Rubicon. Rubicon’s blend varies each vintage but is always predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon. Inglenook also makes a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, and a complex white blend called Blancaneaux, made up of Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier. All of the wines are estate-produced from Inglenook’s organically-farmed vineyard. Overall, the estate is 1,680 contiguous acres, and 235 acres are planted to vineyards.
The Inglenook estate has undergone several name changes over the years. In 1879, Finnish sea captain Gustave Niebaum purchased the Inglenook farm. The first vintage was released in 1882 under the name “Inglenook.” In 1975, Francis Ford Coppola and his wife, Eleanor, purchased 1,560 acres of the Inglenook estate, including the Niebaum mansion. They were looking for a country home where they could raise their family. In the French tradition, they joined their name with Niebaum’s and the property became the Niebaum-Coppola Estate Winery. In 2011, the Coppolas acquired the iconic Inglenook trademark and announced that henceforth the celebrated estate would be known by its historic original name, Inglenook.
Francis Ford Coppola took on the task of reuniting Inglenook with its prestigious past and has patiently reassembled the jewels of the crown. Today, the Coppola family honors Inglenook’s rich heritage by building on its legacy of innovation and forward thinking and producing internationally critically-acclaimed wines.
