Lawrence Wine Estates, helmed by CEO Carlton McCoy Jr., introduces a hospitality venture defined by an ethos of intentionality, contemporary design, and state-of-the art technology with SENSES by Ink Grade
February 21st – On February 23, Lawrence Wine Estates will unveil The Pavilion by Ink Grade. Located at 699 St. Helena Hwy in Saint Helena, CA, this tasting lounge showcases a range of single vineyard wines from one of Napa’s most prestigious AVAs, Howell Mountain. Ink Grade celebrates the deep connection between winemaking and nature, rooted in the volcanic soil of Howell Mountain and the purity of the fruit it produces. Bespoke tasting experiences offered include SENSES by Ink Grade, an immersive sensory experience that fuses fine wine, nature, art, and high technology to spotlight the collection.
Inspired by the world’s most regarded artistic exhibitions, SENSES by Ink Grade innovates the traditional world of fine wine with an avant-garde and luxury hospitality offering. This first-of-its-kind wine tasting experience includes state of the art 360-degree video projection, sounds and lights to highlight an exclusive collection of fine wine. Lawrence Wine Estates partnered with Igloo Vision for this technology venture.
“Our goal for The Pavilion by Ink Grade was to create an unparalleled Napa Valley hospitality offering, and also an immersive cultural experience that encompasses wine, food, art, and technology,” says Carlton McCoy, CEO of Lawrence Wine Estates. “This unique setting, with its wild nature, makes it possible to create truly rare wines, so we wanted to foster an equally rare visitor experience.”
Ink Grade, which launched direct-to-guest in October 2021, is led by esteemed winemaker Matt Taylor. With years of experience in the industry and winemaking, from Burgundy to Sonoma, Matt brings his passion for biodynamic and natural farming practices to Ink Grade. Brand manager Julie Gilles showcases her knowledge for innovative experiences and hospitality, which were instrumental ahead of The Pavilion’s launch.
Upon entering, guests are immediately drawn to Le Noyau, an organic masterpiece crafted by a local artist. This beautiful artistic expression is selected from the volcanic grounds of Howell Mountain and lined with handcrafted Parota wood cut from lengths of Costa Rican trees. Surrounding Le Noyau throughout the tasting spaces are custom-made pieces with natural materials from its vineyard. The original artwork that inspired the wine labels and pays homage to early 20th century California wine country will also be on display.
For Gilles, it was crucial to work with FDG Design Group to capture a tasting lounge ambiance that is a seamless blend of rooted, rustic and refined. “The Pavilion will truly showcase the wild beauty of Ink Grade, from the intentional design and works from local artists to the SENSES by Ink Grade tasting experience,” says Gilles.
“Ink Grade was founded on the principle of honoring and innovating the classic winemaking style of Napa Valley, rooted in the deep sense of place that is Howell Mountain,” says Taylor. “I am excited to see this special vineyard and ethos come to life in this hospitality experience.”
The duality of wild, rugged terrain and expressive, balanced wines is apparent in this distinct range, which includes Ink Grade’s Andosol 2018, Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, and Sauvignon Blanc 2020. The Estate Collection is priced at $95 per person, and Senses by Ink Grade is priced at $195 per person; both experiences are 90 minutes each. The Pavilion by Ink Grade will be open Thursday to Monday from 10:00am-3:30pm by appointment only.
ABOUT INK GRADE
Ink Grade is a Napa Valley estate creating single-vineyard, estate-grown wines of remarkable intensity and grace from its vineyard in the east side of Howell Mountain. A product of a distinct microclimate and rugged terrain, Ink Grade and Winemaker Matt Taylor seek to honor the heritage of this vineyard and the purity of mountain fruit. The inaugural range includes the Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, Andosol Red Blend, and Sauvignon Blanc. For more information, please visit inkgrade.com or follow on Instagram @inkgradeestate.
ABOUT LAWRENCE WINE ESTATES
Lawrence Wine Estates supports a growing collection of wine estates in Napa Valley. The collection includes Heitz Cellar, Burgess, Ink Grade, Haynes, Brendel, and Stony Hill Vineyards, all wineries with a deep legacy in Napa Valley, as well as international producers that are anchored by distinct estate vineyards, notably Château Lascombes in Bordeaux. Lawrence Wine Estates is led by Master Sommelier and Chief Executive Officer Carlton McCoy, Jr. All the estate wineries honor traditional winemaking philosophies and prioritize biodynamic farming techniques to create pure and balanced wines of the highest quality.
