Inglenook is Distinguished by USA TODAY
As One of the 10Best Winery Tours in the Country
And Adds a New Private Cave Tour & Tasting,
Chef Demonstration Series,
And a Lifestyle-Focused “Visionary Membership”
RUTHERFORD, California (August 1, 2024) – Catherine Durand, Estate President of Inglenook, is thrilled to announce that the winery has been honored by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for hosting one of the best winery tours in the country. The winery has also expanded its Heritage Society to include a “Visionary Membership,” a new Private Cave Tour & Tasting, and a Chef Demonstration Series.
One of the most historic and sustainably focused wineries in Napa Valley, Inglenook is America’s Grand Wine Estate. Founded in 1879, Inglenook is the largest contiguous estate on Napa Valley’s famed Rutherford Bench, and has consistently been making exceptional wines from organically farmed vineyards with the utmost care and attention to detail, under the stewardship of just two families throughout most of its history. At the heart of Inglenook’s hospitality are the magnificent chateau, which was built in 1887, and Inglenook’s team of wine educators, most of whom are certified sommeliers.
“We are grateful to the USA TODAY editors who nominated us and thankful to all of our guests who voted for us in the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards,” said Catherine Durand, Estate President of Inglenook. “As America’s Grand Wine Estate, our hospitality matches the caliber of our beautiful wines and organically farmed vineyards. We are excited to expand our offerings and warmly welcome new guests each and every day.”
New Guest Offerings
Private Cave Tour & Tasting
Inglenook’s new winery cave debuted with the 2022 vintage and is now open to guests for the first time. An engineering marvel, the cave is home to 120 fermentation tanks that align with 120 distinct growing areas within Inglenook’s estate vineyard. Guests will gain access behind the scenes and see where Inglenook’s winemaking journey begins each fall, followed by a tour of Inglenook’s Infinity Caves where the wines age, and then a tasting guided by a sommelier. The wines are expertly paired with a curated selection of cheeses and charcuterie. This experience is offered daily from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. for $135 per person. Reservations can be made here.
Chef Demonstration Series
Inglenook is pleased to present a new Chef Demonstration Series that includes several intriguing topics:
Crafting Pasta Masterpieces – August 24th, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., $125 per person. Learn the techniques behind perfect pasta shapes as Chef Jason LaBue shares insider tips for achieving the ideal texture and consistency. From extruded to cut, filled, and shaped, this demonstration promises to inspire culinary creativity.
French Macarons Demystified – October 19th, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., $125 per person. Delve into the artistry of macaron-making as Inglenook’s culinary team reveals essential techniques for achieving the right structure and texture. From mixing the batter to piping rounds, guests will learn the precise steps needed to create these elegant confections.
Holiday Sweet Treats – December 14th, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., $125 per person. Learn how to make chocolate treats including truffles, rochers, and chocolate bark. Whether guests are looking for the perfect gift or simply craving a delicious indulgence, this chef demonstration promises to inspire and delight in equal measure.
All classes include a luncheon with Inglenook wine pairings. Much more information can be found here.
Visionary Membership in The Heritage Society
Inglenook has expanded its Heritage Society to include a Visionary Membership. Members are offered unique access to the rich tapestry of Inglenook’s cultural legacy, while becoming an integral part of its future. They will enjoy the wines from the organically farmed vineyards, explore the depths of the lush estate on guided hikes, refine their sophisticated taste with culinary pairings, and partake in behind-the-scenes experiences that illuminate the stewardship of the storied estate.
Other Visionary benefits include:
- Inglenook’s critically acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc
- Curated items inspired by or sourced from Inglenook’s vast estate
- A personal key to the estate’s main gate
- Cultural experiences on the estate
- Featured seasonal benefits and services
- Complimentary access to select private events on the estate
- Invitations to international events, and preferred pricing on lodging at The Family Coppola Hideaways: Turtle Inn and Blancaneaux Lodge, both in Belize, and La Lancha in Guatemala
Much more information about the Visionary Membership in The Heritage Society can be found here.
Inglenook is located at 1991 St. Helena Highway in Napa Valley and reservations are required: 707-968-1179 or reservations@inglenook.com.
About Inglenook
One of the most historic and sustainably focused wineries in Napa Valley, Inglenook is America’s Grand Wine Estate. Founded in 1879, Inglenook is the largest contiguous estate on Napa Valley’s famed Rutherford Bench, and has consistently been making exceptional wines from organically farmed vineyards with the utmost care and attention to detail, under the stewardship of just two families throughout most of its history. In 1994, Inglenook was among the first 10 wineries in Napa Valley to receive organic certification after famed Chez Panisse Chef Alice Waters persuaded owners Francis Ford Coppola and his late wife, Eleanor Coppola, to pursue organic farming in the 1980s.
Totaling 235 planted acres, Inglenook is divided into 120 discrete viticultural areas, meticulously differentiated by a set of meaningful criteria, from year of their planting to topography and soil – and even daily tastings of the fruit in each harvest area. These 120 harvest areas align with a corresponding set of 120 fermentation tanks in the new cave winery. This micro focus informs a relentless, visionary study to understand the property’s nuanced terroir, with the perpetual goal of enhancing the wines’ overall quality. Inglenook has unprecedented control from the vineyard to the final blends, forming the exceptional quality of Inglenook’s five quintessential wines: Rubicon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, a distinctive Marsanne-Roussanne-Viognier blend called Blancaneaux, and RC Reserve Syrah, crafted by Director of Winemaking Philippe Bascaules.
Inglenook’s iconic chateau was first constructed in 1887, and faithfully restored in 1997. Befitting the grandeur of the Inglenook estate, the chateau welcomes guests for seated tastings and special events. Inglenook is located at 1991 St. Helena Highway in Rutherford (Napa Valley), and can be found on social media @inglenook1879, and online at www.inglenook.com. The estate is open to guests by appointment only and reservations can be made by contacting reservations@inglenook.com.
