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Wine Business Monthly
RUTHERFORD, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2025) – As Inglenook marks 50 years of Coppola Family leadership, the winery’s Director of Vineyard and Cellar Operations, Enrique Herrero, is pleased to announce that Inglenook – which has been certified organic since 1994 – has also received Napa Green Vineyard certification, recognizing Inglenook’s success in several areas.
Among other achievements throughout the vineyard, Inglenook was distinguished for its role as a leader in Napa Valley’s efforts to set a new global standard in climate action, regenerative farming, and social equity. Founded in 1879, Inglenook’s proprietors for the last 50 years have been Francis Ford Coppola and his late wife, Eleanor.
“It’s important to all of us at Inglenook to do what’s best for the environment as we craft internationally acclaimed wines, and that starts with the Coppola Family,” said Herrero. “The values embraced by our Napa Green Vineyard certification are embedded in Inglenook’s 146-year history and in the last half-century they were deepened by Mrs. Coppola’s inspirational guidance.”
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 across three centuries with the utmost care and attention to detail, under the stewardship of just two families throughout most of its history.
50 Years of Coppola Family Stewardship
Inglenook enjoyed global success from 1879 – 1964 under founder Gustave Niebaum and his descendants, but the winery was sold to a corporation and for 11 years the people running Inglenook dismantled the original estate and strayed from its previous leaders’ commitment to excellence. In 1975, Francis Ford Coppola and his late wife, Eleanor, were searching for a modest vacation cottage and instead ended up purchasing Gustave Niebaum’s home and a portion of the original Inglenook estate. The Coppolas soon discovered what a treasure they had acquired and vowed to restore Inglenook’s esteemed reputation.
Over the past 50 years the Coppola family has reunited all of the contiguous vineyards of the original Inglenook estate (1995); purchased the estate’s iconic chateau (1995); bought back Inglenook’s name and trademark (2011); hired the esteemed Philippe Bascaules as Director of Winemaking (2011); and built an eco-friendly winery cave that has 120 stainless steel fermenters that correspond to 120 distinct growing areas (2022).
The Coppola Family’s Environmental Leadership & Innovation
It’s extraordinary for Inglenook’s team to work with proprietors who are as passionately committed to conservation and environmental stewardship as the Coppolas are. In 1995, led by the Coppolas, Inglenook granted a conservation easement – in conjunction with the Napa County Land Trust – for 394 undeveloped acres that will preserve and protect the land in its natural condition.
Alice Waters from Chez Panisse inspired Eleanor Coppola to pursue organic farming at Inglenook in the 1980’s, and Inglenook was one of the first estates in Napa Valley to be certified organic in 1994. Francis Ford Coppola has a keen interest in science and introduced electric cars on the Inglenook estate in 2011. The team has since added electric forklifts and Ford F-150 electric trucks.
Inglenook has also experimented with biochar. When vineyards are removed, the vines are turned into biochar using special “burn boxes.” This method reduces the amount of smoke and CO2 released into the environment compared to traditional burning. The resulting biochar is then incorporated back into the soil, where it helps increase the nutrient and water holding capacity of the soil.
As part of its mission to preserve and expand local biodiversity, Inglenook has planted hedgerows of native plants along some of the vineyards. These hedgerows feed and attract pollinating insects. Native riparian plants were also planted along Bella Oaks Creek, augmenting the willows and oaks that have been preserved there and providing continuous habitat for wildlife. Milkweeds and other native wildflowers have also been planted on the estate to feed monarch butterflies. Inglenook is also collaborating on a study focused on the effectiveness of bluebirds and sparrows in controlling pests in the vineyard.
About Inglenook
Inglenook was founded in Napa Valley in 1879 and has made high-quality, well-farmed wine consistently across three centuries. Family-owned, with multiple generations dedicated to its stewardship, Inglenook is America’s Grand Wine Estate.
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.
About Napa Green: The Napa Green 501c3 is a global leader in sustainable winegrowing, setting the highest bar for sustainability and climate action in the wine industry. Napa Green facilitates whole system soil to bottle certification for wineries and vineyards, and provides the expertise, boots-on-the-ground support, and resources to continually improve. Learn more at https://napagreen.org/participating-members/.
Anna Brittain
Napa Green
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Take action this Earth Month with Napa Green. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in achieving your climate action goals for both your vineyard and winery, no matter where you are in your sustainability journey.
🎥 @robot_productions
#earthday #earthdayeveryday #earthmonth #climateaction #sustainabilty #climatesmart #regenerativeag
🍴Wednesday April, 23rd is the day NOT to miss lunch at @cliffamily!!
Come enjoy delicious food while supporting Napa Green! See you there.
Uniquely, Napa Green isn’t just a roadmap of leading practices. Napa Green provides an expert, boots-on-the-ground consulting team that develops:
✅ Regenerative Carbon Farm Plans (to enhance soil health, biodiversity, resilience, and carbon storage)
✅ Irrigation Distribution Uniformity Assessments (to maximize water efficiency)
✅ Integrated Resource Assessments (to reduce energy, water, waste and emissions in production)
✅ Action Plans for continuing improvement (tailored to the opportunities and goals of each vineyard or winery)
Additionally, we support soil sampling and analysis, provide resource assistance, run practical training and education workshops throughout the year, and provide valuable, hands-on guidance in meeting your climate action goals.
✅ Napa Green members implement over 120 best practices in both the Vineyard and Winery. This Earth Month, learn about 21 of them with “21 Days, 21 Ways” counting down to Earth Day.
📷 @buddsocial
📍 @tressabores
#21days21ways #earthmonth #earthday #climateaction #regenerativevineyard #climatesmart #sustainablewine #regenerativeag #environmentalleadership #wineindustry #winebusiness
Napa Green’s vineyard team is trained to develop regenerative, whole-farm Carbon Farm Plans (CFPs). These plans review all of the current beneficial practices that are increasing soil and ecosystem health and storing carbon, and identify additional opportunities to regenerate the soil and vineyard ecosystem and simultaneously maximize carbon capture in a given property. Each vineyard’s goal is to become carbon neutral (or negative) and increase the resilience of vineyards, businesses, and our community.
✅ Napa Green members implement over 120 best practices in both the Vineyard and Winery. This Earth Month, learn about 21 of them with “21 Days, 21 Ways” counting down to Earth Day.
📷 @soilrainandhope
📍 @tressabores
#21days21ways #earthmonth #earthday #climateaction #regenerativevineyard #climatesmart #sustainablewine #regenerativeag #environmentalleadership #wineindustry #winebusiness
Clear pathways for employee advancement are essential for a thriving workforce and driving success. They boost retention, job satisfaction, productivity, and attract top talent. Napa Green Certified members develop pathways for growth, discussing career goals and progress with employees during reviews.
✅ Napa Green members implement over 120 best practices in both the Vineyard and Winery. This Earth Month, learn about 21 of them with “21 Days, 21 Ways” counting down to Earth Day.
📷 @briana_marie
📍 @dominusestatewinery
#21days21ways #earthmonth #earthday #climateaction #regenerativevineyard #climatesmart #sustainablewine #regenerativeag #environmentalleadership #wineindustry #winebusiness
Forests are not only our largest terrestrial carbon sink, they are also home to 80% of the world’s on-land diversity. We need healthy forests, which means a balanced density of native trees and plants. Healthy forests experience lower intensity fires with less tree mortality, meaning higher carbon retention and ecosystem function.
✅ Napa Green members implement over 120 best practices in both the Vineyard and Winery. This Earth Month, learn about 21 of them with “21 Days, 21 Ways” counting down to Earth Day.
📷 @abrittain
📍 @seaveyvineyard
#21days21ways #earthmonth #earthday #climateaction #regenerativevineyard #climatesmart #sustainablewine #regenerativeag #environmentalleadership #wineindustry #winebusiness
Napa Green Certified Wineries benefit from an on-site Integrated Resource Assessment (IRA) led by our experienced engineers and winemakers. This IRA evaluates resource metrics, monitors progress, and identifies areas for improvement to increase efficiency and save $$$.
✅ Napa Green members implement over 120 best practices in both the Vineyard and Winery. This Earth Month, learn about 21 of them with “21 Days, 21 Ways” counting down to Earth Day.
📍 @materrawines
#21days21ways #earthmonth #earthday #climateaction #climatesmart #sustainablewine #regenerativeag #environmentalleadership #wineindustry #winebusiness
All of our members are committed to using at least 60% renewable energy, whether through on-site solar and other renewable sources or by working with @mcecleanenergy to access clean power through the grid. The impact? Over 1.2 million pounds of CO2e saved by wineries and vineyards in just one year. To put that into perspective it’s the equivalent to offsetting the emissions from driving over 1.5 million miles in a typical gas-powered car!
✅ Napa Green members implement over 120 best practices in both the Vineyard and Winery. This Earth Month, learn about 21 of them with “21 Days, 21 Ways” counting down to Earth Day.
📷 @love.dream.breathe
📍 @corisonwinery
#21days21ways #earthmonth #earthday #climateaction #regenerativevineyard #climatesmart #sustainablewine #regenerativeag #environmentalleadership #wineindustry #winebusiness #renewableenergy #greenpower #greenenergy
As part of their commitment to sustainability, Napa Green Certified Winery members collaborate with key suppliers and utilize their purchasing power to support eco-friendly practices. In the same way, we can make a difference at home by choosing materials made from post-consumer recycled materials, and selecting reusable, recyclable, compostable, biodegradable, and non-toxic products.
✅ Napa Green members implement over 120 best practices in both the Vineyard and Winery. This Earth Month, learn about 21 of them with “21 Days, 21 Ways” counting down to Earth Day.
#21days21ways #earthmonth #earthday #climateaction #regenerativevineyard #climatesmart #sustainablewine #regenerativeag #environmentalleadership #wineindustry #winebusiness #greenpurchasing #supplychain
Napa Green Certified Vineyards implement climate-smart burn practices, such as Conservation Burning, Flame Cap Kilns, and Air Curtain Burners. These practices reduce smoke and emissions and create biochar. Biochar is re-fossilized wood that provides long-term carbon storage. Even more compelling, when inoculated and applied with compost, biochar aids in water retention and increases water and fertilizer efficiency.
✅ Napa Green members implement over 120 best practices in both the Vineyard and Winery. This Earth Month, learn about 21 of them with “21 Days, 21 Ways” counting down to Earth Day.
📍 @gloriaferrerwinery
#21days21ways #earthmonth #earthday #climateaction #regenerativevineyard #climatesmart #sustainablewine #regenerativeag #environmentalleadership #wineindustry #winebusiness
Napa Green Certified Vineyards implement practices to create habitat for beneficial wildlife, including bluebirds, owls, bats, and raptors. Members may also install boxes and perches if trees or other natural perches aren’t present to encourage these animals in the vineyard. These measures are part of a broader commitment to sustainable and regenerative farming practices.
✅ Napa Green members implement over 120 best practices in both the Vineyard and Winery. This Earth Month, learn about 21 of them with “21 Days, 21 Ways” counting down to Earth Day.
📷 @soilrainandhope
📍 @tressaboreswinery
#21days21ways #earthmonth #earthday #climateaction #regenerativevineyard #climatesmart #sustainablewine #regenerativeag #environmentalleadership #wineindustry #winebusiness #biodiversity
While vineyards don’t directly require pollination, pollinators still play a vital role in the overall health of our ecosystems. Increased biodiversity leads to better soil health, water retention and can attract beneficial insects. Plus, pollinators are friend shaped! 🐝
✅ Napa Green members implement over 120 best practices in both the Vineyard and Winery. This Earth Month, learn about 21 of them with “21 Days, 21 Ways” counting down to Earth Day.
📷 @soilrainandhope
📍 @grgichhills
#21days21ways #earthmonth #earthday #climateaction #regenerativevineyard #climatesmart #sustainablewine #regenerativeag #environmentalleadership #wineindustry #winebusiness #biodiversity
Join us @earthdaynapa tomorrow, April 12 at the wine booth to try some sustainable wines!
All proceeds for to the Environmental Education Coalition of Napa County’s Field Trip Bus Grant Program and the Darcy Aston Scholarship.
#earthday #earthmonth #earthdayeveryday #sustainablewine #climatesmartwine
Carbon storage is inherently site-specific, tied to unique combinations of soil types, microclimates, historical farming practices, and more. Napa Green Certified Vineyards leverage soil sampling to validate the on-the-ground impacts of their regenerative farming methods.
✅ Napa Green members implement over 120 best practices in both the Vineyard and Winery. This Earth Month, learn about 21 of them with “21 Days, 21 Ways” counting down to Earth Day.
📷 @growresiliently
📍 @sixsigmaranch
#21days21ways #earthmonth #earthday #climateaction #regenerativevineyard #climatesmart #sustainablewine #regenerativeag #environmentalleadership #wineindustry #winebusiness
Green teams offer a multitude of benefits, ranging from enhanced employee engagement and a culture of sustainability to cost savings and improved environmental performance.
✅ Napa Green members implement over 120 best practices in both the Vineyard and Winery. This Earth Month, learn about 21 of them with “21 Days, 21 Ways” counting down to Earth Day.
📷 @kikimrobinson
📍 @charleskrugwinery
#21days21ways #earthmonth #earthday #climateaction #regenerativevineyard #climatesmart #sustainablewine #regenerativeag #environmentalleadership #wineindustry #winebusiness
Napa Green Vineyard members located along waterways maintain and enhance riparian areas for wildlife habitat, erosion control, creek/river health and carbon storage.
✅ Napa Green members implement over 120 best practices in both the Vineyard and Winery. This Earth Month, learn about 21 of them with “21 Days, 21 Ways” counting down to Earth Day.
📷 @briana_marie
📍 @dominusestatewinery
#21days21ways #earthmonth #earthday #climateaction #regenerativevineyard #climatesmart #sustainablewine #regenerativeag #environmentalleadership #wineindustry #winebusiness
