Few people have transformed the way we experience wine quite like Greg Lambrecht. As the inventor of Coravin, he revolutionized how we taste and enjoy fine wines, unlocking bottles that might have otherwise remained sealed for decades.
From opening doors to private tastings to accessing some of the rarest wines in the world, Greg’s breakthrough has enabled him to experience extraordinary wines that once seemed out of reach, allowing him to explore the world of wine in ways most wine lovers can only dream of.
The Inglenook Winery
This year, Greg had the opportunity to visit Inglenook, a winery founded in 1879 by Finnish sea captain Gustave Niebaum and nestled in Napa Valley’s Rutherford Bench.
Known for its rich history and exceptional wines, Inglenook was born from Niebaum’s vision to create wines from an American that could rival Europe’s finest, with the estate’s terroir proving perfect for this ambition.
A history rooted in excellence
The history of Inglenook can be described as one of ambition, growth, and restoration. Following Niebaum's passing, his grandnephew John Daniel Jr. took over in 1939, elevating the winery to new heights and global recognition. However, changes in ownership led to a decline in quality, casting uncertainty on the estate’s future until the 1960s.
The Coppola Renaissance
In 1975, legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, alongside his wife Eleanor, purchased part of the Inglenook estate with a determination to restore its legacy. Over the next few decades, Coppola dedicated himself to reuniting and restoring the property, driven by the same passion and attention to detail that characterize his filmmaking. By 2011, the Coppola family had successfully reclaimed the entire estate, which remains one of the few large, family-owned wine estates in the United States.
An unforgettable visit
Greg’s visit to Inglenook was one that truly captured his heart:
"I’ve been lucky to have some of the Inglenook wines from the 1950s, and like those, this visit didn’t disappoint"
The tour took him through the estate, starting with the picturesque courtyard overlooking the Rutherford Bench. He then explored the historic caves, where he was impressed by the upgrades made by Coppola:
"He’s managed to preserve the original style of the winery while adding perhaps the best coffee bar in Napa.”
Special Pours with Coravin
There, Greg also had the chance to taste a 1999 Niebaum Coppola Rubicon, effortlessly poured with Coravin. This complex wine revealed layers of currant, blackberry, earth, plum, and cedary oak, all remaining intact thanks to Coravin’s technology.
Inglenook, with its rich history and commitment to excellence, is just one of the many outstanding wineries that trust in the power of Coravin to enhance the wine experience. By allowing guests to savor wines at their peak without compromising quality, Coravin enables wineries like Inglenook to showcase their finest selections with wine lovers, while ensuring that every bottle can be enjoyed in its full brilliance.
Join the Conversation
Have you used Coravin to explore new flavours or extend the life of a favourite bottle?
Whether you’re a wine lover discovering hidden gems, a producer revisiting a cherished vintage, or a trade professional enhancing the wine experience for others, we’d love to hear your story!
Join the conversation about the joy of enjoying wine on your own terms by contacting me here