Creating a Tasting Room Rich with Art, Jazz, Literature and Amusements
RUTHERFORD, California (March 10, 2021) – Francis Ford Coppola, proprietor of Inglenook, is pleased to announce that a major renovation of the historic winery’s Pennino Salon has just been completed. The Pennino Salon, named after Coppola’s maternal grandfather, Francesco Pennino, will be open for indoor wine tastings as conditions allow.
In redesigning The Pennino Salon, Coppola worked with his longtime friend and colleague, Dean Tavoularis, to create a stunning setting, reminiscent of a private club in the 1920’s. Tavoularis was the production designer on many of Coppola’s films. The result is a room that matches the extraordinary quality of Inglenook’s wines and beckons guests to immerse themselves in beguiling details. Patrons are surrounded by the Coppola family’s personal mementoes including works of art by Wayne Thiebaud, film director Akira Kurosawa, Robert De Niro, Sr., and Mr. Coppola himself. A turntable spins select jazz albums from the Verve Records collection. Want to play a tune of your own? Settle in at the piano in the corner. Fancy a game of chess or backgammon? There’s a plush seat near the grand fireplace. Or perhaps you’d like to play craps at a table once owned by Countess di Frasso, one of the legendary hostesses of Hollywood’s Golden Age?
“When we entertain at home, this is how we entertain,” said Coppola. “The Pennino Salon is an extension of our home and we welcome guests to enjoy our expansive library, art & jazz collections, and games of chance. We wanted to create a richer experience for guests as they enjoy our Inglenook wines.”
Since it was founded in 1879 by Gustave Niebaum, Inglenook has been renowned for its creativity, quality, innovation and industry leadership. 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. The new Pennino Salon is in step with the stature of Inglenook’s esteemed Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and selection of wines.
“We have enjoyed hosting outdoor tastings at Inglenook, but we’re really looking forward to welcoming guests to The Pennino Salon as soon as COVID-related conditions allow,” said estate president Catherine Durand. “The new Pennino Salon is gorgeous and such an intriguing retreat. It’s the perfect setting for savoring Inglenook wines while enjoying the ambiance created by timeless jazz and the rich surroundings of the historic chateau, enhanced by memorable artwork.”
When indoor tastings are allowed, The Pennino Salon is open from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Thursday – Sunday. Guests enjoy seated tastings ranging from $125 – $150 per person with a dedicated wine educator, library wines, cheese, charcuterie, and thoughtful pairings created by estate chef Alex Lovick who draws upon the bounty of Inglenook’s organic garden to create inventive small bites. Reservations can be made by emailing reservations@inglenook.com or by calling 707-968-1161. The Pennino Salon can also be booked for special events and private parties by contacting Theodore McCarthy at 707-968-1182 or Theodore.McCarthy@inglenook.com.
Additional Details
- Gaming Table previously owned by Countess di Frasso, born Dorothy Caldwell Taylor (1888 – 1954) – The Countess was an American socialite who hosted lavish parties popular with Hollywood insiders. She left her husband, Count Carlo di Frasso, and moved from Rome to Los Angeles to pursue a romance with Gary Cooper. Later, she was also involved with Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel. Her gaming table is topped with two glass panels so that it doubles as a cocktail table. The panels can be easily removed so that guests can access the craps table beneath the glass.
- Art Collection – The captivating artwork includes pieces by
- Francis Ford Coppola
- Robert De Niro, Sr.
- Charles Garabedian
- Charles Gesmar
- Milton Glaser
- Andy Goldsworthy
- Akira Kurosawa
- Stephanie Peek
- Larry Poons
- David Simpson
- Yoshimori Taguchi
- Wayne Thiebaud
- John Zurier
- Jazz Collection – The extensive collection of jazz albums is mostly from the Verve Records label but includes other artists as well. Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, Ella Fitzgerald, Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis are among the many performers whose albums can be played upon request.
- Library – The expansive library includes several precious first editions:
- Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman
- The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett
- Ulysses by James Joyce
- The Works of Ben Jonson
- Francesco Pennino – Francis Ford Coppola’s maternal grandfather was a musician and composer, and several of his original scores are framed and displayed. Francesco Pennino’s portrait is on the east wall of the Salon, beneath a painting by Robert De Niro, Sr.
- Chess Set – The striking chess set is a replica of a set that was originally designed by Francis Ford Coppola’s uncle and godfather, Michael Coppola. “Uncle Mikey” was a master machinist and Francis admired his craftsmanship.
- Other architectural details
- The Pennino Salon’s circular bar is highlighted by a glass-encased wine display that holds more than 400 bottles. Reminiscent of the Louvre Pyramid designed by I. M. Pei, the display is made of decorative glass crafted by The Bullseye Glass Co. in Portland, OR.
- Bullseye also created the glass for the Art Deco-style doors in shades of amber, allowing natural light to gently illuminate the room.
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 was also among the first Napa Valley wineries to have its vineyards certified organic more than 25 years ago.
The iconic Inglenook 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. Experiences include tours of the Chateau, the Infinity caves, the vineyards, barrel tastings and culinary offerings under the direction of Winery Chef Alex Lovick who expertly pairs the wines with the seasonal, organic bounty of the expansive estate farm and orchards.
