Noteworthy milestone for Ink Grade and Lawrence Wine Estates, a Napa Valley leader in sustainability
NAPA VALLEY, CA (May 24, 2023) Lawrence Wine Estates is thrilled to announce that its Ink Grade Estate Vineyard, located in the northeast corner of the Howell Mountain AVA in Napa Valley, has been recognized as the largest Demeter Certified Biodynamic ranch in Napa County. The 750-acre property spans the Howell Mountain AVA with 220 certified acres under vine.
Ink Grade Estate Vineyard has been farmed biodynamically since 2019, achieving certification in 2022. Sitting at elevations as high as 2,200 feet, Ink Grade Estate Vineyard boasts scenic views of forested pines and sequoia. Vines are planted on narrow terraces of earth cut into steep slopes, which fosters a distinguishing microclimate in the Napa Valley.
“We are proud of this recognition of our commitment to Biodynamic farming, which connects us closer to our land and reveals that the vines and the people who tend to them are part of an integrated ecosystem,” says Carlton McCoy, Jr., CEO of Lawrence Wine Estates. “We are showing that it is possible to farm responsibly at scale as we help shape the future, sustainable legacy of the Napa Valley.”
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.
“The presence of Biodynamic farming is increasing in Napa Valley and with that a broadening impact on the land, grapes, and wine produced in the area,” said Evrett Lunquist, Director of Certification for Demeter USA. “This manifests as a reduction of toxins applied to the environment, enhancement of ecological biodiversity, soils gaining soil carbon and improved water retention, improving vitality in the grapes, and development of the wine terroir. This work at Ink Grade is a win for consumers, farmers, and the Earth.”
Ink Grade wines are known for their expressive, balanced wines that reflect the duality of the wild, rugged terrain of the estate vineyard. The distinct range includes Ink Grade’s Andosol, Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.
“At Ink Grade, we understand that our greatest asset is the complexity that comes from this incredibly raw and wild site and that preserving the tension from the site to the wine is a great privilege,” said Ink Grade Winemaker Matt Taylor. “For us, farming Biodynamically delivers the most honest, unmanipulated interpretation of this site and allows us to convey purity in every bottle. We do that while being conscientious and thoughtful of how we participate with nature and its profoundly complex system.”
ABOUT INK GRADE
Ink Grade creates single-estate wines of remarkable intensity and grace from its vineyard in the upper eastern reaches of Howell Mountain in Napa Valley. 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, Napa Valley 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 and France. The collection includes Heitz Cellar, Haynes, Burgess, Ink Grade, Brendel, Stony Hill Vineyards, and Château Lascombes in Bordeaux – all wineries with a deep legacy that are anchored by distinct estate vineyards. 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.
