July 14, 2026 (Rutherford, CA) — Inglenook is pleased to announce that for the third year in a row the winery has been nominated for Best Winery Tour in the country by the editors of USA TODAY. Readers have until July 20th to vote for their favorite nominees in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Inglenook was thrilled to be declared a winner in 2024.
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.
“To be nominated three years in a row for Best Winery Tour in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards is an incredible honor,” said Inglenook’s Estate President, Catherine Durand. “Inglenook has earned a reputation for innovation and leadership since it was founded in 1879, and we’re proud to continue that legacy. For 51 years the Coppola Family has guided Inglenook’s organic farming, winemaking excellence, and refined yet warm hospitality. That tradition continues with our imaginative guest offerings throughout the rest of this year.”
More than 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 51 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); appointed renowned winemaker Philippe Bascaules as Inglenook’s 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).
Tours, Tastings and Events at Inglenook
Inglenook has several tasting experiences that range from $85 – $150 per guest. Each of Inglenook’s tastings is led by a Wine Educator who’s also a certified sommelier.
Inglenook is also hosting several special events this year:
- The Rubicon Release Harvest Party, September 12 at 6 p.m. $300 per guest, and $275 per Heritage Society member
- This event is a perennial favorite! During the peak of Harvest, guests are invited to dine with Inglenook’s winemakers as we celebrate the release of 2023 Rubicon, which has already been previewed by critics and has received near-perfect reviews. Indulge in a thoughtfully paired dinner served on a beautiful Fall evening in front of Inglenook’s iconic chateau, while pumpkins whimsically “float” in the fountain and the winemakers mingle with guests and share how the 2026 harvest is unfolding.
- Garden Tour & Luncheon, October 10th, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., $175 per guest, and $150 per Heritage Society member
- Hosted by Estate Chef Alex Lovick, this leisurely garden tour explores Inglenook’s organically-farmed estate and Culinary Garden while Chef Alex shares insight about the ingredients that inspire his menus. Following the tour, guests will enjoy an al fresco luncheon expertly paired with our wines.
- Holiday Open House & Concert, December 13th, Reception at 4 p.m. and Concert at 6 p.m.
- This is one of Napa Valley’s favorite events of the year! Holiday shopping, estate wines and light bites set a festive ambiance – followed by a captivating, nostalgic performance by the Saint Helena Community Band. This is a signature event that reflects the Coppola family’s legacy of bringing people together to share in the joy of the holidays. This event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required. Tickets will be made available on November 1st and they go quickly!
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 http://www.inglenook.com. The estate is open to guests by appointment only and reservations can be made by contacting reservations@inglenook.com.
