One of the things I never predicted happening when I started my @vinoforbreakfast Instagram account was that I would meet so many amazing people, but this platform does amazing things! One of the gals I have been following since the very beginning is Casleah, creator of the fun content you see on @bythestem. Cas has recently started hosting events in the LA area so, when she announced she was hosting one in Napa, I obviously had to snag a ticket!
Her event was held at Inglenook Winery, an impeccable wine chateau located just off Highway 29 in Rutherford. A few of the other wine gals and I drove up a tree-lined path and were greeted inside the cheateau with a glass of sauvignon blanc. We then went on a tour around the property and one of our first stops was the barrel room, where we were given barrel samples of Inglenook’s flagship wine, the Rubicon. It was so much fun to hear about making the wine from the Assistant Winemaker himself. Admittedly, I am not great at tasting futures and knowing what they’ll be like after aging, but I feel fairly confident in saying the 2017 Rubicon will be excellent.
Inglenook appeared to be one of the last properties in Napa to have all of their leaves on the vines, so we were treated to some spectacular fall colors as we walked around the property. As expected with a group of wine instagrammers – you always need to give lots of time for photos!
After a picture stop, it was off to a private room to do our tasting. We were treated to a flight of 3 red wines (their Syrah, Cabernet and the Rubicon) and cheese plates while we learned a bit more about Inglenook’s history. It was interesting to learn how the Coppola family transformed Inglenook from a mass-produced, bottom-shelf winery with the likes of Franzia and Carlo Rossi to the small but high-quality producer it is today. I fell in love with the Rubicon at first sip and, needless to say, I would have definitely bought some if I was in the market for $210 a bottle wine.
If you are looking for some high-quality wines when you’re up in Napa, look no further than Inglenook. The team there is incredibly hospitable and knowledgeable and you will learn a ton about winemaking history just by grazing the gorgeous property. Huge shoutout to the amazing Cas for coordinating this event, it’s obvious that the Bay Area wine community and I will be counting down the minutes until your next #bythestemevent!
Was so fun! Congrats on the blog launch!