A Word from the Proprietor

For me, Napa Valley is home and always has been. My family first came to the valley in 1879 when my great granduncle, Gustav Niebaum, founded Inglenook Vineyards in Rutherford. This property was under the tutelage of my family for three generations, and I grew up among the lush vines of this glorious estate.

My dad, John Daniel, Jr., working with his friend and associate Robert Mondavi,was instrumental in establishing the foundation for the Napa Valley appellation as we see it today. Inglenook Vineyards was known as "creme de la creme." Further to that, the 1941 Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon, was selected in 2000 as one of the 10 wines of the century by the Wine Spectator.

No surprise then, that Napa Valley is in my blood, part of my pulse. Being in the wine business was not an option but something I was born to do. Starting my career working with RobertMondavi, I went on to co-found Dominus and Merryvale Vineyards in 1983. Selling out of those ventures in the mid-90’s I started a family winery with my husband and daughters in 1995 - Lail Vineyards.

In addition to having a love affair with the wine industry, I love people and I love to create magic. I started Connections in 1994 which gave me carte blanche to welcome extraordinary people to this place and send them home raving for more. It gave me the chance to showcase the people and places which make this valley so unique, so unforgettable. They are my friends.

We would love to meet you and introduce you to Napa Valley as we know it. We guarantee a most remarkable and memorable encounter.

Robin Lail, President