Inman family

… one of the most eco-friendly Sonoma’s vineyard

Inman Family is a young vineyard located in the Russian Valley (Sonoma) and purchased in 1999 by Simon and Kathleen Inman. A true story of love and passion in all aspects, which at that time resulted in the creation of her first wine, a Pinot Noir vintage 2002. Their first wine was a Pinot Noir 2002 vintage.

This passion, can be seen in every part of their winery, that is to say, from the farming process to the making of the wine and all the characteristics shown in her way of working in her land, The idea, is clearly to show their passion and love for sharing their wine with the world.

Initially these two wine entrepreneurs, whom shared their love for food and wine, food lovers and wine, had worked in spaces that were far from the work in their land. held in sectors far removed from working the land. Kathleen Inman was a CFO and then a “head hunter” for the world of finances, In the other side, Simon was a lawyer.

Kathleen’s passion for wine and more specifically for its grape variety Pinot Noir, was born at an introductory wine tasting organized in UC Santa Barbara (California). Interested in learning more about this field, upon her return to her hometown of Napa, she sought an internship at a winery. She was hired in the vineyards of Napa Creek to take care of the wine tourism but also to help with daily tasks such as cleaning the machines, working in the vineyard …. etc.. This experience allowed her to touch everything that is done in a vineyard as a whole.

For the story I have to say that this experience did not only marked the beginning of a true vocation but also marked the beginning of her love story. In effect from the first day she started making the guided visits with the tourists and visitors, among all the people, there he was, Simon Inman who two years later would become her husband, and her supporting partner in the project of creating a winery. (How wine make people get togheter!)

Two years later, Mr. and Mrs. Inman emigrated to England. In that country she gained her second passion: the care for the environment.
Simultaneously with his work as CFO in a large group in London, she will learn to manage a farm organically.

They will remain there for 15 years, until the day Simon suggested to leave their life in England and pursue Katheleen´s biggest wish: To own her own vineyard pushed by the desire to create his own vineyard, after this, the small family decides to return to California. It is also worth it to say that a year after their relocation in California, Katheleen adquired the Olivet Grange property in the Russian River Valley, in a sort of homage of their home in England. There, Katheleen worked hard in making her ideas real to finally release her first vintage in 2002.

Nowadays, they have a passionate team to help working in this team. On the photo you can see Michelle Berger, Head of Marketing & Communication of the property. Her passion for the world of wine was born afterwards. She was first hired in the property to handle the communication area, marketing, and wine tourism. However, It is only by discovering the magic of the work in the vineyard that her passion arose. Today most of the questions for her are related to the vineyard.

Where does the logo of Inman Family comes from?

Looking at the labels in the bottles you will notice a white rose engraved on the left side. This flower is the white rose of Yorkshire (county in England). It was chosen as the logo of the winery to recall the origins of its owners.

What are they look for each year for Inman‘ wines?

A perfectly balanced wine. A wine that fully expresses aromas of grape and the terroir. A wine with a slight acidity, lovely aromas of red fruit, good structure to bear fruit aromas.

In two words, what allows to recognize your wines during a blind tasting?

“The low alcohol” (compared to other wines of the valley), “elegance” and “balanced” wine, “which are really characteristic of their wines.”
I allow myself to add: fruity and relatively soft in the mouth.

Few words to describe your job?

“Honesty“, “eco-ethics“, “delicious”

A project in mind?

In a medium-term future Kathleen wants to return to England. Two reasons, first to find her family roots and, second to create a productive vineyard with sparkling, white and rosé wines. She believes that some parts of the country, particularly in the South, have a high potential / good soil to produce sparkling wines.

Side anecdote:

As you probably understand this vineyard is a model of respect for the environment. The anecdote, thus concerns the materials that they use, the metallic sheets used in the exterior are made with recycled car carcasses, the interior walls with recycled jeans (yes I speak of jean pants), the counter made from reused bottle broken glass, recyclable packaging … in short, almost everything is made of recycled materials and even a great commitment for the use of renewable sources of energy. Here is a vineyard which its concern on the impact on the nature is not just limited in their work in the vineyard but also in it is seen in its buildings.

For your information, Inman Family was the first vineyard in the Russian River Valley (one of Sonoma‘ Region) to adopt screw caps. This allows them to use less raw material.

Thanks to the Inman Family‘ team the property for their guide and hospitality.

Jonathan Choukroun Chicheportiche

Inman Family

PO Box 1323
Healdsburg, CA 95448
707.293.9576
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