Lail Vineyards, led by it’s Managing Partner, Robin Daniel Lail, is the 21st Century’s extension of the Lail’s Napa Valley winemaking legacy reaching back over 130 years.
Six generations ago, Robin’s great grand-uncle, Captain Gustav Niebaum, established the legendary Inglenook Vineyards in 1879 in Rutherford. Following Niebaum’s death in 1908, the winery was under the guidance of John Daniel Sr. who managed the vineyards until the repeal of Prohibition. When Inglenook passed into the hands of Niebaum’s great-nephew John Daniel Jr. in 1936, he became the steward of Gustav Niebaum’s dreams for the winery, with remarkable results. Working closely with his friend Robert Mondavi, John Daniel Jr. was largely responsible for creating the foundation of the Napa Valley appellation as we see it today. He believed that the wines made in Napa Valley could rival the best wines made anywhere in the world, and he played a significant role in making this vision a reality.
When Inglenook was sold in 1964, it was widely recognized as a winery that had changed the face of winemaking in California forever. In 1977, Robin joined Robert Mondavi for a five-year apprenticeship. She then went on to co-found Dominus in 1982 with her sister Marcia Smith and winemaker Christian Moueix. In the following year, Robin co-founded Merryvale Vineyards with Bill Harlan, his partners at Pacific Union and Jon Lail. She served as President of Merryvale for 10 years.
In 1995, the Lails sold their interests in Merryvale and Dominus and established Lail Vineyards with Philippe Melka as winemaker. In 1998, Erin Lail, their oldest daughter, joined the operation. Lail Vineyard’s latest release, Georgia, celebrates the birth of Georgia Dixon, the sixth generation of the Napa Valley family.
Today, the Lail Family, honor the traditions of the past, revel in the accomplishments of the present, and strive to produce wines of legendary quality.
