A Sparkling Revelation In California: Inman Family Wines Spotlight

Kathleen Inman’s owner and winemaker of Inman Family Wines journey into wine started in her hometown of Napa Napa Valley, a region renowned for its bustling wine industry, it was her that she found her calling. Raised amidst the grapes that were coming of age in the early 1980s, she was captivated by the art of winemaking. Her journey began at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she discovered the diverse flavors a single grape variety could yield, influenced by its origin and the winemaker’s craft. This revelation led her to a transformative summer job at Napa Creek Winery in St. Helena, deepening her industry knowledge.

While Kathleen initially ventured into the business world, earning an MBA from the University of Bradford Management Center and gaining experience in accounting, corporate finance, and executive search, her passion for organic gardening, wine, and food never waned. 

The Origins of Inman Family Wines

In 1998, upon her family’s return to California from the United Kingdom, Kathleen found the opportunity to merge her business acumen with her love for viticulture and gastronomy. This marked the inception of her own Sonoma County winery, a venture that allowed her to share her passion for wine and food with others. Thus, Inman Family Wines was born.

Located within the Santa Rosa Plains, one of the six unique neighborhoods of the Russian River Valley, lies Olivet Grange Vineyard. Its proximity to the coast allows it to reap the benefits of the morning marine layer. As the fog dissipates and the day warms, the grapes ripen slowly, a process that contributes to the distinct character of the wines produced here. The vineyard’s soil is a mix of fine gravel, fragmented sandstone, and silty loams. This composition imparts a minerality to the wines, which manage to retain their acidity and develop remarkable flavors at relatively low sugar levels.

What You Should Know About Inman Family Wines

Amenities

Exploring the Vineyard and Terroir of Inman Family Wines

Kathleen’s passion for ensuring her wines reflect their terroir leads her to eschew any additions of water, acid, enzymes, or tannins. Instead, she relies on the native yeast present on the grapes and the naturally available malolactic bacteria for fermentation. This approach, while challenging, is integral to preserving the authenticity and character of her wines. 

Their Pinot Noirs are a celebration of the Russian River Valley’s terroir, embodying a holistic approach to winemaking. They collectively showcase a range of bright fruit flavors, delicate floral notes, and well-balanced structures.  The focus is on capturing the essence of each vineyard, creating wines that are both distinct and complementary, reflecting the richness and diversity of the region.

Inman Family Wines also has a passion for sparkling wines, made in the traditional method of Champagne, also known as Methode Champenoise. Kathleen was inspired to create her own version of this style, which she calls Extra Brute Lux Cuvee, after falling in love with the “Farmer Fizz” of France, grower Champagnes that express the unique terroir of their vineyards. She started making this wine in 2009, filling a niche in the California market for terroir-driven sparkling with low to no added sugar.  Her 2018 Extra Brut Luxe Cuvee, which was recently released, has a touch of estate Pinot Gris in the blend, adding depth and richness to the predominantly Chardonnay-based wine.

At Inman Family Wines, sustainability is at the heart of their operations. The Olivet Grange Vineyard is farmed using regenerative, no-till practices, which sequesters carbon and reduces air pollution from tractor use. The winery is 100% solar-powered, saving over 2,353 metric tons of CO2 since their installation. All equipment at the winery, from the forklift to the water heaters, is electric, eliminating pollution from propane, gas, or diesel. Water is conserved through the use of steam for cleaning and sanitizing, and all wastewater is reused. The winery encourages eco-friendly transportation by providing bike racks and charging stations for electric vehicles.

Best Wineries To Visit in Russian River Valley

Kathleen’s world extends far beyond the vineyard. Her love for art history and gardening beautifully blend together with her work, enriching the tasting experience for guests with garden tours. Always innovating, Kathleen recently released her first-ever Vermouth, a project born from overcoming the challenges of power outages during the Tubbs fire. As she continues to combine passions with her profession, Inman Family Wines is crafting not just exquisite wines, but also an extraordinary customer experience.

All You Need to Know About Visiting Inman Family Wines

Inman Family Wines tasting room is located in the picturesque Russian River Valley. Situated just a short 10-minute drive from downtown Santa Rosa and a mere 15-minute drive from downtown Healdsburg. The winery offers a contemporary and inviting tasting experience, complete with both indoor and outdoor seating options.

• Who – Owner – Kathleen Inman
• Winemaker –Kathleen Inman
• What – Russian River Valley – Rose, Pinot Noir, Blanc de Blanc Sparkling, Chardonnay, Vermouth
• When – Opened Sun, Mon, Thur, Fri, Sat 11:00am to 4:00pm – Closed Tue & Wed.
• Where – 3900 Piner Road, Santa Rosa, Ca
• Reservations – Can be made online here
• Phone Number – 1-707-293-9576

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Nestled in California’s acclaimed wine country, Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley AVA offers a captivating blend of picturesque landscapes, exceptional wines, and rich cultural heritage. Renowned for its cool-climate varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the region’s unique microclimate creates optimal conditions for grape cultivation, resulting in wines of unparalleled quality and complexity. Visitors can immerse themselves in the valley’s scenic beauty, explore historic towns, indulge in farm-to-table cuisine, and embark on outdoor adventures, making a visit to the Russian River Valley an unforgettable experience for wine enthusiasts and travelers alike.

At Inman Family Wines, the visitor experience is intentionally laid-back, unpretentious and inviting, reflecting Kathleen’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and welcoming to all. Whether it’s an introduction to winemaking or a deep dive into sustainablity Kathleen and her team eagerly engage and educate, creating memorable wine moments.

Tasting the Excellence: Inman Family Wines’ Signature Vintages