In 1889 his California wines won awards at the Paris Exposition at which the Eiffel Tower was dedicated. Niebaum's goal of making world-class wine was realized in only ten years. Even at that point, the idea of having your own wine, with your own label and your own family's name and your grandfather's picture on it was enough. The Estate had been broken up and sold to United Vintners in 1964 but as the Coppolas learned more about its unique history they were determined to one day re-unite the individual parts. In February 1995, following the success of Bram Stoker's Dracula , the Coppolas bought the remaining parcels of land from Heublein Inc. including the grand chateau and set about restoring it to its former glory.
Heritage is everything.
If you have the heritage you can draw on it forever. Two and a half years of intensive work by an army of craftsmen are now complete. The dreadful partitions inside the Grand Hall have gone. The grounds have been beautifully landscaped and the winery is in full swing. One of the most impressive additions is the sweeping staircase that greets you as you enter the chateau.