People – Impensata Wine

Achievements on a grand scale are the work of collaborators, not individuals. They take commitment and stewardship over a long period of time. It starts with someone planting a seed, but the real work comes in bringing together a united team to see it through. We at Impensata are honored to share and cultivate Impensata’s vision for a revolutionary wine estate in Napa Valley.

The Impensata Team:

Nigel Kinsman ~ Winemaker

Nigel Kinsman’s winemaking career spans three decades, three continents and some of the most revered wine estates the world over. His career began in his native Australia, where he worked at Nepenthe and Petaluma Wines in the Adelaide Hills and Cullen Wines in the Margaret River. He then moved to Tuscany where he worked alongside renowned wine consultant Michel Rolland at Tolaini, a project founded by visionary Pierluigi Tolaini in Castelnuovo Berardenga, Sienna. From there Nigel moved to Napa Valley, holding successive roles at Krupp Brothers and the iconic Eisele Vineyard (originally Araujo Estate). Today, Nigel is project manager at Wheeler Farms where he makes wine for Impensata, Accendo Cellars, Bella Oaks and his own brand, Kinsman Eades.

Michel Rolland ~ Consulting Winemaker

In Loving Memory

Michel Rolland shaped the character of wines on every continent, but it was his generosity of spirit — his willingness to share a lifetime of knowledge with those who shared his passion — that left the deepest mark. His presence in the cellar and at the table was a privilege we did not take for granted and we are grateful to have made wine together.

Michael Laipple ~ Managing Partner

Michael Laipple serves as Managing Partner of Impensata, bringing decades of leadership experience to the business. His friendship and partnership with Louis Ciminelli—rooted in a shared entrepreneurial spirit and deep appreciation for fine wine—date back many years. When Louis first shared his vision in 2000 of establishing a family vineyard on Howell Mountain, Michael immediately recognized both the promise of the land and the lasting impact the project could have. Today, Michael plays an integral role in guiding Impensata’s strategic direction, operations, and long-term growth. With an unwavering commitment to family and community, he has volunteered his time to several organizations throughout his career. He now brings his altruistic senses along with his aptitude for business management and enthusiastic love of Napa Valley to the Impensata team.

Julie Elkeshen ~ Vice President of Client Relations

Julie Elkeshen, a fifth-generation native of Napa/Sonoma Valley, brings over 30 years of luxury hospitality experience to Impensata. Growing up surrounded by vineyards, her love for food, culture, and wine flourished, enriched by her experiences in France. Julie honed her skills working with prestigious companies like The Ritz Carlton, Hotel Company and Auberge Resorts, before transitioning to luxury wine estates. Julie's love for people, food, wine, and travel, along with her dedication to her two adult children define her. Julie's extensive history of collaboration with her colleagues at Impensata makes her an indispensable asset to the team.

Winegrowing Partners:

Laelius Winegrowing

Louis Ciminelli is the proprietor of Laelius Winegrowing and founder of Impensata. Established in 2015 in Napa Valley, Laelius combines Louis’ savvy business acumen with a long-held desire to establish a legacy of world-renowned vineyards. With the purchase and development of a rugged, 40-acre site at the top of Howell Mountain followed by the acquisition of the well-regarded Engelhard Vineyard in Calistoga, Louis is poised to be one of the most daring and finest vineyard developers in Napa Valley for decades to come.

David Abreu ~ Abreu Vineyard Management

A third-generation farmer and household name in Napa Valley, David Abreu’s reputation as one of the region’s most meticulous vineyard managers precedes him. Having established Abreu Vineyard Management in 1980, David has grown grapes for distinguished wineries such as Screaming Eagle, Staglin Family Vineyard, Colgin Cellars, Harlan Estate, Bryant Family Vineyard, Araujo Estate Wines, Spottswoode, and Grace Family Vineyards. David and his stellar team deliver their telltale precision farming to Impensata’s two estate vineyards, Engelhard and Ciminelli.

Jack Bittner ~ Ecotone

Jack Bittner’s guardianship of the Ecotone Vineyard officially began in 2019, but his love for the vineyard began over 25 years ago. A student of wine new to the valley and looking for a place to rent, Bill Harlan introduced Jack to the owners of what was then called Thorevilos. From 1994-1999, Jack lived in a small guest house on the property along with roommate Hugh Davies from Schramsberg. Since those beginning days in Napa, Jack has positioned himself to be an integral part of the fabric of Napa Valley serving many roles. In addition to guiding the Ecotone Vineyard into its next generation, Jack is the managing partner of Ovid Winery on Pritchard Hill, sits on the board of Schramsberg, and is the board chair for the Napa Valley Vintners.

The Impensata family includes many more than can be named here, all of whom are crucial to the success of this project.