Steeped in Italian tradition yet pioneering in our endeavors, we have ingrained in us a proverb as old as Ancient Rome ~ Festina Lente, make haste slowly. In the arc of Napa Estates, we are newfound, but the idea of Impensata has been nurtured for decades. Our team is patient but resolute, chasing this vision with daring and steadfast hands.

Impensata is shepherded by Mike Laipple, but it’s a dream shared by many and would be impossible without irreplaceable growers. David Abreu’s touch in the vineyard is the stuff of legend. Visionary builder Louis Ciminelli partnered to develop the ultimate mountainside Merlot vineyard on Howell Mountain specifically with this project in mind. Jack Bittner’s fruit from Ecotone and David’s from Las Posadas lend us their greatness as well. Together we make something greater than any one of us could alone, and we hope you will join us on our journey as well.

Vineyard Sustainability Practices

Our vineyard management focuses on maintaining long-term soil health, conserving water, and supporting the surrounding ecosystem while producing high-quality grapes.

Soil Health & Cover Crops

We implement an alternate-row tilling program to balance vine vigor with soil preservation. Winter cover crops are grown and then incorporated into the soil as green manure, increasing organic matter and providing a slow, natural nitrogen release throughout the growing season. Permanent cover crops are maintained in alternate rows to minimize soil disturbance, support microbial life, and increase carbon sequestration. These living soils improve structure and water-holding capacity, reducing irrigation demand.

Water Conservation & Irrigation

Water is applied through drip irrigation, delivering it directly to vine roots and minimizing evaporation and runoff. We practice deficit irrigation—applying controlled water stress—to enhance grape quality while conserving water. Annual NDVI imaging is used to monitor canopy health and identify stress areas, allowing for precise, targeted irrigation adjustments. In addition, quarterly well readings track groundwater levels, aquifer depletion, and recharge times to ensure responsible water management.

Biodiversity & Ecosystem Stewardship

Our vineyards follow Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles. Pest populations are monitored closely, and sprays are only applied when pests pose a direct threat to crop health or ripening. Vineyard scouting is conducted prior to any application to confirm the need for treatment. Native vegetation surrounding the vineyard is preserved to support natural biodiversity and beneficial species.

Responsible Vineyard Practices

Detailed canopy management improves airflow and sunlight penetration, reducing susceptibility to powdery mildew and lowering the need for additional spray passes and tractor use. Cultivation is performed only in areas where vine stress is present; vigorous areas maintain permanent cover crops to rebuild soil microbiology and sequester carbon. Under-vine weeds are controlled through manual removal, eliminating the use of herbicides. All fertilizers used are organically approved, and foliar micronutrients are applied alongside fungicides in a single pass to reduce fuel use and overall carbon footprint. Each year we apply compost—primarily vermicompost and bovine manure sourced from Poncia Fertilizer in Sonoma Valley—to replenish soil nutrients. Biodegradable tie tape is used in the vineyard to prevent plastic waste.

Forest land Stewardship

We improve the health and vigor of the native woodland surrounding the vineyards through selective trimming and robust under brushing. This improves airflow through the vineyard plots and removes competition for sunlight and water. Under brushing also removes much of the potential fuel for wildfires. We have essentially created aa fire break for our surrounding neighbors.

Certifications & Stewardship

The vineyard is certified through the Fish Friendly Farming program administered by the California Land Stewardship Institute, currently holding Tier 1 status for meeting sustainable vineyard management standards. We are also members of the American Farm Bureau Federation, supporting responsible agricultural practices and compliance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. We remain committed to crafting exceptional wines while making thoughtful choices that benefit both our customers and the planet. Thank you for supporting these efforts with us.

EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY

Sustainable Shipping Materials

To protect your wine during shipment, we proudly use Green Cell Foam — a unique, natural, environmentally friendly packaging material made from U.S.-grown corn. This innovative material provides exceptional cushioning and thermal insulation to safeguard your wine in transit, while also being biodegradable and compostable. It’s one more way we reduce our environmental impact while ensuring your wine arrives in perfect condition.

Transition to a Standard Bordeaux Bottle

In future we are also transitioning to a classic Bordeaux-style bottle — a change made with you in mind. We may not win the “bottle shape Fashion Show”, but we believe the benefits outweigh the superficial aesthetics. We trust you will agree.

Benefits to You:

• Convenience & Storage: Fits perfectly in standard wine racks and refrigerators.
• Practical Design: High shoulders and a straight body allow for stable, efficient stacking.
• Lighter Weight: Easier to handle and more environmentally efficient to ship.
• Timeless Style: A classic, elegant silhouette that reflects tradition and quality.