Independent Stave Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Glycine Bonneville-Jiang as Oak Research & Development Specialist based in Napa, California. Bonneville-Jiang brings extensive experience in wine research and production, with a specialized focus on wine microbiology, sensory analysis and vineyard-to-cellar innovation. She most recently served as R&D Manager at Lawrence Wine Estates, where she led technical initiatives for Heitz Cellar, Burgess, Ink Grade, Haynes and Stony Hill. Her work has included microbial analysis, smoke taint mitigation, native fermentation development, and soil health trials to enhance wine quality and sustainability. With more than a decade of global wine experience spanning France, Australia and the United States, Bonneville-Jiang has held research and harvest positions at wineries including Vieux Château Certan, Le Pin, Domaine Louis Latour and Château Léoville Barton. She has also consulted on wine microbiology in

The Ink Grade tasting room brings the history and fullness of the storied Howell Mountain Estate to the Valley Floor. The unassuming entry gives way series of finely tuned tasting experiences. The focal point of the main tasting space is a giant boulder harvested from the Ink Grade Estate which we fitted with a beautiful wood top and serves as a gathering space for arrivals and departures. The diversity of tasting experiences is highlighted by The Senses Room which is a black box tasting experience with 360 projection that brings the visitor into the vineyards as they taste through the wine offerings. Outdoor tastings are punctuated by a beautiful Pizza oven and finely appointed landscaping. All interior spaces were renovated and elevated to meet the beauty and charter of the Ink Grade brand.