Francis Coppola Winery is coming off its first full year of operation after a comprehensive remodeling, reportedly costing $30 million.
The remodeling, which began in 2008, turned Coppola’s Alexander Valley site into a tourist destination, replete with a restaurant, swimming pool, a museum housing movie memorabilia and other amenities. The facility welcomed 200,000 visitors last year.
The winery is now releasing a new upscale red blend named for Coppola’s wife, Eleanor. Set to launch at the end of this month at $48 a bottle, the 2009 Eleanor blend is composed of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon sourced both from Coppola’s vineyards in Sonoma and its Inglenook property in Napa. Eleanor Coppola’s own artwork graces the new entry’s label. Production will stay small, at around 1,000 cases.