BY Fran Endicott Miller

In acquiring The Ink House, an enchanting, historic estate in the heart of Napa Valley, Jean-Charles Boisset and Gina Gallo-Boisset unveil a new style of luxury accommodation unique to wine country. Passed on to the Boisset family by the Castellucci family, who in 2017 fully restored the property into a boutique luxury inn, The Ink House now features Jean-Charles' and Gina’s distinctive, personal touches that highlight first-class amenities and experiences. 

“The Ink House, with its rich history, exceptional location, and extraordinary style, allows us to share our Napa lifestyle with our guests,” said Jean-Charles, charismatic proprietor of a family-owned collection of more than 25 historic and unique wineries located within the world’s preeminent terroirs. “Gina and I are thrilled to curate exceptional moments for guests, connecting them to our wineries, our chefs, friends, partners, and our vision of an exquisite yet authentic Napa dream.” 

“Jean-Charles and I love to entertain and to share the wine world with our friends and guests,” added Gina. “Coming from a long lineage of winemakers, I have always had a deep appreciation for quality stewardship of the land. Our family will bring this same level of care to this special historic property where guests can step into our world and experience the very best of Napa.” 

The Front Room

At The Ink House, an estate manager is available to make Napa Valley travel dreams come true by arranging special and bespoke wine tastings, exquisite meals prepared by a private chef, luxurious excursions, and more. Guests can venture to Raymond Vineyards with its new Highway 29 entrance directly across the way, as well as JCB, Buena Vista Winery, and DeLoach for exclusive private tastings. Guests also have unique access to the wines and experiences that Gina crafts at her family winery, including her Gallo Signature Series, Louis Martini, and William Hill wineries. Guests are also extended access to the invite-only Secret Indulgence, a one-of-a-kind private tasting experience just steps from the estate, as well as to limited-edition wines, poured by a private sommelier who offers a guided educational wine tasting. Jean-Charles’ favorite artisanal cheeses and gourmet provisions from Oakville Grocery's small-scale artisans  can stock the kitchen or be enjoyed on the go. 

The Kitchen

To explore the scenic beauty of Napa Valley, guests can partake in a hot air balloon ride, or cycle across the country roads. Those interested in learning a new craft can make their own charcuterie board with an award-winning cheesemaker, try their hand at chocolate truffle making with an innovative chocolatier, make their own floral arrangement, unleash their inner artist with a painting class by a local artist, and more. Private yoga sessions and guided croquet and bocce ball instruction are easily scheduled. 

The Helios Room

And the accommodations - The Ink House features four distinct and sumptuously appointed rooms. The Theron Room boasts southwest views of the property’s historic barn and the Mayacamas Mountains and features warm leathers, natural textures, and masculine lines. A soaking Jacuzzi tub and king bed with custom linens ensure a good night’s sleep. The graceful Harriett Room enjoys northwest views of the same barn and mountain range and features luxurious feminine detail such as a curved settee, green velvet California King bed and an organically shaped bronze chandelier. A four-poster bed takes center stage in the Helios Room which features a blend of old and new; tall ceilings and a spacious floor plan open to a private north facing portico with access to the gardens. A striking modern chandelier cascades above and is juxtaposed by a basket weave floor pattern. The Elvis Room, so named for the King’s extended stay at the residence in 1960 during filming of his movie Wild in the Country, features sweeping views of neighboring vineyards and a dose of whimsical Hollywood charm. 

Striking the perfect balance of historic Napa Valley elegance with contemporary luxury, The Ink House sits on land that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. First built in 1885 by Napa Valley pioneer Theron Ink as a single-family home, the Castellucci family purchased the property in 2013, fully restoring it in homage to the building’s history. It opened as a modern, sophisticated, boutique luxury inn in 2018 and was passed to Boisset and Gallo-Boisset in 2021.

Photos courtesy of The Ink House