Dear editor, Back in 1973 I was among a group of tasting room associates standing in the doorway of one of Napa Valley’s oldest and most prestigious winery buildings.

 We were watching with despair and trepidation as a huge “wall” was being erected before our very eyes. The wall was a building constructed just in front of the old chateau of Inglenook Winery. Prior to that concrete monster, we were able to gaze across the sun-strewn vineyards and eastern hills of the central Napa Valley. Then came a big, blundering corporation with grand ideas for increased wine production.

Our small group of wine educators feared that Inglenook would never emerge from the dark shadow of that big wall — until Dec. 13. This was the day that the wall came down. Thanks to Francis and Eleanor Coppola who shared our sorrow at seeing the shadow covering the grand old Inglenook building. Soon, instead of a cold, monstrous warehouse, we shall soon again see the historic building from Highway 29. We have awakened from our long nightmare and have seen the glory of sunshine again. To the others of my colleagues of 34 years ago let me say, “We have overcome.”

Bob Hampel / Napa