The Foundation, Where It Began, Dream Come True
LOVING HUSBAND, FATHER, AND GRANDFATHER
Dr. Dale’s Story
(Nov 20th, 1951 – Sep 7th, 2017)
Even though Dr. Dale never got to taste the finished 2016 wine you can buy today, it was his vision, hard work and dedication that made our vineyard and winery a reality.
We will never forget his face when he sampled a barrel pull from the 2016 vintage before final bottling in the summer of 2017. His smile – that day and every other day – will be forever missed.
Dale came from a family of cotton farmers in Childress County who used dryland farming to make a living. While hot temperatures, limited rainfall and strong winds make life difficult for cotton producers in West Texas, his research showed growing high-quality wine grapes could be achieved with these weather conditions.
He chose to plant the Sangiovese varietal, a semi-arid friendly wine grape that withstands hot temperatures and long growing seasons with limited rainfall, in the same land his family has farmed other crops for decades. Dale’s different approach into vineyard management flourished into the wine we love to produce. (We wish he was here to see it!)
Aug 14, 1951 – Jan 16, 2025
Lileesa Inman
Lileesa grew up in the country, south of Tell, Texas on a cotton farm and small ranching operation. Her hard-working parents loved working the land and loved the simple country life, instilling that passion in her, as well. From an early age, she loved nature and vegetable gardening. As a child, she was fascinated with planting the seeds and watching the plants grow and produce the vegetables we ate.
Lileesa and her high school sweetheart, Dale Inman, were married shortly after high school. Five years after their marriage, Dale graduated from Texas A&M University as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. After thirteen years of owning and operating our veterinary practice in Borger, Texas, they sold the business and returned to our roots in Childress County in 1989. Dale was able to pursue his love of raising purebred black angus cattle as well as getting back into the cotton business. We greatly enjoyed being back in the country we loved. Through the years, we were blessed with three amazing children, Lachella Inman Coley, Brandon Inman & Luke Inman.
In 2010, they were very blessed to start a family business with their children and their spouses which involved planting a five acre vineyard, later named “Inman Vineyard”. It was such hard work, planting 5,250 rootstock vines by hand, but the family togetherness, laughs and memories made far outweighed the exhaustion! She loves working in the serenity of our vineyard by herself or working with the family and all the hustle and bustle that it entails. She is so proud of her family and the work in making their vineyard what it is today and so proud that each of her nine grandchildren have also had a part in the success our family shares.
Brandon Inman
Brandon grew up in Childress, TX playing sports for the Bobcats, helping on the cotton farm and working cattle with his dad – Dale, and brother – Luke. The tough working conditions helped instill a hard work ethic that is cherished today.
After graduating CHS, Brandon went on to play baseball at Wayland Baptist University, earning a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. He has been an insurance agent in Monahans since 2011, after holding careers in management and financial consulting.
Having planted the vineyard when Brandon’s two children were young, they each grew up learning the value of a hard day’s work. “Much like when we were young, my kids often wanted to be off doing kid stuff. But I knew they would benefit like we did by getting their hands dirty, sweating (or freezing), and learning the feeling of satisfaction on a job well done.“
Brandon’s primary duties are sales and distribution, along with financial analysis and reporting.
Luke Inman
The youngest son of Dale and Lileesa, Luke grew up in Childress working on the family farm and ranch while attending Childress schools and excelling in sports.
Luke went on to play Division II football at West Texas A&M and Texas A&M Kingsville before graduating from Texas Tech law school in 2005.
While pursuing a legal career as a prosecutor, Luke and the love of his life, Amy, remain close to Childress while raising their three beautiful kids in Wellington, Texas.
Since the passing of his father, Luke assumed the role of vineyard manager, and he takes great pride in carrying on the family tradition of farming the land and producing a crop that thrives in the climate of the Texas Panhandle. He often remarks “those grapes don’t talk back, but they sing.”
Luke is amazed by the support and assistance of the immediate and extended family, as well as many other friends, in producing the exceptional fruit which is a demanding labor of love.
Each year, we connect with our parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, their children and so many friends of the family that join in some of the hardest work he’s ever been part of.
He hopes his own children see that hard work and connection with family and the community instills a work ethic and sense of giving back that is sadly eroding from modern society.
Amy Inman
Amy (Chauveaux) Inman is a native Texan that grew up in Wellington, Texas. After graduating highschool, she attended and graduated from West Texas A&M University in 2000. Since then, she has been a junior high and elementary school teacher around the state. She married Luke Inman in 2004.
She and Luke spent 10 days on the North Island of New Zealand in 2005. While touring the island, they stayed in Napier, on the eastern side of the north island that is home to the well known wine grape growing region of Hawke’s Bay. They drove around for several days looking at the wine region and decided when they got back to Texas, they were going to start a vineyard.
In 2010, their dreams came true when the vineyard was planted. Although the work is hard and tedious, each and every year her young children have been able to help more and more in the family business as they grow. She believes instilling this type of hard work ethic is important in today’s world. She currently lives in Wellington with Luke, and her three children Lawson, Ava Kate and Jack.
About Us
The history of the company and wines.
2010
The Inman family is in the wine business primarily because the patriarch, Dale Inman, DVM—”Doctor Dale”—decided to grow wine grapes to complement the high-quality Angus beef he began raising in 1986. He enlisted the help of his wife, Lileesa, their three children, and their families. This collaboration led to establishing four I’s winery, named after the four Inman families involved in the project. Together, they planted a five-acre vineyard of Sangiovese grapes in Childress, Texas, located in the Rolling Plains of the Texas PanhandleThe Inman family’s foray into the wine business began with a vision from the patriarch, Dale Inman, DVM, affectionately known as “Doctor Dale.” One day, inspired by a desire to create the perfect pairing for his exceptional Angus beef, which he started raising in 1986, he decided to cultivate wine grapes. This venture didn’t just become a personal endeavor; it blossomed into a family project.
2010
Dale enlisted the help of his devoted wife, Lileesa, and their three children, along with their families, uniting their efforts to bring this dream to life. Together, they founded Four I’s Winery, aptly named to honor the four branches of the Inman family involved in this exciting undertaking. Their dreams took root on a picturesque five-acre plot in Childress, Texas, nestled in the scenic Rolling Plains of the Texas Panhandle, where they planted a vineyard of Sangiovese grapes. With each vine, they cultivated not just fruit, but a legacy of family, dedication, and a commitment to producing quality wine that would beautifully complement their beloved beef.
2014
After planting five acres of the prestigious and reputable Sangiovese Grosso rootstock, we were thrilled to discover that the quality of our wine grapes was outstanding. The lush vines thrived in the sandy loam soil, with a clay subsoil, of our fifth-generation Inman-owned farm, yielding fruit that exceeded our expectations. Encouraged by the exceptional harvest we experienced in our initial harvests, we decided to begin bottling our own wine, showcasing the unique character and flavors of our estate-grown grapes from that year onward.
Doctor Dale set out to create four I’s winery, honoring the four Inman families integral to its story. He carefully chose a name that reflected their legacy and focused on designing labels that captured their rich heritage. This venture aimed not just to produce wine but to celebrate family and tradition.
2016
Doctor Dale had the fortune of sampling a barrel of the 2016 vintage just days before he tragically passed away from a massive heart attack in 2017, mere moments before the harvest. We can all vividly recall the expression that crossed his face when he took that first sip: a slow grin blossomed into pure jubilation, lighting up his round, cherubic cheeks. With a twinkle in his eye, he would often proclaim, “This is the best _____ I’ve ever had.”
On that particular day in New Braunfels, surrounded by the entire family, he took a sip of the 2016 wine and joyfully declared, “This is the best wine I’ve ever had.” At the time, it might have seemed like just another enthusiastic remark among countless others, but in retrospect, that sentiment has transformed into a cherished part of the Inman legacy.
What truly matters, we’ve come to realize, isn’t merely the exquisite taste of the wine, but the ambiance of the evening—the warmth of shared laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the beauty of the memories we created together. It’s a reminder that, while exceptional food and drink enrich our experiences, it’s the moments we share with one another that truly linger in our hearts.
2017 – September hand harvest 2 weeks after Dale’s passing
The 2017 Sangiovese is truly special to us for many reasons. It has not only become a fan favorite over the years but has also secured its spot in some of the finest restaurants across the great state of Texas. We take immense pride in this achievement and celebrate it every day.
2018
For three consecutive years, our vineyard management successfully produced an impressive eight-ton harvest. This distinctive vintage is swiftly gaining popularity at every event, and we are excited to see its appeal continue to flourish.
2019
2019 Sweet Red – Steven Spielberg was the inspiration for our frames for our version of a Texas Sweet Red because it offers a delightful blend of exceptional grapes, striking a perfect balance between sweetness and the robust, rich characteristics that define a high-quality red wine. This approachable flavor profile makes it enjoyable for a wide range of palates, much like the captivating storytelling and artistry found in every film he has brought to life. Each sip of this wine is reminiscent of the magic and universal appeal present in Spielberg’s cinematic masterpieces.
2019 Dale’s Reserve- Dale’s Reserve showcases his classic frames that harken back to the vibrant era of the 1960s, a time marked by iconic figures like Buddy Holly and JFK. Each label is adorned with elegant gold lettering and capsules, reflecting the admiration and respect we have for Doctor Dale. Just as those legendary figures made their mark on history, Doctor Dale shines brightly in our hearts, deserving of every bit of recognition and honor.
2019 Sangiovese – This vibrant and youthful red wine captivates the senses with its lively character, presenting a delightful blend of classic Old World Sangiovese traits and a refreshing New World twist of zesty citrus notes. Its robust flavor profile, marked by ripe cherry and subtle earthy undertones, earned it our inaugural Gold Medal in the Sangiovese category. With its exceptional quality and charm, this Sangiovese is destined to become a beloved choice among wine enthusiasts for years to come.
2020 – Introduction of the four I’s winery Roses!
2020 Dry Rose – The Dry Rose draws inspiration from the remarkable legacies of Ben Franklin, the wizarding world of Harry Potter, and the visionary genius of Steve Jobs. Each of these figures embodies a unique blend of sophistication, intrigue, innovation, and an air of mystery that is mirrored in this exquisite wine. The label features a striking color that symbolizes pancreatic cancer awareness, serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of this cause. On the back, an elegantly designed ribbon signifies solidarity and support for those battling the disease. This exceptional blend is dedicated to Lilessa, celebrating her unwavering strength and courage as she faces the challenges of pancreatic cancer. Through this dedication, we aim not only to honor her journey but also to contribute to the greater fight for awareness, research, and hope in the realm of pancreatic cancer.
2020 Sweet Rose – Marilyn Monroe serves as the inspiration for the Sweet Rose, which is flashy, beautiful, and slightly sweet, yet always enjoyable. The lettering is designed for breast cancer awareness and features a ribbon on the back. This piece is dedicated to Amy in support of the fight against breast cancer Marilyn Monroe is the muse behind the Sweet Rose, a creation that embodies her timeless allure. This piece captures her essence with its vibrant, eye-catching design that is not only beautiful but also possesses a subtle sweetness, making it a delight to enjoy at any occasion.
The pink lettering on this product is specifically designed to promote breast cancer awareness, proudly displaying a ribbon on the back as a symbol of support and solidarity. This rose is dedicated to Amy, who bravely battles breast cancer, serving as a testament to strength and resilience in the fight against this disease. Through this dedication, we aim to honor all those affected while spreading awareness and hope.
2022
Our 2022 harvest, though modest at just 1.5 tons, carries profound significance as it is dedicated to honoring the fifth anniversary of Dr. Dale’s passing. This unique batch will be elegantly labeled as Dale’s Reserve, paying tribute to his legacy. Currently maturing gracefully in oak barrels, this vintage is being meticulously crafted to withstand the test of time. Each sip will reflect the rich, layered flavors developed through careful aging, much like the lasting spirit and passion that Dr. Dale imparted to all who knew him. We aspire for this wine to capture not just the essence of its ingredients but also the profound impact Dr. Dale had on the world.
2023
Inman Vineyards joined the Harvest Hosts community. This wonderful collaboration enables us to host guests to experience the stunning beauty of our vineyard while enjoying their stay amidst the picturesque surroundings. We take great joy in meeting and connecting with individuals from all walks of life, allowing them to immerse themselves in the unique charm of our estate. During their visit, guests can savor the exquisite wines crafted from the grapes of our vineyard, creating memorable moments that celebrate both our land and the connections we make with fellow wine lovers.
2023
Mimi’s Reserve Rose – Kelly Ripa, with her vibrant personality and captivating presence, serves as the central inspiration for this exquisite wine label. The design elements echo the sophistication and charm she embodies. In addition, the label draws influence from the timeless beauty of legendary actresses like Sofia Loren, especially in her later years, whose grace and style resonate deeply with Lileesa’s artistic vision.
This particular wine is a true testament to elegance, boasting a complex bouquet that lingers invitingly, captivating the senses from the very first whiff. The aroma is a harmonious blend of floral notes and ripe fruits, while the taste reveals a delicate sweetness, artfully balanced with a dash of lively zest that adds a touch of character. Lileesa’s choice of name—Mimi’s Reserve Rosé—holds a wealth of significance, paying tribute to the matriarch of the family.
2023
The title “Mimi’s Reserve” is not merely a label; it encapsulates the spirit of Lileesa, who has nurtured a rich familial legacy marked by a love for baking and creating delightful desserts. This rosé, with its sweeter profile, is thoughtfully crafted to complement these indulgent treats, enriching every bite and sip. The wine’s versatility ensures it shines not only as a standalone delight but also as a perfect companion for celebratory gatherings, family dinners, or quiet moments of reflection.
In essence, this wine is a celebration of heritage, artistry, and the bonds that tie families together, inviting all who experience it to partake in the journey that has shaped its creation in true “Mimi” character.
“Our glasses are always half full”
“Our glasses are always half full”
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