The History Of Wine Growing In Napa Valley
Others followed Younts example and tried their hand and growing grapes. Some of these early pioneers include: John Patchett, Dr. George Crane and Hamilton Walker Crabb. Charles Krug established the first commercial effort in 1861 and the industry grew quickly. Before 1890 more than 100 were operational including names we still recognize today: Schramsberg, Beringer and Inglenook.
Near the turn of the century the growing vineyards were nearly dealt a death-blow. Phylloxera, a louse that destroys vines at the root had wiped out nearly everything. Vintners suffered a second threat in 1919 when Prohibition was enacted. Many growers opted for other industry; those that survived did so by growing grapes for sacramental use.
After 14 years, Prohibition was repealed but times continued to be difficult. Napa Valley, like the rest of the United States felt the sting of the Great Depression and World War II. During this time, several growers formed a trade group that shared ideas and was probably a good reason why winemaking continued in the area.
The 50s and 60 saw a renewal of growth in the area. In 1966, Robert Mondavi started the first major winery since prohibition. Christian Brothers, another major winery in the 1960s focused on producing table and sacramental wines and brandy at an economical pricepoint. Winemaker Brother Timothy was also the face of the winery, and may have helped make wine drinking socially acceptable.
1976 was probably the single greatest turning point in Napa Winemaking. Two 1973 Napa Valley vintages, Chateau Montelena chardonnay and Stags Leap Wine Cellars cabernet sauvignon, beat out better-known and better-respected French wines. The 1976 tastings in Paris sealed Napa Valley as one of the foremost wine producing areas in the world.
Today, Napa has over 300 wineries and area tourism has grown substantially. Winery tours, famous restaurants, and wonderful shopping are among the things to do in Napa Valley. George Calvert Yount left an indelible mark in the area: Yountville, CA bears his name and the area is a fixture in the wine growing industry.
Near the turn of the century the growing vineyards were nearly dealt a death-blow. Phylloxera, a louse that destroys vines at the root had wiped out nearly everything. Vintners suffered a second threat in 1919 when Prohibition was enacted. Many growers opted for other industry; those that survived did so by growing grapes for sacramental use.
After 14 years, Prohibition was repealed but times continued to be difficult. Napa Valley, like the rest of the United States felt the sting of the Great Depression and World War II. During this time, several growers formed a trade group that shared ideas and was probably a good reason why winemaking continued in the area.
The 50s and 60 saw a renewal of growth in the area. In 1966, Robert Mondavi started the first major winery since prohibition. Christian Brothers, another major winery in the 1960s focused on producing table and sacramental wines and brandy at an economical pricepoint. Winemaker Brother Timothy was also the face of the winery, and may have helped make wine drinking socially acceptable.
1976 was probably the single greatest turning point in Napa Winemaking. Two 1973 Napa Valley vintages, Chateau Montelena chardonnay and Stags Leap Wine Cellars cabernet sauvignon, beat out better-known and better-respected French wines. The 1976 tastings in Paris sealed Napa Valley as one of the foremost wine producing areas in the world.
Today, Napa has over 300 wineries and area tourism has grown substantially. Winery tours, famous restaurants, and wonderful shopping are among the things to do in Napa Valley. George Calvert Yount left an indelible mark in the area: Yountville, CA bears his name and the area is a fixture in the wine growing industry.
