Learn About the History of Wine in Napa Valley from Winery Appraisers in Napa County, CA

August 2, 2017 10:10 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

If you’re thinking of getting into the wine business in Napa Valley, you’re probably doing your research on many aspects of the industry. As winery appraisers in Napa County, CA, we strongly believe that knowledge is power, and we want the customers we work with to be as informed as possible about the business and how it’s changed over time.

To that end, we offer you a look at the history of wine in Napa Valley. Read on to see what you already know—and what information is new to you!

In the beginning

In the early days, George Calvert Yount became known as the first person to plant grapes from our region, accomplishing this in 1839. In the coming years, other settlers brought additional grapes to Napa Valley.

The first commercial winery in Napa Valley began in 1861 under the leadership of Charles Krug. Over the next 20 years, more than 140 wineries popped up.

20th century challenges

Despite initial early success and expansion, the new century brought challenges for this growing industry. Prices dropped dramatically as Napa Valley found itself inundated with grapes. In addition, more than three quarters of the area’s vineyard land was destroyed by root louse when phylloxera caused extensive problems.

It remained difficult for the wine industry to get back on its feet, as Prohibition became the law of the land in 1920, resulting in only a small number of active wineries that were responsible for sacramental wines.

The way back

After Prohibition was repealed in 1933, Napa Valley wine industry leaders restored many of their wineries to operation.

New names in the industry during this time were Louis M. Martini, who created his own winery, and the Mondavi family, who bought Charles Krug winery. Around this time, Andre Tchelischeff, a major figure in the history of our area’s wine, arrived in Napa Valley.

Developing partnerships

1944 marked the signing of an agreement that created the Napa Valley Vintners trade association. Today, more than 500 wineries are members of this association.

Key successes

For many, the Paris Tasting of 1976 is the occasion that turned Napa Valley into a widely known name. It was there where Chateau Montelena Chardonnay and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon were deemed superior to some of France’s most successful wines.

From there, the number of wineries in Napa Valley exploded. Today, Napa Valley remains a destination of choice both for those new to the wine industry and for tourists passionate about wine alike.

Now that you have your history of wine in Napa Valley down, one of the next steps in your journey to start a wine business is to talk with winery appraisers in Napa County, CA. County Appraisals Inc. has been in business for nearly 10 years, and we are a California State Certified General Real Estate Appraiser.

We offer premier appraisals and valuations of wine country properties in Napa and the surrounding areas. County Appraisals Inc.’s valuations on appraisals incorporate lending, estate tax valuations, estate planning and purchase negotiations. We also perform appraisals on rural estates and single-family homes often located on large, multi-acre properties. We look forward to helping you achieve success—contact us today!

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