Friday, January 11, 2019

A Look at Napa Valley History


Leveraging over 30 years of experience, Jim (James) Cicchese is a Realtor for COMPASS, a real estate and brokerage firm that specializes in luxury properties. Serving the greater Conejo Valley market, Jim Cicchese provides acquisition and marketing services related to residential, luxury, and condominium properties. In addition to his professional pursuits, Mr. Cicchese enjoys visiting towns along the California coast, including Napa. 

Today, the Napa Valley is globally recognized as a premier wine producing region. Located approximately one hour from San Francisco, the area’s geology, soil, climate, and weather are perfect for growing a variety of different grapes that create distinctive, world-renowned wines. Modern Napa is known for its posh tasting bars and Michelin-starred restaurants. However, the affluence of the area is relatively new. 

Grapes were first planted in Napa Valley in 1839 by a settler named George Yount. About 30 years later, Charles King launched the area’s first winery, starting a trend that led to several wineries in the area. Some of the businesses that began in the mid 1800’s, including Beringer Vineyards, Schramsberg Vineyards, and Inglenook, are still operating today.

A major setback hit the valley during the 1890s when phylloxera, a root louse, attacked and killed 80 percent of the region’s grapevines. For the next 35 years, vineyards were plagued by phylloxera. Hardship for area vineyards continued with prohibition, passed in 1920. Only a handful of vineyards that began making sacramental wines survived. 

In hopes of beginning a collaborative partnership, area vineyards drew together in 1944 to form the Napa Valley Vintners, an organization that now represents 525 area wineries. Over the next several decades the area experienced the fruit of that effort as it slowly recovered. In 1976, a Napa Chardonnay received world recognition at the Judgement of Paris, placing the region on the global stage.

Napa continues to produce fine wines that are recognized across the globe. Visitors to the region enjoy touring vineyards, eating at fine restaurants, and exploring numerous galleries.