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Home , Agoston Haraszthy, Buena Vista Winery, California Republic, California wine, Charles Krug, Mission (grape)

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BRINGING 1830 TRADITION to 1840 california 1846 1849 1852 AN ANCIENT LINEAGE ANCIENT AN any kinds of grapes have existed in significant contribution to California’s 1857 M California since the late 18th century. ... but was nothing compared 1861 1863 The first dotting the California to what Buena Vista and its colorful 1873 landscape were of grapes brought by missionaries founder would do. 1878 from , becoming known as the “ grape.” And as early as 1812, Russian immigrants on the Sonoma Coast planted grapes imported from Peru. These grapes grew well, but did not produce the extraordinary wine we 1920 associate with California today.

This changed with the arrival of the exceptional 1949

grapevines from ancient vineyards in Europe. Many noteworthy men, such as Frenchman 1976 Jean-Louis Vignes, saw the need for delicious

quality-producing grapes, thus bringing the first 2007 vinifera to California. Certainly this was a 2011 2 3 PIONEER 1830 OF THE 1840 1846

INDUSTRY the 1849 1852

elf proclaimed “The Count of Buena 1857 COUNT 1861 S Vista,” de Mokesa 1863 was a vivacious pioneer whose love affair with 1873 grape-growing started in his homeland of 1878 . Born into nobility, The Count grew up

amidst famed vineyards and orchards that had of

been in his family for centuries. VISTA BUENA

Like other intriguing tales that surround him, 1920 exactly why The Count emigrated from Europe is unknown. Some say wanderlust, some say political 1949 exile. Regardless, in 1840 Agoston Haraszthy set sail for America, where he chose to settle with his family in . He founded the town of “Szepataj,” 1976

now Sauk City, developing roads, bridges, a sawmill, a gristmill and even introducing a steamboat line. 2007 2011 4 5 1830

A skilled lover of all agriculture, The Count was

extremely successful with many of his crops. He was 1840 the first to plant hops in Wisconsin—which grew in 1846 abundance—thus planting roots for the American the 1849 beer industry. He also tried growing his treasured 1852

grapes, but the harsh winters of Wisconsin proved 1857 COUNT problematic and he conceded that he would have to go 1861 elsewhere to pursue his real love of grape-growing. 1863 1873 1878 of BUENA VISTA BUENA

1920

1949

1976

2007 2011 6 7 1830 CALIFORNIA’s

COLORFUL 1840

BEGINNINGS 1846 1849 1852

ollowing ’s conquest of the Aztec 1857 1861 civilization in 1521, , a territory F WEST WAYOUT 1863 that encompassed much of North America, was 1873 created. Then in the late 18th and early 19th 1878 centuries, Spanish missionaries founded a legion of significant missions, towns and forts along the rugged Pacific Coast region—known as . During this same time, European 1920 pioneers and trappers continued to explore and map this remote territory, developing important

trails and outposts throughout the region. 1949

Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821 following the Mexican War of Independence, 1976

and Alta California, Mexico’s most northern and remote province, became dotted with cattle 2007 rancheros and farms. 2011 8 9 1830

By the the California territory, teeming with Then the California Rush hit.

frontiersman and settlers, was simmering with Chasing after the riches of the West 1840 political flux—and rumors of gold. In 1846 a small with the same zeal as thousands of 1846 group of California settlers, disenchanted with frenzied forty-niners, The Count quickly 1849 Mexico’s control of their missions and their territory, journeyed to California. But he wasn’t 1852 revolted—and boldly proclaimed themselves the after gold. 1857 new and raised a symbolic flag, Settling in in 1849, The 1861 featuring a bear and a single star. This notorious Bear 1863 WEST WAYOUT Count, with a continued flair for Flag Revolt took place on the Sonoma Square—just 1873 accomplishment, became the first miles from where Buena Vista would soon be 1878 sheriff, then marshal, of San Diego and established. Their new California Republic lasted eventually rose to the California State only 3 short weeks—when California was occupied Assembly. More importantly he continued by the at the onset of the Mexican- his attempts in Mission Valley. American War. That war ended two years later, with 1920 But once again, the vineyard conditions California becoming an American territory—until it were not to his standards or expectations, became the 31st state in 1850. which is why, determined to find the 1949 General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, part of the Bear perfect location for making superb wine,

Flag Revolt and a leader of the Mexican War, was also he would relocate further north. 1976 an important force in transitioning Mexican authority to California rule—even donating land for the first state capital in Vallejo, the town named for him. 2007 2011 10 11 1830 Purple and embezzlement—charges that were later dropped upon the discovery of gold dust 1840 settling on neighboring roofs and even Gold 1846 within the chimneys of the itself. 1849 Throughout this exciting era, The Count 1852

n 1852, The Count migrated north to never stopped dreaming of “purple gold.” 1857 the 1861 I , where he purchased 120 He was absolutely certain that superb 1863

acres. He attempted vineyards just south of grapes could be grown in California, and IDEAL 1873 San Francisco, near Mission Dolores, which he in 1856 he set his sights on Sonoma—a 1878 named Las Flores, and in Crystal Springs, some place already in the history books 30 miles south in San Mateo, but in both locales, following the Bear Flag Revolt. He he discovered that the constant coastal fog was acquired 800 acres just outside of town, not conducive to grape-growing. after being impressed by an old, dry- 1920 farmed vineyard on the site. On what was While in San Francisco, with the already known as Buena Vista Ranch, the exploding in the Sierras, The Count continued Count constructed an elaborate home and 1949 with various pursuits and occupations. As a a beautiful stone winery, and planted his metallurgist he assessed gold arriving in San first Sonoma vineyards. Francisco from the lucky strikers. He became a 1976

smelter and then the first Chief Assayer of the Just as we know today, The Count , where he was surrounded by understood that great wine comes not only 2007 scandalous rumors and charges of missing gold from great grapes, but also from great 2011 12 13 1830

terroir—that magical combination of all the attributes the more notable was , a

of a particular site required to create remarkable friend from San Francisco, who purchased 1840 —from the soil, to the climate, to the site’s land from Haraszthy and also began 1846 exposure to the sun, to the vine itself. Upon first planting vines. Krug later moved to the 1849 experiencing Sonoma, The Count knew immediately Napa Valley, crushing his first grapes on 1852 that this was going to be that perfect place for a press borrowed from Buena Vista and

1857 the producing superb wines. pioneering winegrowing in that equally 1861 famous valley. 1863

Sonoma’s sun-soaked lands are protected from fog TERROIR IDEAL 1873 and rain by the Sonoma Mountains to the west—and 1878 yet cooled by the sweet breezes from the San Pablo Bay to the south at night. Its climate combined with fertile, valley-floor soils and rocky, well-drained hillside vineyards makes Sonoma’s diverse terroir an 1920 ideal location for world-class vineyards.

Knowing he had struck his purple gold in Sonoma, 1949 The Count finally established his winery in 1857, producing 6,500 gallons in the first . Buena Vista continued to grow and expand and 1976

by 1860, more than 250 acres of vines had been planted. The Count’s passion also inspired many 2007 others to take up winegrowing in Sonoma. One of 2011 14 15 A BEAUTIFUL 1830 VIEW 1840

INDEED 1846 1849 1852 VISTA BUENA uena Vista became The Count’s 1857 1861 Bviniculture laboratory. He constantly 1863 innovated and experimented with blends, 1873 techniques and viticultural practices, including 1878 dry-farming, hillside planting, tightly-spaced vines, and techniques to limit yields in order to increase concentration and flavor. He constructed the first gravity-flow winery in California, allowing grapes 1920 to gently fall into the tanks without bruising. In the surrounding hills, he excavated Sonoma’s first

caves for aging and storing wine, aided by Chinese 1949 laborers, whose virtues he extolled. He is also

credited with being the first to experiment with 1976 Redwood barrels for aging and fermenting, an adaptation of traditional European barrels that 2007 employed the resources of the local forests. 2011 16 17 1830

With evangelistic zeal, Haraszthy was a pioneering and encourage to experiment

force in the growth of the California wine industry. with the best combinations of vineyard, vine 1840 He promoted California grape-growing at every and to find the best fit for their 1846 chance possible—selling roots and vines, writing site. The Count, along with his son Arpad, 1849 papers, pleading with his friends to invest and who had been studying in , 1852 BUENA VISTA WINERY VISTA BUENA winning wide acclaim for the breadth and quality scoured Europe’s best wine regions—even 1857 of his Buena Vista wines. In speeches at state crossing the Alps on mule—exploring 1861 and fairs, he suggested the formation of a numerous vineyards, interviewing dozens of 1863 state agricultural school and the development of esteemed wine connoisseurs and collecting 1873 a viticultural nursery that would propagate and hundreds of vines. 1878 distribute vines to vintners across the state. He also Following their extensive journey predicted that “wine-growing in this State will, throughout France, Germany, Italy, Spain before long, exceed in value the amount of gold and Switzerland, he and Arpad returned exported.” He was truly a visionary man. 1920 to Sonoma with thousands of vines and Then came The Count’s famous wine expedition to samples, representing over 300 —

Europe. In 1861 he persuaded the state to sponsor many of which were soon planted 1949 a tour of continental Europe to study and report on throughout the Buena Vista vineyards.

European methods in order to improve California As a result The Count is credited with 1976 viniculture. He believed that his most impactful inspiring California’s winemakers to focus contribution to California would be to on improving viticulture and to plant help expand the quality and diversity of vines grown, premium vines for creating remarkable 2007 2011 18 19 1830

California wines. Arpad would later go on to produce residents from across the country—and its

Eclipse, believed to be California’s first Methode attractive reputation as a successful wine 1840 Champenoise . region was also gaining importance— 1846 well beyond just table grapes and juices. When The Count returned, it was to a nation 1849 Vineyards and began to spring 1852

embroiled in the Civil War and the State of California WINERY VISTA BUENA up throughout the state—with more than refused to reimburse him for his travels or the vines he 1857 10 million vines already planted. collected. Nevertheless, The Count forged on. 1861 1863 Interestingly his two sons, Arpad Capitalizing on the learnings from his trip 1873 and Attila, married General Vallejo’s to Europe, he authored an acclaimed book on 1878 daughters, uniting two of early horticulture and winemaking entitled “Grape California’s most prominent families; Culture: Wines, and Wine-making, with Notes families deeply invested in California’s Upon Agriculture and Horticulture” (: vinous future. Harper 1862). This volume quickly became an 1920 essential handbook for many California vintners, The Count’s next chapter would cementing both The Count as a premier wine- continue to chart the future of 1949 making pioneer and Sonoma as America’s premier California’s wine industry. wine region. That same year he was elected president of the California State Agricultural Society. 1976

By the late 1850s, California, an incredible gold mine of opportunity, was attracting thousands of new 2007 2011 20 21

1830

MODERNIZING expansion of both Sonoma viticulture and WINEMAKING the Buena Vista Winery, which by now 1840

was producing record amounts of wine. VISTABUENA VINICULTURAL SOCIETY 1846 The historic Press House, the winery’s 1849 tasting room today, was completed in 1852 1862, and the winery cellars in 1864. he Buena Vista Vinicultural Society 1857 Unfortunately his grand ambitions for the 1861 T(BVVS) was established in 1863. It was future of the wine industry far exceeded 1863 the first of its kind—a corporation dedicated to the demand for California wine at the 1873 expanding and modernizing winemaking. Created time and Agoston Haraszthy de Mokesa, 1878 in partnership with prominent San Francisco the insatiable Count of Buena Vista, was investment bankers and through a cleverly drafted ultimately forced out by his own investors. legislative amendment, this society was allowed exception to the law prohibiting a corporation He left his prized winery for a completely 1920 from owning more than 1,444 acres of farmland. different adventure. In 1868 he set out The Count received significant shares of this for to explore sugar growing

new corporation, allowing him to continue and rum production. 1949 expanding the winery—even in the face of In 1869, the brilliant, yet flamboyant life ongoing financial challenges. of The Count ended abruptly when he 1976

Although the BVVS faced many setbacks and fell from a tree branch while crossing an hurdles, its first year proved successful. In fact alligator-infested stream. He was never 2007 the society was instrumental in continuing the seen or heard from again. 2011 24 25 1830

Back in Sonoma, widespread , a pest

that causes terrible parasitic root disease, ravaged 1840

vineyards throughout California. But despite VISTABUENA VINICULTURAL SOCIETY 1846 having lost its visionary founder and now battling 1849 to overcome the devastating plague, Buena Vista 1852 continued to produce outstanding wines and 1857 developed a reputation of excellence throughout 1861 the world. In 1873 alone, Buena Vista received 1863 numerous winemaking accolades and awards in 1873 London, Vienna, Antwerp, Australia, Chile, Japan 1878 and even Paris.

Despite this incredible success, Buena Vista and its renowned Vinicultural Society succumbed 1920 to financial pressures and ceased producing wines. It was not until much later—in the 1940s,

following prohibition—that Buena Vista would 1949 again be reborn.

1976

2007 2011 26 27 1830 A SAD HIATUS 1840 1846 1849 the 1852

n 1878 the Buena Vista Vinicultural established and the property fell under 1857 CASTLE 1861 I Society auctioned off the entire estate authority of the State of California, 1863 and the winery that The Count had lovingly where it sat abandoned and unloved for 1873 created. Robert and Kate Johnson purchased over 20 years. 1878 it and constructed a luxurious mansion on the Despite this period of dormancy, the

property, which they referred to as The Castle. at true glory of Buena Vista would not be Uninterested in grapes and winemaking, the silenced forever. VISTA BUENA wealthy and eccentric couple neglected the 1920 vineyards and instead raised Angora cats. In fact, even after Robert’s death, it is believed that his

widow continued to be surrounded by over 200 1949 of these exotic felines.

Eventually the widow donated The Castle to 1976

the Catholic Church, where it was planned to be converted into a hospital for disadvantaged 2007 women and children. The hospital was never 2011 28 29 1830

A DRY The University of California at Davis

established the School of Viticulture 1840 NATION and Enology, dedicated to the study and 1846 advancement of grape growing and wine, 1849 realizing an early dream of The Count.

1852 PROHIBITION

rohibition hit the United States in the In 1943, Frank and Antonia Bartholomew 1857 1861 P 1920s and extended into the 1930s, purchased the long-neglected Buena Vista 1863 banning all vinification, sale and consumption property—sight unseen. 1873 of alcohol. This devastated California’s wine 1878 industry, although some wineries continued to legally produce wine for ‘sacramental and medicinal purposes.’ When prohibition was finally repealed in 1933, the wine industry was 1920 in near ruins. Production had fallen over 90% and and fewer than 200 of California’s original 700

wineries were still in existence. 1949 WINE

But the resilient California wine community immediately began rebuilding. That following 1976

year, at the urging of many vintners, The Wine Institute was created to support California’s 2007 wine industry and soon thereafter, in 1939, 2011 30 31 1830

BUENA VISTA post-Prohibition vintage in 1949. It was CONTINUES ON hugely successful. 1840 Buena Vista Winery was back. 1846 1849 Buena Vista’s legacy of innovation and 1852 leadership continued with Tchelistcheff, the hile the Bartholomews loved the 1857 one of California’s most famed winemakers 1861 location, they knew not what they W REVIVAL WINERY’S known for introducing amazing new 1863 had purchased. It was later that they learned winemaking techniques to the state— 1873 their new home was, in fact, the famed Buena including cold fermentation and the 1878 Vista Winery. They loved the pedigree of the process of aging wine in small French oak old winery and immediately set out renovating barrels—thereby once again contributing its buildings and replanting its vines. With to the rebirth of California’s incredible the onset of the war, Frank, who was a wine industry. 1920 journalist with the United Press, left to cover the fighting in the Pacific, leaving Antonia In the decades to follow, the California

to continue restoring the grandeur of the wine scene would finally emerge as a 1949 incredible Buena Vista estate. When the war significant force while Buena Vista would

ended, Frank returned, along with his friend, continue its own march forward through 1976 famed André Tchelistcheff, and various owners—both family and corporate. together they immediately began producing By the early 1970s, the quality of 2007 world-class wines. The winery released its first California wines was outstanding, but few 2011 32 33 1830

took notice. That changed on May 24, 1976, when an immense impact on all vintners across

a blind tasting was conducted by the state. 1840 experts in Paris. Known as the 1976 Judgment And Buena Vista’s long and colorful 1846 of Paris, the French judges tested white and history continues. In recent years, Buena 1849 red varietals from both France and California. 1852

Vista has continued to champion grape- the Surprising everyone, they selected 6 California growing in the now renowned Carneros 1857 whites in the top 10 and 6 California reds in the AVA. The historic Press House has been 1861 top 10. California’s victory shocked the judges— 1863 REVIVAL WINERY’S rejuvenated into a must-see destination— and all of France—and made wine enthusiasts 1873 and has been designated a California around the world take note of California’s 1878 Historic Landmark. exquisite wines. In 2007, Agoston Haraszthy de Mokesa The same red wines were again tested in 1986 (1812-1869), the eccentric Count of in two separate blind tastings (the French Buena Vista and California’s foremost 1920 Culinary Institute and the Wine grape protagonist, was inducted into the Spectator Wine Tasting) as well as in The Culinary Institute of America’s Vintners Wine Rematch of the Century. In each of these 1949 Hall of Fame, where he joined the ranks of significant rematch competitions, a California many other world-class vintners. red was selected as the top wine, therefore 1976 garnering further serious respect. While Buena Vista’s wines were not part of the tasting, the attention placed on California winemaking had 2007 2011 34 35 1830 OLD ROOTS, Please join us in celebrating the rebirth

FAMILY of Buena Vista. Our colorful history. 1840 Our spectacular wines. Our CONTINUUM 1846 extraordinary experience at our 1849 breathtaking estate. Our future. FAMILYBOISSET ESTATES 1852

n 2011, Buena Vista became part of Boisset Buena Vista. Our future is in our 1857 1861 IFamily Estates, a renowned and charismatic history—our rich, colorful and 1863 family with a collection of historic wineries and eccentric past. 1873 roots in Burgundy, France. The family, led in 1878 the US by Jean-Charles Boisset, possesses a true love and respect for Buena Vista – its unrivaled heritage, authentic roots, colorful history, and renowned wines. Boisset is passionately 1920 committed to its ‘partnership with The Count’— to continue the vision and legacy he first created

150 years ago. 1949

1976

2007 2011 36

sonoma

ith its roots so deeply ensconced in the Wfoundations of Sonoma as one of California’s leading wine appellations, Buena Vista Winery is again introducing wines from Sonoma. The Sonoma wines include a diverse array of varietals that celebrate the diversity of Sonoma’s terroir and the contribution of Buena Vista to establishing the California wine world.

sonoma:

41 the count

he winery’s colorful founder, The Count of TBuena Vista, pioneered premium winemaking in California. A tireless and passionate devotee of California wine, The Count imported hundreds of premium vines from Europe, dug Sonoma’s first wine caves, introduced innovative viticulture techniques, and wrote the first treatise on California wine. Buena Vista Winery honors his legacy, bold vision, and commitment to excellence through this —the Founder’s Red Wine.

the count: founder’s red wine

43 carneros

nspired by its pioneering roots, the winery Ibegan in 1969 to explore a little-known corner straddling Sonoma and Napa’s southern boundaries known as Carneros. It wasn’t long until Carneros gained recognition as one of the world’s premier appellations, particularly for varietals that can thrive in cool climates: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Merlot.

carneros: chardonnay pinot noir merlot

45 vinicultural society

he Buena Vista Vinicultural Society, formed in T1863 by the winery’s founder, Count Agoston Haraszthy, to further improve its winemaking prowess and expand its vineyards, has been restored as a collection of unique, small-production wines that honor the winery’s pioneering spirit and contribution to California winemaking. Available only at the winery and for club-members, the diverse selection of Vinicultural Society wines explores clonal selections, varietals, vineyards and the incredible terroir of Sonoma County.

sonoma & carneros: chardonnay zinfandel merlot and more pinot noir

47 private reserve

uena Vista has been making wines under the BPrivate Reserve name for decades, and today the winery restores the title to declare these limited production wines the ultimate wines within the portfolio. Each represents the pinnacle of Buena Vista’s winemaking craft.

private reserve: cabernet sauvignon merlot chardonnay pinot noir

49

Learn more about the remarkable history of Buena Vista and the origins of California wine: www.buenavistawinery.com/entirestory

Buena Vista Historic Winery 18000 Old Winery Road Sonoma, CA 95476 800.926.1266