Napa

Question 1

What was the first non-native grape to be planted in Napa?

Answer 1

Listan Prieto, or the “Mission” grape

Question 2

When did winemaking become open to commercialization?

Answer 2

Mexico began secularizing the missions, and therefore winemaking in 1833. The land grants were supposed to go to the Mission Indians, but instead a good percentage of them went to the generals’ friends and family.

Question 3

Who is Yountville named for?

Answer 3

George Calvert Yount, a former employee of General Mariano Vallejo who was gifted the Rancho Caymus and planted Napa’s first vineyard in 1838/39

Question 4

Charles Krug

Answer 4

A German native who would go on to start Napa’s first commercial winery in 1861. Using a cider press borrowed from Agoston Haraszthy in Sonoma, Krug essentially acted as Napa’s first consulting winemaker, assisting local homesteaders in their efforts.