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The History of Redwood Valley’s Wine Industry

With their uncanny intuition, Italian immigrants began planting the first vineyards during 1870s. It never ceases to amaze me that throughout California the first generation of immigrants often cultivated what are still considered to be some of the best vineyard sites. It is quite telling that these rugged pioneers, with Old World knowledge still fresh in their minds, were attracted to the valley like a magnet.

From the earliest years of the valley’s wine industry, its grapes were in high demand. They have always had a remarkable blend of sugar, tannins and acidity.

By the early 20th century, there were several hundred acres of vineyards and a handful of wineries in existence. In 1920, the Lolonis Family arrived in the region. They currently own over 350 acres in the AVA.

By the 1950s, the Redwood Valley was approaching 4000 acres of vineyards. The Fetzer Family arrived in 1968, and began their hugely successful line of wines in the region. This proud viticultural heritage was one of the major reasons that the valley was granted AVA status in 1996.

> Redwood Valley Wineries

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