Napa Valley Winegrowing

A Brief History...

Napa Valley Rocks: The Napa Valley Appellation Education Program

1840's	Explorer George Yount establishes first local homestead, plants grapevines on grant of 11,800 acres.
1863	John Patchett builds first stone winery in Napa Valley, Charles Krug builds winery in St. Helena.
1876	Founding of Beringer Vineyards.
1879	Founding of Inglenook Winery.
1889	More than 140 wineries operating in Napa Valley. Early 1890s winemaking affected by infestation of phylloxera, half of Napa Valley's vineyards infested; prohibitionists' cry becomes louder.
1920	Prohibition arrives. Wineries that survive make sacramental wines.
1933	Repeal of prohibition.
1943	Four Napa Valley vintners hold first meeting of group that evolves into the NVV.
1950's	Formation of the Wine Technical Group.
1960	All-time low in the number of wineries in Napa Valley (25).
1975	Independent growers form Napa Valley Grape Growers Association.
1981	First Napa Valley Wine Auction
1982	Vintners and growers begin working jointly on projects of common interest.
1990	More than 200 wineries operating in Napa Valley.
2000	The NVV celebrates 20th Annual Napa Valley Wine Auction, having raised more than $29 million to date for local health care, youth development and affordable housing programs.
2002	The Napa Valley Vintners Community Health Center opens in downtown Napa - an historic and unique health facility shared by four important nonprofit healthcare providers. Funding for the Center was fast-tracked by a $3 million contribution from the Napa Valley Wine Auction.