About Bartholomew Estate Winery
These vineyards occupy arguably the most storied site in California wine: a Native American homesteader baptized Viviano planted Sonoma Valley's first private vineyard here in 1832, and in 1857 Hungarian nobleman Count Agoston Haraszthy established his legendary Rancho Buena Vista on the land, pioneering California's first wine caves and importing over 165,000 European vine cuttings. In 1943, journalist Frank "Bart" Bartholomew and his wife Antonia bought the run-down 485-acre state ranch at auction for $17,600, only later discovering they owned the birthplace of California viticulture, and set about restoring it, even bringing in legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff to help revive Buena Vista.
The Bartholomews left the property to a foundation, and in April 2019 Bartholomew Estate Winery opened in the mission-style 1922 building at the heart of Bartholomew Park, with winemaker Kevin Holt crafting 3,000 to 5,000 cases from CCOF-certified organic estate vines, including Syrah from Viviano's original 1832 block site. Every dollar of profit funds the surrounding 375-acre park's free public trails, picnic grounds, and historic preservation, so each bottle sold quite literally keeps the birthplace of California wine open to everyone.
California viticulture's birthplace, from Viviano's 1832 vineyard and Count Haraszthy's Buena Vista to a foundation-owned winery funding a free public park.
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The birthplace of California fine wine,Count Agoston Haraszthy launched the state's premium wine industry here at Rancho Buena Vista in 1857, digging California's first wine caves the following year.
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Bought for $17,600 at a state auction,Frank and Antonia Bartholomew purchased the 485-acre property sight-unseen in 1943, discovering only afterward that it was the cradle of California viticulture.
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Every bottle funds a public park,the winery is wholly owned by the nonprofit Bartholomew Foundation, and all profits maintain the surrounding park's free trails, gardens, and historic structures.
"California viticulture's birthplace, from Viviano's 1832 vineyard and Count Haraszthy's Buena Vista to a foundation-owned winery funding a free public park."
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Wines change with each vintage
For an accurate list of current-release wines and library bottlings from Bartholomew Estate Winery, please check the winery's official website or contact the tasting room directly. Sonoma Valley producers typically rotate vintages and offerings seasonally.
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California Wine History Park Walk-In
Taste the wines at Bartholomew Estate Winery in the Sonoma Valley. Daily 11am to 4:30pm, walk-ins welcome.
From $20
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