Historical Figures In Wine

Question 1

He established Inglenook Winery in Rutherford in 1879, and was the only Napa vintner during his time to bottle his wines on his estate

Answer 1

Gustav Niebaum. Took frequent trips to Europe to study wine and acquire varietals. Gold medal winner at Worlds Fair in Paris in 1989.

Question 2

Hungarian-American pioneering winemaker in Wisconsin and California considered “Father of California Viticulture” or “Father of Modern Winemaking in California.” Founded Buena Vista Winery in Sonoma Valley

Answer 2

Agoston Haraszthy

Question 3

Called the “Dean of American Winemakers” because he introduced new techniques and procedures to the California wine regions

Answer 3

Andre Tchelistcheff

Born: December 7, 1901, Moscow
Died: April 5, 1994, Napa, California
Nationality: Russian

André Tchelistcheff was America’s most influential post-Prohibition winemaker. Tchelistcheff is most notable for his contributions toward defining the style of California’s best wines, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. Called the “dean of American winemakers”, industry pioneers, such as Rev. John Staten of Field Stone Winery, Robert Mondavi, Louis Martini, Rob Davis of Jordan Vineyard & Winery, Joel Aiken, Michael Silacci of Opus One, Greg La Follette, of Ancient Oak, and Rick Sayre of Rodney Strong Wine Estates, considered him their mentor. Andre advised Warren Winiarski in launching Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars which famously made the 1973 SLV Cabernet Sauvignon that was awarded the most points in the Paris Tasting, also known as the “Judgement of Paris”, in 1976. Andre also assisted Ste. Michelle Wine Estates in launching the Anthology program at Conn Creek Winery in 1991.

Question 4

He founded Buena Vista vineyards in Sonoma and is believed to have been eaten by an alligator

Answer 4

Agoston Haraszthy

Question 5

Russian who refined the style of California’s best wines, Cabernet Sauvignon in particular

Answer 5

Andre Tchelistcheff

Question 6

He first crafted wine from Prichard Hill vineyards for Chappellet Family in 1967

Answer 6

Philip Togni is a name in Napa Valley that everyone in the industry recognizes. Philip is originally from the UK, however studied under Emile Peynaud in Bordeaux in the 1950s and moved to California in 1959. Not only has Philip been running his own successful vineyard since 1981, Philip also was a key part in helping to develop some of California’s most historic vineyards through the 60’s and 70’s.

Philips most notable role in the Napa Valley prior was at Inglenook. There Philip helped Don Chappellet start his vineyard and winery in 1967 on what is now Pritchard Hill, in that time amongst a host of great wines the 1969 Chappellet he made is considered one of California’s greatest ever. One last legendary 1975 Cabernet and Philip then purchased and founded The Philip Togni vineyard in the 80’s in Spring Mountain.