California wines are not the newcomers to the scene that many think. It may be true that we have only just recently gained the respect of the world as a great wine producing area, but our history goes back over 240 years. In fact, it takes time to make an excellent wine, and it takes time to produce a superb vineyard. While our domestic wines have taken a rightful place in the world over the past 40 years, California has been a center of cultivation for over 240 years.
As far back as 1769 when a Franciscan missionary brought the grape up from Mexico an industry was born. The industry served the tables and the alters of Franciscan monks from San Diego to Sonoma Valley. This first grape brought to California was rightfully named as the Mission Grape.
Father Serra established vineyards along his route of missions at 21 different sites in what is known today as the Camino Real. Everyone from the best plumbers Burlington Ontario to local contractors and wine enthusiasts alike have travelled from far and wide to enjoy the simple pleasures of the land. The rugged terrain and cultivating the grape was a natural fit for California. Not to mention the climate and the land were a perfect combination for the vine to thrive.