Celebrating its 130th Anniversary 

by Millie Howie
If you were to ask any member of the Simi Winery staff, “What’s new?” The reply, given with a big smile, would be just five words, “We’re celebrating our 130th anniversary!” Even in California it is extremely unusual to visit a winery which has been crushing grapes and producing wine, almost without interruption, for 130 years. 
The history of the winery reads like a captivating Wine Country novel. Simi is the family name of Giuseppe and Pietro, a pair of brothers who, like many of their countrymen, had traveled to California from their hillside village of Montepulciano in Tuscany, hoping to strike it rich in the Golden State.  When their dreams weren’t realized, the two brothers moved to San Francisco and opened a produce market.
Pietro started the Simi winemaking saga by producing his own wine in San Francisco in 1876.  Five years later he and Giuseppe purchased a winery on Front Street in Healdsburg for $2,250 in gold coins and Giuseppe took over the winemaking duties.  Soon the small winery had grown to a capacity of 100,000 gallons and as they continued to grow, they bought 126 acres north of town, built a winery of hand-hewn stone and doubled their production. They named the new entity Montepulciano in honor of the Italian wine district where they had grown up.
Then, in 1904 disaster struck. Both brothers died within a month of each other leaving Giuseppe’s teen-age daughter, Isabelle in charge of the wine and vineyard operations. High-spirited and blessed with a natural talent for business and public relations, Isabelle, with her husband, Fred Haigh continued the winery’s growth until forced to close when Prohibition became law. 
When Prohibition was repealed, Isabelle celebrated by planting a grove of redwood trees and turning a 25,000 gallon redwood champagne tank on its side to transform it into the first tasting room in Northern California. After she retired, the winery changed hands several times, but there was always a place for Isabelle, seated behind the long tasting bar and entertaining visitors with her stories of the birth and re-birth of the wine industry in the north coast counties.
Today Isabelle’s redwood grove serves as the starting point for daily tours through the winery.  Another similar grove on the north end of the property has been beautified and has become the chosen spot for young brides and grooms to plight their troth. To help arrange the perfect wedding Robin Montero is the person to call and her number is (707) 579-5886. With the hospitality center, constructed in 1990, and the talents of Chef Eric Lee, every charming element of the wedding ceremony from the rehearsal dinner to the reception and post-nuptial banquet can be created for the happy couple. The center is also an ideal choice for corporate gatherings or family reunions.
To mark the 130th anniversary the winery has planned a series of special events starting in November and starring the Simi wines offered against a background of tasty foods.  As an appropriate souvenir, visitors to the gift shop can purchase a commemorative wine glass from which to sip their favorite Simi wines. Recently released wines to try are the Late Harvest Zinfandel, the Petite Sirah, the Landslide Cabernet Sauvignon and winemaker Steve Reeder’s most recent limited edition wine, the 2005 Rosé of Syrah which is sold only in the tasting room. There is a $5 tasting fee to sample four current release wines, with the fee applicable to any wine purchase. Reserve wines may be sampled for $10 or for special single taste charges.
For an exceptional visit to Simi, five private tasting tours have been created in the “Simi Experience Series.” Several dwell on historical features of the winery, another matches Chef Lee’s foods with the wines, and all present exceptional learning opportunities.  Each tour in the series is offered by appointment only for ten or twelve participants, at rates ranging from $15 per person to $30. 
Before leaving the tasting room most visitors find the unusual gift selections a must-check-out part of the visit. One of the most popular items is the authentic Simi chef’s jacket, with a genuine chef’s beret to complete the outfit.
A quick introduction to Simi is available at www.simiwinery.com, but a visit in person will introduce the guest to genuine glimpses of history and the beauties of the site and its surroundings. Simi Winery is at 16275 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg. The phone number is (707) 473-3231.

Related Information

• Simi Winery