Widely known as the Father of California Viticulture, Count Agoston Haraszthy first established Buena Vista Winery in 1857. A committed farmer and experimental vintner, the Count of Buena Vista is credited with creating California’s first gravity flow winery, excavating the area’s first wine caves, and introducing Redwood barrels for aging and fermentation: he imported more than 300 different varieties to California from Europe.
Today, 157 years later, Buena Vista Winery, located in Sonoma, California, has undergone a massive renovation, fueled by Jean-Charles Boisset, president of Boisset Family estates, who purchased the winery in 2011. Under his direction, the wine cellars are undergoing extensive restoration, including a complete seismic retrofitting of the original Champagne Cellars and a re-opening of its legendary wine caves.
Northern California native winemaker, Brian Maloney, who was instrumental in developing a stellar Pinot Noir program at Deloach Vineyards, was asked to expand his scope and help guide the Buena Vista renaissance. In 2012, Brian’s team crafted the first wine in Buena Vista’s Champagne cellars in more than 30 years. Small production wines from prestigious sub-appellations across Sonoma County are to be the focus for the new Buena Vista portfolio.
Recently, the winery released the 2012 Buena Vista legendary Badge, a bold, powerful Sonoma County red wine dedicated to honoring all law enforcement officials from local sheriff to U.S. marshall. A portion of the proceeds from this wine are donated to the national Sheriff’s Association education Foundation, with a portion of California sales going to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Museum and educational Center. This gesture is made to pay homage to the winery’s illustrious founder who, before he moved to Sonoma, served as San Diego’s first sheriff.
Buena Vista Winery’s Historic Press House sits just five minutes from Sonoma’s downtown plaza square. wine enthusiasts visit the designated Historic landmark daily to enjoy the award-winning wines and tour the legendary cellars of California’s first premium winery.
WHAT TO BUY
’12 Legendary Badge – $40
Ripe red fruit, black cherry, cranberry
’11 Private Reserve Chardonnay – $45
Baked apples, Meyer lemon, marzipan, vanilla bean
’09 Geza’s Selection Pinot Noir – $45
Cherry, plum, Mandarin orange peel, cranberry, dark chocolate
SPECIAL NOTES
Private tastings and tours and barrel tastings by appointment, wine club discounts and events, picnic grounds, weddings.
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Steve Cooper is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Hitched. You can follow him on Twitter at @hitchedmedia.
