Wines

Photographing and documenting aspects of California’s vineyards and wineries continuously since 1975 has resulted in a deep collection of images and an understanding of this subject.

My father’s family operated the third oldest winery in California; it is designated California Historical Landmark 762. The winery was established by a Swiss immigrant, Adam Uhlinger and my grandfather and his brother bought it in 1911. My grandfather died when I was turning seven. During my childhood my father and his brothers ran the winery. I was involved at every level. It was my playground, my source of employment through high school, as well as a source of personal identity. It was sold in the 1980’s. The new owner ran into financial difficulty and eventually left the area. Through one of the legal system’s quirks, he retained right to the name “D’Agostini Winery” even though he left the vineyards and buildings. From a facility in Sonoma the D’Agostini Winery label is selling once again. It has nothing to do with the original D’Agostini Winery and gives one reason to pause and think about “truth in labeling laws”…. The old vineyards and buildings are still where they will always be in the Shenandoah Valley of Amador County, at approximately 2000 foot elevation of the Sierra Foothills and are under the good stewardship of the Sobon family. They purchased the property in 1989 and have renamed the facility the Sobon Estate and are producing very fine wines. They have expanded and developed the vineyard in positive ways employing sustainable methods.