In some ways the early California wine industry is similar to what we see today, yet many aspects are unique to past eras...modes of transportation, vine pruning, labeling, and equipment are a few examples. A number of historic winery buildings have survived, have been restored and are in use today, although some not as functioning wineries. Sadly,
many have disappeared with the passing generations of winemakers, and are known only through historic images.

Among the best known survivors: Beringer, Krug & Greystone (now the Culinary Institute of America) in St. Helena, Inglenook in Rutherford, Groezinger's (now Vintage 1870 in Yountville), Chateau Montelena near Calistoga (formerly Hillcrest), and Korbel's on the Russian River in Sonoma County. Happily, California's wine country remains a beautiful constant.

Take a tour of the pre-Prohibition wine industry in this slide show.