Mountain Winery facts for kids
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Paul Masson Mountain Winery
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| Location | 14831 Pierce Road, Saratoga, California |
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| Built | 1901 |
| NRHP reference No. | 83001239 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 9, 1983 |
The Mountain Winery, once called the Paul Masson Mountain Winery, is a famous winery located in Saratoga, California, United States. It was founded by Paul Masson, a key figure in the early California wine industry. The winery became well-known for its catchy slogan, spoken by actor Orson Welles in TV commercials: "We will sell no wine before its time."
This historic site is recognized as a California Historical Landmark (number 733). It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's a special place in American history.
Contents
History of the Mountain Winery
Paul Masson's Early Days
Paul Masson first worked for Charles Lefranc, one of many French people who helped grow grapes and make wine in the Santa Clara Valley. This tradition was started by the Catholic mission fathers. After Lefranc passed away in 1887, Masson briefly partnered with Lefranc's son, Henry.
Masson later bought Henry's share in the Almaden Vineyards. In 1892, Masson introduced his first sparkling wine at Almaden. He soon became known as the "Champagne King of California" because of his success.
Building the Winery and "The Chateau"
In 1901, Paul Masson bought the land in Saratoga. He later focused his sparkling wine production here. Other types of wines were made at the Almaden location.
In 1905, Masson built his home, called "The Chateau," on a hill above the winery. He became famous for throwing amazing parties there. His wife, Louise Masson, did not attend these parties because she was against alcohol. Masson managed to keep his business going during Prohibition. This was a time when selling alcohol was mostly illegal. He sold grapes to others and was allowed to sell sacramental wine for religious ceremonies.
After a big earthquake hit San Francisco in 1906, the winery was rebuilt. Workers used sandstone blocks from another destroyed building in Saratoga. An old entrance from St. Patrick's Church in San Jose, which was also damaged by the earthquake, was added to the winery building.
Modern Era and Entertainment
Winemaking at the Mountain Winery stopped in 1952. However, six years later, in 1958, a series of concerts began. Many famous artists have performed here, including Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Ringo Starr, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, The Beach Boys, and Santana.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, a well-known chess tournament was held every year at the winery. It became a popular event in the early days of Silicon Valley.
Around the year 2000, the owners decided to restart winemaking at the site. They hired winemaker Jeffrey Patterson. New vineyards were planted at the Mountain Winery in 2004.
Since 2012, the concert series has been produced by AEG Live. It continues to be a popular spot for live music.
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the National Park Service.
