Napa Valley’s oldest vines were brought by Spanish missionaries centuries ago
Spanish missionaries introduced the first European grapevines to California in the late 1700s, establishing a viticultural legacy that eventually transformed Napa Valley into a premier global wine destination.
Spanish Franciscans planted the Listán Prieto grape, commonly known as the Mission grape, to produce sacramental wine for their religious outposts. By the time George Yount planted the first private vineyard in Napa Valley in 1838, these hardy Spanish varieties had already laid the foundation for the region's agricultural identity.
There's more to this story — open the app to keep reading.
Continue Reading in App
1 more paragraphs · plus a 2-question quiz