1848: The Discovery of Gold
Eureka
It is a story familiar to anyone who grew up in the land between California’s Pacific shoreline and the rugged Sierra Nevada. On January 24, 1848, James Marshall spotted something glimmering in the American River. Then found more. Then even more. The Gold Rush was on.
“Eureka” would appear on California’s first Great Seal and become the state’s official motto: it is a made-up word, that embodies adventure, amazement, and, of course, discovery.
1850: Becoming The Golden State
Statehood
Disagreements over the territory and slavery status of California were settled in the Compromise of 1850. The Compromise established California as a state free of slavery.
Then, on September 9th, 1850, California joined the Union.
The Golden State’s rich history has always been shaped by people of every ethnic background who traveled here seeking economic opportunity, social freedom, and a higher quality of life.
Today: We Bring You
Award Winning Wine
California was founded on the promise of gold and that is the standard we hold ourselves to. Inspired by breath-taking natural beauty and a sense of discovery, 1850 Wine Cellars exemplifies the gold standard of wine.
Sustainably farming and sourcing grapes from vineyards located primarily in Amador County, Fair Play, and other Sierra Foothill growing regions, we produce high quality wine meant to be a part of your next adventure.
Meet Our Winemaker
Brian Darwazeh
Our winemaker Brian Darwazeh has a deep connection with California agriculture. Not only did he grow up in a small farming community in Northern California, but his grandfather was also a farm worker. Being able to work with California grown fruit and experience a connection to the land and the seasons is a passion project for him. Brian loves the Sierra Foothills because of the wide range of microclimates that exist and the copious amount of varietals that can do well in the region. He loves to make fruit driven wines that are varietal expressive without overly intervening with what the fruit wants to show.
“I’m lucky to have the opportunity to share my wines with other people. I try not to take myself too seriously and keep the day to day light hearted. At the end of the day we are all here to bring a product that we love to other people and hopefully make their lives a little tastier.” - Brian