This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
A Lake County vintners history told in old records
The Lake County historical survey reveals a rich 19th century wine story. From early Mediterranean migrants bringing vines to Harbin Springs and Upper Lake experiments, to 25 acres planted by George Hammond and 600 plus acres by 1884, vineyards expanded despite rough ventures. Notable figures include Lillian Langtry with Langtry Wine and Professor William Mottier, the “professor,” who tinkered with native and vinifera grapes. By 1886 Hastings winery and 150,000 gallon capacity marked a thriving scene. even as some ventures failed, the county’s wine legacy grew, leaving an unmarked grave for Mottier and a landscape of historic cellars and vineyards.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Charles L. Greble
Lake County
Chet Hempstead
Dan Tompkins
Dan
Lake County Historical Society
Henry Mauldin
Soda Bay Road
Kelseyville
Nichols
Hastings
Upper Lake
Nice
State Supreme Court
Law Department
University of California
Justice Hastings
Bank of Lake County
Lillian Langtry
Middletown
Butts Cannon Road
Langtry
Lilly
California
Harbin Springs
William Caludius Mottier
Count Haraszthy
Bordeaux
Mottier
Mucho Mattio
Lower Lake
Spring Valley Water Co
California Agricultural Improvement Association