The collection is divided into six series. It includes mostly printed materials and interviews, and dates from approximately 1976 to 2005. There are wine-related event materials, interview transcripts and audiotapes, printed material and histories from people and institutions representing a wide spectrum of the wine business. Wine-related objects, such vineyard and winery tools, are stored with the Museum's artifact collections; documentary materials are held in the Archives Center.
Materials from each special event are organized into separate series, which contain records generated at the events and interviews. Series one contains the "Red, White and American Records," series two the "Collectors Event," and series three the "Wine Writers Event." Interviews conducted independently of these events are included in series four. All of the interviews have been partially transcribed and include an abstract and various forms of audiotapes and discs. Series five is composed of printed materials that relate to both specific individuals in the wine business and to more general American wine topics. Most of this material consists of photocopies of original articles. There are also files with materials by and about specific wine writers, such as Anthony Dias Blue, William Heinz, and Dick Rosano. Series five also contains an original telex of George Taber's article about the 1976 Paris Tasting. Series six consists of visual materials, including two landscape photographs of an vineyard in Oregon and two videotaped documentaries on Napa.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged into seven series.
Series 1: Red, White, and American : Wine in American History and Culture Records, 1976-1996
Series 2: Collections Event, 2001
Series 3: Reflections: A Day in the Life of a Wine Writer Event, 2002
Series 4: Interviews, 1997-2001
Series 5: Printed Materials, 1997-2001
Series 6: Visual Materials, undated
Series 7; Interviews, 2013
Biographical / Historical:
The American Wine History Project began in 1996 with the intention to document the history of American winemaking, mainly for the post-1950 period. While the project includes winemaking areas around the country, the focus has been on northern and central California. The Project explores the convergence of craft, culture, science, technology, and the environment in modern American winemaking. In conjunction with the project, the Smithsonian held a 2-day symposium, "Red, White and American," with a small accompanying exhibition, entitled, "Doubtless as Good: Jefferson's Dream for American Wine Fulfilled," in 1996 and began gathering objects and other documentation.
Since 1997, National Museum of American History staff members have traveled to California to conduct interviews, take photographs and video footage, and gather materials for the Smithsonian collection from grape growers, winemakers, winery owners, and others important to the business, including wine writers and chefs. Some of the materials were generated from events in Napa, such as the collectors and wine writers events, that were held specifically for the purpose of adding documentation to the Smithsonian project. The documentation project is on-going so materials will continue to be added to the collection.
Provenance:
Some of the materials were generated by the Smithsonian Institution, such as those in series 1 through 3. Others were given by separate donors between 1996 and 2002.
Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection documents Mexican American winemakers through oral history interviews and transcripts.
Content Description:
Born-digital audio interviews and transcripts with Mexican American winemakers.
Arrangement:
Collection is arranged into one series, alphabetically by interviewee name.
Historical:
The history of winemaking in California cannot be told without recognizing the significant contributions of Mexican and Mexican American workers, who planted, nurtured and harvested the wine grapes. In recent decades, some have become successful wine makers and owners, applying technical expertise as well as knowledge gained through years of experience and mentorship under established winemakers. The Sonoma, Napa and Lake Country districts now include numerous Latino-owned wine estates.
Related Materials:
Materials in the Archives Center
American Wine Documentation Project, NMAH.AC.0817
Provenance:
Collection made for the National Museum of American History.
Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection Citation:
Latino Winemakers Oral History Project Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Aurelio begins his interview discussing his life in Jerez, Mexico, his reasons for migrating to the United States, and his father's life in Mexico. He speaks about going to college and his brothers who migrated as braceros. Aurelio lived in Los Angeles and later made his way to Napa Valley where he worked at Krug Winery. He was involved with the Mexican community in, and around, Napa. Through his work with the Comite Mexicano de Beneficiencia, he shifted to community activism, organizing, and was one of the founding members of the California Human Development Corporation and Clinica OLE.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection Citation:
Latino Winemakers Oral History Project Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
24.04 Megabytes (Total Running Time for NMAH-AC1516-BDA0014_01: 0:02:23, wav)
282.24 Megabytes (Total Running Time for NMAH-AC1516-BDA0014_02: 0:27:58 , wav)
423.03 Megabytes (Total Running Time for NMAH-AC1516-BDA0014_03: 0:41:55, wav)
Container:
Item NMAH-AC1516-BDA0014_01
Item NMAH-AC1516-BDA0014_02
Item NMAH-AC1516-BDA0014_03
Type:
Archival materials
Audio
Megabytes
Date:
2017-03-08
Scope and Contents:
Alejandro (also known as Alex) talks about growing up as a child of migrant laborers in places like Mexico, Coachella, and Oregon. He talks extensively about his parents' work at Mondavi, Pine Ridge, Atlas Peak, and Stagecoach. Alex's interest in food and wine led to jobs at French Laundry and Per Se. He discusses his approach to originally sourcing grapes and learning from Matt Taylor. Finally, he speaks about his branding iron that the NMAH collected.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection Citation:
Latino Winemakers Oral History Project Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Esther's interview begins with discussions about moving to California and trying to find housing for her and her family. She later was hired as a cook for vineyard workers housed at Camp Colorado and talks about cooking and camp life. Esther's daughter, Rosa, accompanied her during the interview and together, they talk about the Mexican community in Napa: the stores, theaters, and radio stations.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection Citation:
Latino Winemakers Oral History Project Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
The interview begins with Jose speaking about his life in Mexico and migrating to the United States, following his family who came as braceros. He speaks about getting job at Christian Brothers, and meeting the Robledos, Placido Garcia, and others in the community. Jose also discusses his experience with worker housing, organizing for the UFW, moving from CB to Sterling and Newton, and the local Mexican community at the time. The interview then moves on to Hugo who speaks about life in St. Helena: going to school, work, and college. Jose and Hugo both share about their experiences buying land for the vineyard and making the cave for the winery.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection Citation:
Latino Winemakers Oral History Project Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
In his interview, Lorenzo speaks about life in Mexico and working as migrant farm worker on the West Coast. He also talks about his experience at wineries such as Buena Vista, Chateau St. Jean, Sterling Winery, and his work with Mario Bazan.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection Citation:
Latino Winemakers Oral History Project Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
594.37 Megabytes (Total Running Time for NMAH-AC1516-BDA0010_01: 0:58:53, wav)
10.27 Megabytes (Total Running Time for NMAH-AC1516-BDA0010_02: 0:01:01, wav)
Container:
Item NMAH-AC1516-BDA0010_01
Item NMAH-AC1516-BDA0010_02
Type:
Archival materials
Audio
Megabytes
Date:
2016-04-13
Scope and Contents:
Salvador speaks about coming to California from Jalisco, Mexico and working at the plant nursery run by Frank Emmolo. He discusses his experience with budding and grafting, learning about plants, and starting his own budding business. Salvador also briefly worked at Kaiser Steel before returning to the plant business. He reflects on teaching others about business and traveling the world.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection Citation:
Latino Winemakers Oral History Project Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
In his interview, Everardo talks about his family, siblings, and his father and grandfather who migrated from Mexico. He also discusses his high school experience, working for the vineyard management company, working at the winery and vineyard (including buyers of grapes), and his wine philosophy.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection Citation:
Latino Winemakers Oral History Project Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Vanessa talks about her life growing up in Sonoma with her family, uncles, and grandfather (who was a bracero). Her father bought land for vineyards, which helped Vanessa learned about vines and the labor changes in Napa. She also discusses how she took charge of the Robledo Winery at an early age, learning how to run a winery, marketing, food, and changing attitudes about wine.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection Citation:
Latino Winemakers Oral History Project Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
324.35 Megabytes (Total Running Time for NMAH-AC1516-BDA0016_01: 0:32:08, wav)
712.94 Megabytes (Total Running Time for NMAH-AC1516-BDA0016_02: 1:10:38, wav)
Container:
Item NMAH-AC1516-BDA0016_01
Item NMAH-AC1516-BDA0016_02
Type:
Archival materials
Audio
Megabytes
Date:
2018-08-01
Scope and Contents:
Rosaura begins the interview discussing her parents and life in Mexico. Her father and uncles came as braceros and her father worked for Beringer and Charles Krug. She talks about her impressions of Napa when she arrived as a young child, the growth of the Mexican community in the 70s and 80s, and housing that was built. She attended high school and got a job at Sutter Home. When IRCA came, she helped as an interpreter and then moved on to helping with work permits and other immigration paperwork. Rosaura also talks about buying land and selling grapes, starting Encanto Vineyards in 2006, the Mexican American Vintners Association, running her own vineyard, and labor issues.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection Citation:
Latino Winemakers Oral History Project Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
In this interview, Edgar explains his reason for naming the winery Bodega de Edgar, talks about his parents (his father was a dishwasher), and how the family ended up in the Paso Robles area. He talks about going from construction to restaurant work to his interest in food and wine. Edgar also speaks about wine makers, the industry attitude in Paso Robles, and learning the business: buying his fruit and barrels, getting a break from the Dusi family. He ends with a discussion about his wines, labels, his wine philosophy, and giving back to the community.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection Citation:
Latino Winemakers Oral History Project Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, Mario Bazan moved to California and worked at several wineries, like Mondavi Opus One. In this interview, he talks about his reasons for migrating, migrant housing, current changes in labor practices, and starting his own business.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection Citation:
Latino Winemakers Oral History Project Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Gustavo discusses his parents' migration from Mexico and his father's experiences as a bracero. Gustavo grew up in St. Helena and Napa Valley. He talks about his experiences in high school, attending UC Davis, and working with Mike Ggrich at Chateau Montelena, and later helping set up Ggrich Hills Cellar. Gustavo also reflects on setting up his winery and tasting as well as the changing roles of Latinos in the wine business.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection Citation:
Latino Winemakers Oral History Project Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
29.43 Megabytes (Total Running Time for NMAH-AC1516-BDA0001_01 is: 0:32:09, mp3)
88.55 Megabytes (Total Running Time for NMAH-AC1516-BDA0001_02 is 1:36:43, mp3)
Container:
Item NMAH-AC1516-BDA0001_01
Item NMAH-AC1516-BDA0001_02
Type:
Archival materials
Audio
Megabytes
Date:
2011-10-21
2011-10-24
Scope and Contents:
In the first interview, Amelia speaks about her early life in Mexico, coming to California, her grade school and high school experience, and foodways. She mentions her father's work, working at Mondavi, and meeting Cesar Chavez.
The second interview continues Amelia's discussions about her father, working with Andy Becktoffer, working with the UFW, and the influx of Mexican workers in Napa Valley. She recalls her father meeting André Tchelistcheff and and working with the Mexican American Vintners Association. Amelia also speaks about founding her vineyard, changes in the industry, and her approach to marketing with food and wine.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection Citation:
Latino Winemakers Oral History Project Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Juanita speaks about her life in Mexico and her parents, the journey to California, and the challenges she experienced during the first weeks in Napa Valley: housing, work, her young children, and her faith.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection Citation:
Latino Winemakers Oral History Project Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Pedro speaks about his life in Mexico, being a young entrepreneur, and his father's bracero experience. He also discusses his early life in California, returning from the Silicon Valley, and starting a business.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection Citation:
Latino Winemakers Oral History Project Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
In his interview, Placido speaks about being a migrant worker on the East Coast and working at Christian Brothers. He discusses his efforts to improve the lives of the Mexican community in Napa through his organizing with Cesar Chavez and setting up Clinica OLE. Placido also helped create the Virgin of Guadalupe shrine at Chateau Montelena. Other topics he discusses include his musical interests, the radio station, and his work with city government.
Please note that wind noise affects portions of interview. This audio file was remastered in Sound Forge to reduce the wind noise.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection Citation:
Latino Winemakers Oral History Project Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Rolando talks about growing up in Mexico and Napa; he returned to Mexico but came back to Napa to finish high school with his brother. Rolando worked at Masa and Mustard's Grill in San Francisco while going to school. He later worked at Stag's Leap and was encouraged by Warren to continue in the wine business. Rolando ends his interview with discussions about starting his own winery and the Robledo family. His interview also mentions his father's migration as a bracero and his work at Schramsberg.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection Citation:
Latino Winemakers Oral History Project Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
