OUR STORY
THE NAME
To paint the full picture of why Sam’s namesake was the perfect fit for our wine, let’s go back to the beginning…
Sam Brannan was an entrepreneur in every sense of the word. He always had a bigger vision.
When he yelled, “Gold, gold, gold!” and set in motion the California Gold Rush, he had a vision of a large-volume mercantile (general) store that would supply all of the settlers who were moving out west to find some of that dream of gold for themselves… and he earned himself the title of the first millionaire in California.
When he came upon the landscape of what is now Calistoga, with its plentiful hot springs and natural beauty, he had a vision for the first hot springs resort in the area, which helped to attract tourists and establish Napa Valley as a destination for wine production.
After opening the Hot Spring Resort in 1862, he had the vision for the Napa Valley Railroad, which he founded as a convenient mode of transportation for tourists to travel up and down the valley.
1847
Illustration of Sam Brannan’s Mercantile Store on Sutter’s Fort and “Business Card”
1862
Photo of Sam Brannan’s Resort and illustration of the pool and dance hall
In 1862, he also planted the very first vines in Calistoga. He had a vision for a large-scale vineyard and was part of the California State Viticultural Society around 1870, which was the first organization in the state dedicated to promoting the wine industry.
We see a vision just like Sam did, which is why our wines highlight everything this land has to offer.
Thanks to Sam Brannan’s vision, Calistoga has become “The Crown of the Napa Valley,” a hospitality destination and one of the premier wine regions in the world with its amazing beauty, superb soil, comfortable climate, and world-class fruit.
EXPERIENCE HISTORY
Want to raise a glass of Brannan Wine to Sam at one of his original properties? You can, at Brannan Cottage Inn. This historic boutique landmark hotel is the last one to be situated in its original location.
THE MISSION
Sam Brannan played a pivotal role in transforming The Napa Valley into the hospitality and wine growing destination it is today. Our purpose is to reflect on that history and build upon it by producing world-class wines that showcase the power of this land while honoring the region’s historic vineyards, growers, and winemaking techniques.
We are paying tribute to the foundation laid before us by producing old world styles of wines that speak to our region’s history while showcasing our unique terroir and California heritage.
We celebrate and preserve traditional winemaking techniques; our souls and the soul of Calistoga are all in Brannan Wines.
We are paying tribute to the foundation laid before us by producing old world styles of wines that speak to our region’s history while showcasing our unique terroir and California heritage.
THE PEOPLE
SETH CRIPE
WINEMAKER + CO-FOUNDER
Winemaker Seth Cripe has balanced the age-old techniques and finesse of winemaking with his straightforward and honest approach to producing naturally elegant and affordable wines. Trained in the Napa Valley tradition, he credits Clarke Swanson, Marco Cappelli, and Chuck Wagner as his mentors in wine. Robert Mondavi was his inspiration to build international wine brands that represent the natural beauty of California wines at affordable prices. Seth has worked in all facets of winemaking, from farming to research, at some of the most renowned wineries in the world.
Our hope with this wine is to tell a great story. The history of Calistoga winemaking has nearly been forgotten about, and it’s just too good to let go.
CARL DENE
CO-FOUNDER
When Carl first started visiting Napa Valley in 2005, his connection to the land was instantaneous. It became his dream to call Napa Valley home. In 2021, that dream came true when Carl and his family moved from Long Beach, CA. Prior to moving, Carl purchased Brannan Cottage Inn, located in Calistoga, which he has updated while maintaining the historical importance, and also opened Sam’s General Store for locals and visitors to enjoy premium coffee and bites. With Brannan Wines, Carl not only gets to share these world-class wines with everyone, but also keeps the colorful stories of Sam Brannan and the history of Napa Valley alive.
Our hope with this wine is to tell a great story. The history of Calistoga winemaking has nearly been forgotten about, and it’s just too good to let go.
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