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| Landmark #733 | Santa Clara County | Visited: August 28, 2016 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
| What is it? | Paul Masson Mountain Winery is still an active winery! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: Premium wines and champagne have flowed continuously since 1852 from the winery that bears the name of Paul Masson, even during Prohibition under a special government license. Twice partially destroyed by earthquake and fire, the original sandstone walls still stand. The 12th-century Spanish Romanesque portal came around the Horn.
OTHER TIDBITS: Paul Masson was born in Burgundy to a family of well-established vintners, and he had the great fortune, upon arriving in San Francisco, to enter business with Charles LeFranc south of Santa Clara! Experimenting with grafts of the original grapes planted at the missions and LeFranc’s own vines from France, the two produced fine wines that made them local celebrities! Mr. Masson turned his attention toward champagne, winning the prestigious Paris Award for his champagne at the Paris Expo in 1900! His success enabled him to split from business with Mr. LeFranc and start his own mountaintop winery called La Cresta! In 1949, his sparkling wine became the first American wine to be served at the White House! This landmark is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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| Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: Turn N off State Hwy 9 (P.M. 5.6) Go 0.3 mi on Pierce Rd and turn left on Paul Masson Mtn Winery Rd Continue for 1.2 mi to winery Saratoga, CA 95070 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~349mi (562km) — 5.9hrs |
| When should I go? | The winery is open for tasting Thursday through Sunday from 12:00 PM until 5:00 PM! You can also see their calendar of special events here! |
