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Almaden Vineyards, founded in 1852, has grown to be one of the leading wines in the United States.  The winery produces an abundance of different wines and offers its products in a wide range of packaging choices. 

History:

  • 1852
 Almaden Vineyards is founded by a Frenchman named Etienne Theé, who plants the first vineyards in California with vines from his native France.
 
  • Early 1940's
 Following Prohibition, Almaden is the first to introduce a “blush” wine — White Grenache Rosé — the first popular pink wine in the United States.
 
  • 1951
 Almaden undergoes merger with Madrone Vineyards, owned by Lucky Lager.
 
  • 1951
 Later that same year, the Lefranc Corporations, Almaden’s original owner (son-in-law of Etienne Theé), regains full control of the winery.
 
  • 1958
 Almaden Vineyards developed the world’s largest varietal wine vineyard at Paicines, California. 
   
  • 1962
 Almaden expands its winemaking team with hire of additional winemaker.
 
  • 1967
 Almaden Vineyards is sold to National Distributors. 
  • 1987
 Heublein purchases Almaden Vineyards from National and moves the packaging of all Almaden wines to Mission Bell Winery in Madera, California.
 
  • 1980’s
 Almaden introduces the first-ever bag-in-the-box packaging. 
  • 1994
Canandaigua Wine Company purchases Almaden Vineyards from Heublein.
  • 2002
 Almaden celebrates its 150th anniversary.
  • 2008
 Almaden becomes a part of the Wine Group and renames the Madera Winey to Almaden Madera.