History of Bennett Valley
Early History
Native American Tribes include the Miwok, Pomo and Wappo who thrive on the area’s varied food sources and temperate climate.
1850
Bennett Valley sees an influx of settlers who quickly took to farming the rich volcanic soils.
1853
John Shakelford Taylor owned 2000 acres on what is now called Taylor Mountain.
1854
James Bennett, for whom the valley is named, is elected to the state senate where he introduces a bill making Santa Rosa the county seat.
1862
Isaac DeTurk plants grapevines on land he acquired from James Bennett and establishes the valley’s first winery, Belle Mount.
1884
Bennett Valley becomes a highly productive agricultural and high-quality grape growing area.
1890
Phylloxera devastates the vines in Bennett Valley.
1920
Prohibition, coupled with the damage from phylloxera, ends grape growing in the valley.
1933
The end of Prohibition sees grape growing returning to the valley.
1977
Matanzas Creek Winery is founded, once again establishing Bennett Valley as a recognized wine growing region.
2003
Bennett Valley is formally recognized as an American Viticultural Area (AVA).
2004
The Bennett Valley Grape Growers organization is formed with a commitment to making the valley a premier grape growing and winemaking area.