Welcome to Beringer Vineyards!
The longest continually operating winery in California, Beringer has been Napa Valley’s benchmark winery since its establishment in 1876.
An acclaimed portfolio of wines crafted from Napa’s finest appellations and Beringer’s exceptional collection of vineyards. Discover our impressive legacy over the last 150 years as you explore our historic estate.
Winemaker from 1876 - 1911
Jacob Beringer, Founder
When Jacob and his brother Frederick arrived to Napa Valley from Mainz, Germany in 1869, the two forged a thriving business with the acquisition of 215 acres at the base of Spring Mountain in St. Helena. Possessing a keen sense of agriculture and nature’s rhythms, Jacob Beringer fell in love with California’s promising soil and its resulting fertile abundance. Jacob set out to craft wine similar to the wine from their home country of Germany. The Beringer stone, gravity-flow winery was completed in 1877 (with the top floor added several years later). Jacob Beringer built his stone cellar and employed Chinese laborers to dig approx. 1,000 linear feet of aging tunnels so he could control every aspect of the winemaking process through bottling to ensure every bottle of Beringer wine met his high standards of quality. Through his grit and innovative spirit, Beringer became one of Napa Valley’s most beloved wineries.
Frederick Beringer, Founder
Frederick Beringer was the elder of the two German-born brothers who founded Beringer Vineyards. While Jacob stayed in Napa to craft the wines and build the winery, Frederick focused on financing the venture, often returning to Germany to secure capital that fueled their growth. His vision extended beyond winemaking to creating an estate that reflected their heritage—most notably the Rhine House, the ornate Victorian mansion he completed in 1884 that remains a Napa Valley landmark. Frederick’s enduring legacy lies in his role as the financier and visionary who provided the foundation—both financial and architectural—that allowed Beringer to become the oldest continuously operating winery in Napa Valley.
Founded By Two Brothers
Beringer Vineyards was founded by two brothers from Mainz in the Rhine Valley in Germany – Frederick and Jacob Beringer. True pioneers and innovators of their time, they established the foundation for Beringer’s success today. They purchased 215 acres and a farmhouse (today the Hudson House) for $14,500 in 1875 and called the landmark “Los Hermanos”.
They were immigrants to California, born in the 1840s. Their Father Louis Beringer was in the wine business and descended from a long line of vintners. Frederick was interested in the business side and studied in Paris before settling in Buffalo and New York in 1862 and establishing himself as a successful malster in the brewing industry. He was very connected in society and was seen socializing with Grover Cleveland. Jacob enjoyed toiling in the cellars of the family business in Mainz until Frederick wrote to him in 1868 and persuaded him to come to New York where boundless opportunities awaited.
Jacob’s first job in New York was a Foreman of Truche & Wikenbach wine cellars and after a year or so, having learnt English, he started his own wine shop on 10th Street where he specialized in fine German wines and seltzer waters. All the talk was about the new transcontinental railroad that had opened and a new rush for land on the Pacific Coast. In 1870, Jacob left New York for Napa Valley, and it was all he had hoped!
He discovered a long narrow valley angled perfectly to catch the full day’s sun, warm days, cool nights, located inland far enough from the sea with tall mountains to block out the cold summer fog. The soil was light and rocky on the slopes and deep and fertile on the valley floor. It reminded him of home in the Rhine Valley, and he knew this was his future home.
Another German immigrant Charles Krug had established his winery a decade before and was already enjoying success. Jacob secured work with him as Cellar Superintendent and started making plans.
He didn’t have to wait long – after just five years, the land next to Charles Krug came up for sale and Frederick and Jacob became equal owners of the land in September 1875, and the winery produced its first vintage in 1876. The legacy had begun.
Take in our story as you discover
The history, pioneering spirit, and innovation that have defined Beringer for over 150 years has been guided by just ten winemakers across that time. Our legacy is built on dedication, passion, and strength, ensuring the unwavering quality and signature style found in every bottle of Beringer wine.
Beringer is recognized worldwide as the only winery ever awarded Wine Spectator’s “#1 Wine of the Year” for both a red and a white wine, and we proudly hold the distinction of being the most awarded American winery for 90+ point ratings.
"Here’s to all those past and present who have helped Beringer grow better with age. And to those yet to discover its great wines and everlasting hospitality. Cheers!” – Fred Beringer, 1989