The record-union., 1891-09-23

readers why such large amount of wine
and brandy has been allowed to accumu-
late before being put upon the market.
There is but one answer-the undertak-
ing of this great enterprise, which has
COST OVER 100000,
Was first conceived by the owner of the
property, Governor Stanford, while trav-
cling in Europe some years ago. 1t APP
pears that, after making a careful and
close study of the vineyard and wine in
tereSts of France, Italy, and other coun-
tries, be concluded that there must surely
be promising future for California in
that particular industry if wine were
properly made and given age. Governor
Stanford did not allow his plans TO be-
come moss-covered, but acted at once by
cabling his agent to ''set out' the great
Vina Vineyard with the choicest and
most specially adapted vines to be found.
The fact is, this enterprise was inaug
urated more in a spirit of State pride and
to develop and establish high standard
and reputation, for one of the most prom
ising industries of California than from
motives of personal gain. To say that
the undertaking has not proved a success
in every particular would be to deny all
existing facts.
SHIPMENTS TO EUROPE.
Since the beginning of the present year
several thousand barrels of wine and
brandy of the vintages of 1SS5-S6 have
been shipped to order for private use and
to agencies i'll this country and Europe.
One Of the principal orders recently re-
ceived came from abroad from an English
noblenan who had received some SAM
pies from friend who had visited Cali
tornia.
Captain Mcintyre, the general manager
of Governor Stanford's property here and
at Palo Alto, is native of New England
He possesses those shrewd business quail
tiles and ingenuity, characteristic of the
old New England stock. 1t matters not
whether it is a subject requiring the
knowledge and experience OF a mechani
cal or civil engineer, or the qualifications
as well as the skill of an architect in the
preparation Of plans for massive build
Ings, or the solution of difficult problems
in chemistry, which are always involved
in the matter Of intelligent vine-growing
and Wlne-making-he is never found
wanting. His knowledge and expert
ence is sought for on all sides. 1t was
only quite recently that the Internal
Revenue Department at Washington
called upon Captain Mcintyre to help it
out of the confusion in which it became
involved in trying to adjust the law and
regulations under which sweet wine is
made and fortified in this State.
The men whom Captain Mcintyre has
have been selected with care as to their
special qualifications. p. O. Thomas,
assistant to the general manager, is thor
Oughly cOnverSant with all the intricacieS
Of this mammoth enterprise, and shows
marked ability as an assistant.
James II. Douglas, the vineyard super
intendent, is a practical vine-grower and
thoroughly understands the work placed
under his supervision.
The cellarmaster, Charles Staubs, who
has charge 'of the wine department, is
recognized as a skillful and expert wine
maker, and therefore knows where to
find the good article when newspaper
men are visitors. Mr.. Staubs, previous
to his engagement here, was a Wine
maker in Napa Valley.
The distillery.. department is presided
over by w. w. Guptin, who ranks as
one of the most expert distillers on the
coast. Lee Moore, Harry Clark and
William Crooks, the assistant distillers,
are competent men, and fully understand
the most scientific processes by which
pure high wines are made.
MINOR NOTES.
Last year the vineyard yielded 10000
tons of grapes. This season it is not ex-
pected that the output will be quite as
great, on account Ofthe hot weather which
prevailed during the summer months.
In all the appointments Of this place it
would be difficult to find anything lack
ing that money could supply. The cleo
tric lights, water works, sewer and canal
systems in use here challenge the admi-
ration of all.
The farming department Of the Vina
Ranch is in charge Of Superintendent j.
5. Copeland, who is very successful
farmer. This season 20, 900 sacks of grain
and 1900 tons of hay was harvested.
Governor Stanford keeps large num-
Der of his fine brood mares with their
colts here. The colts, as soon as they are
old enough, are put into the kindergarten
for training and the development OF their
speed qualities.
Here is also seen large herd of i'm
ported Hoistein cattle, nearly one hun
dred ofthem being milch cows. Some of
the cows cost up into the thousands of
dollars. l notice, too, that the milk
tastes quite different from the dairy
pump milk of the cities.
The Governor and Mrs. Stanford are
frequent visitors to Vina, and both take
great pleasure in visiting all the depart
ments of this great estate.
Nina ranch and vineyard, although To-
Gated quite distance from the railroad
center of the State, is easy Of access by
rail. Few prominent travellers visit Cali
fornia without Vina finding q place in
their itinerary. Caliiornians, of course,
are the most numerous, and hundreds
are visitors every month, Sight-seers are
always made welcome, special pains be-
ing taken to fill them up-with everyth-
ing worthy Of note and interest.